M Loves M

New URL!

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Tue, 27 Oct 2015 01:32:00 +0000

Hi everyone!

I finally have moved from mlovesmblog.com to www.mlovesm.com! Please update the link in your bookmarks and follow me over there!

xox

Designing our Sitting Room

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

While most of our house is coming right along, the one room that we've had more issues with is our front living room. The room is in an odd size and it doesn't fit a traditional living room layout. It faces the entry way, there's a furnace that takes up quite a bit of room along one of the walls, and the space opens up into our dining room. The room won't even fit a TV! We've focused more on our living room, which is where we spend the majority of our time, but this room just stares at me every single day. It's what I see when I enter the house and when I leave it, so I was determined to do something about it.

Back in April, I spent a lot of time looking for the right couch. I knew that I really wanted a Chesterfield sofa. It's classic and elegant style is fitting for our front living room, now dubbed "the sitting room." Since it's a room that people will just be sitting and chatting in, I liked the traditional tufted back and historic rolled arms. It's also a style that could stand up to some mixing of modern pieces. When I came across this sofa from High Fashion Home, I knew it would be perfect. The hardest question was deciding which color to go with. I ended up landing on gray because, while I love jade and even that mustard color, I felt that gray would be the most versatile choice. Gray is a good neutral and it stands up well with other colors. I'm excited to share the first peek into our sitting room, where you'll see me sitting around haha! I'm just starting the design process but the first step was the couch. I can't wait to share what it looks like when it's all finished!

couch . dress

Are you a fan of chesterfield style sofas? Here are some of the other ones I was looking at. I was also seriously contemplating this sofa. Sigh, that emerald color is so perfect! If you could pick any color sofa which one would you go with?

xox

Disclosure: Thank you for collaborating with me on this post High Fashion Home! All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own. Thanks for supporting my sponsors who allow me to bring new content to the site.

A Letter to My High School Self

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 19:22:00 +0000

Lately I've been thinking a lot about high school, mainly because my 10 year high school reunion was last weekend. Gosh I still can't believe it! Honestly the fact that it was 10 years since we graduated, and longer since I was actually in high school, just blows my mind. I really don't feel like it was that long ago. I know some people think back on high school with the worst memories. They felt bullied, insecure, and even lonely. While I can definitely connect with some of those feelings, I'm lucky that I wasn't bullied at my high school. Teased, yes, but bullied no. And actually no one was. Our class seemed a little different. With 280 in our graduating class there were definitely groups, but it wasn't cliquey. Mostly everyone had a few classes together so we all got to know mostly everyone. Maybe not on a bff status but on a "I know you. You're so-and-so" status. Since we went to a Catholic school we had a lot of programing on kindness and tolerance. I think this was another reason why mostly everyone got along. This led to me not having a terrible high school experience, although of course it wan't perfect.

In high school I feel like I was similar to how I am now. Maybe slightly more emotional about boys, but at that age it's kind of expected. I played sports, soccer and Track & Field, but I wasn't an "athlete." I was in AP classes and wore glasses or contacts, but I wasn't a "nerd." I felt insecure when it came to boys liking me, but I also felt really confident in myself and my ability to say no. I honestly think that my involved in my church, and my close relationships with my best friends, helped me to stay true to myself so that I could say "no" when I was in an uncomfortable situation. My days consisted of class, soccer practice, and coaching my little team of 7 year olds, homework, Confirmation and Youth Group. It also ended with hours on the phone with Lizzie, or IMing, or writing on my LiveJournal. I was blogging way back then if you can believe it!

I didn't know what I wanted to do after college so I was just focusing on getting in to college. I loved to read and write so English was always my favorite class. I loved British Literature especially. When I went to college I thought English was the best major for me because I knew I'd enjoy it. I still think it was a good major, but maybe in retrospect business classes would have helped me more.

With all this thinking about high school and the time in between then and now, I decided to write a letter to my younger self. There's nothing I would have really done differently because it got me to where I am now, but I thought it would be fun to reflect and think about some things I wish I had known or remembered.

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Dear Mara in high school,

Enjoy every minute of your life right now because, before you know it, it's going to be totally different. It will be wonderful in it's own way, but you're never going to have this time in your life again. Enjoy seeing your best friends every single day and having the biggest stressor in your life be your Chemistry exam. You picked good friends who will always be in your life but you're going to miss them when you all live in different cities. Continue to build these friendships that will last forever. Also, know when to turn your back on other friendships with the girls that bring drama to your life. The friendships with the girls that are petty and make up lies don't deserve your trust. Learn how to kindly walk away from these friendships in an amiable way, because they really aren't worth it.

Appreciate your parents more. They do so much for you and while it's sometimes easy to become a bratty, know-it-all, teenager, put yourself in their place. They want the best for you and love you. Do what you can to make it easier on them and appreciate all that they do. Also, start learning more of your Dad's kitchen secrets. Setting the table is too basic of a task. You need to learn how to cook like him!

Life becomes harder and more difficult as you get older. While high school prepared you for college, think about what you need to know in the real world. Think about how you can educate yourself on money management, building credit, and time organization. Start learning how to budget so that one day you can do that for your household and for your business. Responsibilities are inevitable but they're exciting!

Don't stress out that your crush doesn't like you, and that your whole class knows about it. So what? You wear your heart on your sleeve and that's not a bad thing. One day you're going to meet someone that is going to love everything about you. He'll be a little older and wiser too! You're right that high school boys are just too young!

Don't worry that you don't know what you want to do with your life. You're going to figure it out. The best thing you can do, though, is be open to trying new things. Intern and take jobs that might be leading in a direction you're interested in. You'll find out what you like and don't like pretty quickly. Keep trusting your instincts!

Love,
Mara at 28

P.S. Don't cry yet about Gilmore Girls ending! In 2015 Netflix is going to announce they're bringing it back for 4 installments of 90 minute episodes. You'll cry then!

and now for some great High School Throwback Photos...

I really have so much respect for high schoolers today. I'm not sure how social media has affected things but I'd imagine it makes it more challenging. With Instagram and Snapchat being a huge part of so many teenagers lives, I'd imagine that there's a lot of judgement and teasing going on. As much as I love the Internet, that's one of the sides I absolutely hate about it. I hate how there's so much cyber bullying, and how most people think it's fine and harmless. People find it easier to say mean things behind their computer screens, because they don't have to confront someone face to face. They don't think about how it affects someone- their feelings, their life, their work. I want to encourage everyone, not just teenagers, to practice kindness and treat people how you would also like to be treated. And if you're someone who has experienced this personally, stray strong. Remind yourself of who you are, and what things are important to you. Recognize that this person who is bullying you is probably really insecure themselves. Hurting you makes them feel better about themselves. Stay involved in school and build friendships with people who love you for you. Try to be as strong and secure in yourself as you can so that you can brush mean words aside.

What was your experience in high school like? Is there anything you wish you had done differently or had been aware of then? It's interesting to think about!

xox

Read my letter to my future self

first photo from Pinterest. If you know the source please let me know!

tassels and leather

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Wed, 21 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

I love a black and white outfit! With fall being in full swing around here, I brought out this fun tassel sweater and paired it with a black leather mini skirt. When I wear shorter skirts I like to add over-the-knee boots. They provide a little more coverage for the chillier fall days, and they're just so comfortable. I've been really obsessed with this sweater though. The mock turtleneck is so classic and I love the tassels on the trim--they remind me of my DIY Tassel Pillow! The sweater looks great with jeans too, and it also comes in a stunning cobalt color!

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sweater . skirt . boots . sunglasses . lipstick in Carmine Escarpin

This week has seemed extra busy! I'm working on a bunch of fun projects for fall and winter that I can't wait to share. It's hard to believe the holidays are right around the corner. First, up Halloween though! I can't wait! Are any of you going to dress up? Matthew and I have planned the same costume for the last three years so we'll see if we actually do it this year!

xox

photos by Valorie Darling

decorating for Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Matthew and I got back from Portugal and all of a sudden we were in the middle of October. Fall is my favorite season, mainly because of all the holidays. I wasn't going to let Halloween pass us by without decorating so I got to work the day I got home...seriously! What better way to fight jet lag than to force myself to stay awake and decorate. All totally worth it!

Our entry way was the perfect place to add a little spooky Halloween touch. I got some striped candles, added a black ceramic skull, and of course spread out some cobwebs. The only thing missing is a big bowl of Halloween candy! It's so fun coming home and seeing this. Makes me even more excited for trick-or-treaters!

striped candles . candle holders . crows . scull . mirror . lanterns

Bar carts are the perfect area to add seasonal touches. I still love our woven bar cart, but I'll admit it doesn't offer the same versatility as a brass bar cart would. Even still, I added some ghoulish labels to our decanters, and some fake spiders. The gummy vampire teeth are a nice little treat too! Matthew and I have been slowly devouring them..they're so addictive!

bar cart . tray . decanter . cocktail shaker . tortoise glasses . bar tools . drink tags . scull in dome . striped straws . gummy fang teeth .

While we had some spooky elements going on in other areas of the house, I wanted our dining room table to be more autumn-inspired. I decorated the table with some Cinderella pumpkins and two vases filled with wildflowers in a fall color palette. The red and pink apples are a nod to Snow White though! That witch was so creepy!

table runner

Do you decorate for Halloween? Or for fall in general? Is there any fun decor element that you did this season?

xox

photos by Valorie Darling

knit sweater dress

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Mon, 19 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

There's something so cozy about a long sleeve dress, especially in a knit material. Now that the weather is starting to cool down over here {Praise the Lord!}, I'm ready for lots of comfy cozy fall pieces. I know soon enough I'll be so over layers, and craving warm weather, but while it lasts I'll take it!

This dress comes in a heather gray color as well, but I love how the hazelwood color looks with black. The contrast in colors makes it really stand out. This is one of those dresses that I wore twice in the first week I bought it. I'm thinking it would look so cute with a belt too! Next time!

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dress . jacket . booties . bag . sunglasses . lipstick in Carmine

This weekend was really nice! It was a reunion weekend for my high school {more on that later this week!} so I loved getting to spend lots of time with my besties. We went to our high school's homecoming football game on Friday and then had an old fashioned sleepover, just like old times. All we needed was some Abercrombie crop tops and some glitter eyeshadow! Saturday we had brunch together and then our big event was Saturday night. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life who have been with me through so much. It's hard not seeing those girls every day like I used to, so I savor the times we do have together that are longer than a typical dinner date. Those dinners are always so great, but the more time the better. I'm thinking we need another Wine Tasting Weeknd in Temecula! That was so much fun last year!

I hope you all had a great weekend. yay for a new week ahead!

xox

photos by Valorie Darling

the friday five

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Sat, 17 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

sweater . jeans . scarf. sunglasses . shoes

I'm crossing my fingers that fall weather will hit LA soon. The weather the past few mornings have gotten my hopes up. The skies have been cloudy and there's been a light, crisp breeze. I went on a walk with Ginger and needed to wear long sleeves! Long sleeves, I say! That's progress, let me tell ya! Oh, fall, I'm so ready for you!

I'm dreaming of wearing cozy knits, and turtlenecks galore! I love this light blue color on this relaxed turtleneck sweater {30% off with code LAYERUP}. It's such a great piece to wear when the weather gets chilly and there are so many pretty color options, although the light blue is standing out to me. Wouldn't it be perfect paired with these silver lace up flats? They're currently 25% off with code SQUADGOALS. Which, P.S., who started #squadgoals? Was that a Taylor Swift thing? I feel like I should know this!

There are some great sales going on right now that I thought I'd share below:

Madewell- Extra 40% off with code EXTRA40. This printed blockweave scarf is my pick!

J.Crew- 30% off outerwear, sweaeters and t-shirts with code LAYERUP

Nordstrom- New items added to their sale, up to 50% off! Check out these tortoise sunglasses!

Alice & Olivia- 25% off sitewide

Loeffler Randall- 20% off sitewide with code SQUADGOALS

Have a wonderful weekend everyone! And thanks so much for reading!

xox

the perfect blouse

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

When it comes to building the perfect wardrobe, it wouldn't be complete without the perfect blouse. Blouses are items that I can never seem to have too many of. They're the perfect top for work, play, and even a date night. The perfect blouse will work so hard for your wardrobe and can transition from office to happy hour, errands to meetings, time at home to time away. Because of their versatility, a blouse is an ideal item to pack for a trip. I've loved the silhouette of this blouse from maurices. The v-neck is super flattering and, because of the 3/4 length sleeves, it can be worn on a warmer day, or layered with a cardigan on a colder day.

While I was picking up a black blouse {because those are seriously a must in your wardrobe!}, I couldn't help but add in this floral blouse too. It's a color combo that goes well with fall colors, don't you think? I'd highly recommend adding in a perfect blouse to your own wardrobe and there are so many options. Would you get a solid, or a print like arrows, diamonds, plaid or dots?

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you all have a great weekend! I'll be over here catching up on sleep but I also have some fun things planned like a football game and celebrating one of my best friend's birthdays!

xox

Discolosure: Thank you maurices for collaborating with me on this post! All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own. Thanks for supporting my sponsors who help keep this blog going.

photos by Valorie Darling

Shopbop Friends & Family Sale Favorites

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

I seriously love the Shopbop Friends & Family sale! It happens twice a year {remember April's sale?}, and you can get 25% off almost everything on their site. It's such a great opportunity to buy some new things for fall at a great price. The sale ends tonight at midnight so make sure to act quick! I'm such a procrastinator when it comes to sales but then I regret it later. I definitely want some new things for fall, and the fact that you can use the code on their in season collection is awesome. Here are some of my favorites from the sale. Just click on the link to go to the product page. Easy right? Shop the rest of the sale here and make sure to use code INTHEFAM25 at checkout!

I've been feeling so jet lagged since getting back to LA. Last night I was so exhausted and couldn't keep my eyes open...at 7pm! At least it was somewhat close to bedtime. Could be worse right? I'm just happy that it's almost the weekend. I need to get back on my right sleeping schedule. Do you have any tricks for dealing with jet lag?

xox

Plaid Poncho in Porto

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

A Plaid Poncho in Porto! Almost a tongue twister, am I right? I saw this cape right before I left for my trip and I’m so glad I did! One, the plaid print is perfect, and Two, the price is so good! Like too good! Seriously, Old Navy is killing it right now. This poncho is $35 but there’s a 25% off promo right now so go get it while you can. The quality is amazing and it is so cozy! I paired it with a comfortable swing dress, another great travel essential. I love the longer sleeves on the arms and how it packed up perfectly into my suitcase. This was a great outfit for exploring the streets of Porto, Portugal!

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dress Old Navy, poncho Old Navy, shoes Isola, bag Henri Bendel, necklace Kendra Scott

Are you into ponchos for fall? I especially love when they have arm holes, like this one. It makes for a great outfit topper. All you need is a dress, a pair of jeans, or even a skirt! I seriously tried almost every outfit combo this trip!

xox

DISCLOSURE: Thank you Old Navy for collaborating with me on this post. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own. Thanks so much for supporting my incredible sponsors!

pear maple scones

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Tue, 13 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Scones are one of my favorite breakfast pastries, although I might have a new favorite after our trip to Portugal. Making scones is so simple, you just mix some ingredients and drop them on a tray. If you can make chocolate chip cookies, you can make scones. They're not intimidating...I promise! I made these Pecan Maple Scones before our trip and oh my gosh. I almost have no words. First of all, the scent of the pears baking in the oven with maple syrup was absolutely incredible. And then you try them! Oh my word, please make these! Pretty please! I promise you'll love them. They smell and taste just like fall! Or at least how I imagine fall to taste!

Pear Maple Scones
makes 10

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup well-shaken buttermilk
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons heavy cream
3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup pear, peeled and diced (I used a Barlett)
½ cup chopped pecans
2 large egg yolks
Special equipment: parchment paper

DIRECTIONS
Put oven racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat oven to 400°F.

Whisk together buttermilk, syrup, and 1/2 cup cream in a small bowl. Whisk together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl, until combined. Add butter and blend with your fingertips, or a pastry blender, until mixture resembles coarse meal with some small butter lumps. Mix in pears, ¼ cups nuts, then add buttermilk mixture and mix until just combined. Make sure not to overmix.

Line 2 large baking sheets with parchment paper and drop 10 (1/4-cup) mounds of batter onto each sheet, leaving about 1 inch between mounds.

Whisk together yolks and remaining 2 tablespoons cream, then brush over tops of scones and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped nuts

Bake, switching position of baking sheets halfway through baking, until scones are puffed and golden, about 20 minutes.

Transfer to a rack and cool to warm.

Note: Scones are best eaten the day they're made! Trust me on this one!
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If you want another incredible scone recipe, try these Oatmeal Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip scones! They're perfect with a morning cup of coffee!

xox

pairing pink with burgundy

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

I've talked before about how pink still looks great during fall, and you can even see it in action last week. It's a color that looks really nice with brown or black, but recently I've been loving how it looks paired with burgundy. I know, who would have thunk it?

Originally, I actually wanted to wear this pink bow blouse with white culottes, but now that it's October that didn't really seem right. Although, I heard it's in the 90s in LA right now..yikes! When thinking of other colored pants, I landed on burgundy. Burgundy is a traditional fall/winter hue, and one that I love to wear, especially with boots! I love how these two colors, pink and burgundy, look together. Makes me want to think of some other unexpected color combos with pink! Do you have any ideas?

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top . pants . heels . sunglasses . purse . lipstick

Feeling a little bittersweet today as we head back from Portugal. We've had the best trip, and while I'm so grateful for every moment we've been able to spend here, I'm not quite ready for it to end. Even though I'm feeling excited and rejuvenated to get back to work, and counting down the minutes to see my Ginger pup, I do feel like I'm leaving a little bit of my heart here. Matthew and I are already talking about coming back, even though it might not be for several years. Nevertheless, I'll be looking forward to it. Wish us some good thoughts today on our flight back! We'll be stopping in NYC overnight to break up the flights. It's a lot of travel and we both hate flying! I feel like the older I get, the more scared I get of airplanes. Do any of you feel that way too?

Hope you all had a great weekend and a happy week ahead!

xox

photos by Valorie Darling

faux fur collar

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Fri, 09 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Before I go on trips, I always try to plan out my outfits for each day I'm gone. It makes it a lot easier to pack, and also get ready while I'm gone. An added bonus is that it also helps me make more versatile outfit decisions. Of course, I can never get away from packing dresses. They're my favorite, and they make for an easy outfit. This was a dress I added in last minute to my suitcase for New York but of course I totally forgot about it. The dress is gorgeous with the light blush color so I was so excited to wear it when I got back home. I paired it with this beige coat has the most beautiful faux fur collar. This is a coat I know I'll wear a ton this fall and winter. The material is so thick and comfy and the color will go with a lot of items in my closet!

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dress . coat . shoes . sunglasses . necklace . purse . bracelet . ring . lipstick Extreme Heat

Happy Friday everyone! What are you up to this weekend? Matthew and I are heading to the Algarve region of Portugal. We were hoping to spend our last few days at the beach, although it looks like it might be a little rainy. We'll see. It's been such a great vacation and it will be so sad to see it end. Although, I will be excited to have more outfit options than what's in my suitcase!

xox

photos by Valorie Darling

tweed mini skirt

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Wed, 07 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Making good use out of this mustard blouse {FYI it looks good with jeans too!}. I paired it with this tweed mini skirt {remember?}, that is perfect for those in-between weather days where it can be a little chilly but then warm up. I've been so excited to wear boots so I brought these ones along on our Portugal trip. Can you believe I didn't pack one pair of heels?! Crazy, right? These booties were the only heel I packed but they don't really count because they're way more comfortable than a pair of stilettos. I've been wearing these booties a lot lately, but I think it's because it's a great shoe when you want to dress up a little bit but still stay comfortable. Here are some other boots under $150!

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top . jacket . skirt . boots {also here} . sunglasses . lipstick in Smitten . purse . watch . bracelet

Portugal has been so much fun to explore! I'm trying to keep good notes of all the places we're seeing, and the things we're doing, so that I can share with you when I get back. I feel just as tired as when I left, but I think it's because I just want to see and do as much as I possibly can. There really isn't enough time! Unless I'm on a beach vacation, I guess this feeling is pretty normal, though. As ridiculous as it sounds, I feel like I'll need a staycation from this vacation when I get home. haha! Do you know that feeling?

xox

photos by Valorie Darling

Linguine with Clams and Leeks

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Tue, 06 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

One thing that Matthew and I were most looking forward to about Portugal was the seafood. Boy, has it lived up to our expectations. The fish has been incredibly fresh and I swear we say every dish is our favorite. In Lisbon it was incredible, and then in the Azore Islands, on Sao Miguel, it was even better. To get ready for our trip, I made a big bowl of Linguine Vongole. It’s such an easy dish to make, but for some reason I was always really intimidated by the idea of boiling the clams. Let me just tell you that it’s incredibly easy. Make sure to buy the clams from a reputable fish vender and you’ll be set.

This dish was so fresh and delicious. I added some leeks since we had them in the fridge {part of my use up everything in our kitchen plan}. This would be a perfect date night at home meal. Just add some white wine and some rustic bread to sop up the yummy broth! That’s my favorite part!

Linguine with Clams and Leeks

serves 4

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

3 leeks, white and green parts only, thinly sliced crosswise

¾ lb linguine

3 garlic cloves

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

2 lbs littleneck clams, scrubbed

1 cup dry white wine

1 cup low sodium veggie broth

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

2 tbsp chopped parsley

kosher salt and pepper

torn basil leaves, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

In a pot, heat 2 Tablespoons of the oil. Add the leeks and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly golden, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a bowl.

In a large saucepan of salted boiling water, cook the linguine until just al dente. Drain.

Meanwhilte, in the pot, heat 2 Tablespoons of the oil. Add the garlic and red chili flakes and cook for about 1 minute. Add the clams, white wine, and stock and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook until clams open, about 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer the clams to a large bowl as they open. Remove the pot from the heat; discard any clams that didn’t open. Reserve 12 whole clams in their shells; shell the remaining clams.

Bright the juices in the pot to a boil and stir in the linguine, clams, and leeks. Add the remaining ¼ cup of olive oil and toss until the pasta is coasted and the juices thickened. Stir in the lemon juice and half of the parsley; season with salt and pepper. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls garnished with basil, the remaining parsley and a drizzle of olive oil.

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Have you ever made Linguine Vongole before? If you have any yummy variations, let me know in the comments below. This is such a classic dish, but I bet there are some good modern, or even cultural, adaptations.

xox

No Makeup Makeup Look

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Mon, 05 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

One of the things I've been looking forward to about a new season is getting my skin back under control. The summer months totally mess with me and cause my face to breakout nonstop. Something about the heat, sweat, sunscreen, makeup, etc. I feel like even doing masks regularly isn't helping like it usually does. I’ve been wanting to give my face a little bit of a break from all the makeup but that's unfortunately not a good look for me. If you’re one of those few people who go outside without one stitch of makeup… I envy you! Seriously!

I've always loved Neutrogena's products, like their cleanser in particular {the orange one smells so good!}, so when I heard about their SkinClearing®Liquid Makeup line, I was curious to check it out. The line features oil-free and non-comedogenic products that have their famous MicroClear® technology in it. They treat existing blemishes, while also preventing emerging ones, and bonus, it has salicylic acid in it too!

I thought it would be fun to put together this No Makeup Makeup Look {such an oxymoron!}, because I feel like having these products on my face is better than nothing at all since they’re actually fixing the problem!

I started with the NEUTROGENA®SkinClearing® Liquid Makeup as a base. It has a medium coverage but doesn’t feel too thick or heavy. It glides right on and is pretty breathable. I was surprised that this looked just as good at the end of the day, too!

My eyelashes stick straight out so I’m always using an eyelash curler to give them a little extra lift. This is one thing I feel like I have to do every day. It makes such a difference!

A few quick swipes of mascara give your lashes a little length and make them stand out.

I apply a little bit of bronzer to my cheekbones for a little bit of definition. Lately I’ve been doing a subtle contour, and this product is great for that. I sweep my brush over the color and apply lightly to the area below my cheekbones, starting from the ears and ending in the middle of my cheeks. You can also add a little bit along the sides of your forehead and temples, as well as to the small area right below your chin. You don’t want to go crazy with the contouring when you’re trying to keep it natural. I like the NEUTROGENA® Healthy Skin Blends in Sunkissed. Even that product is good for your skin because it‘s made with Vitamin C and botanical conditioners.

Just a little bit of blush on the apples of the cheeks gives you some color and a healthy glow!

To finish off my natural makeup look I applied a sheer lipstick. It’s subtle but still makes a difference!

Tada! No Makeup Makeup Look is complete! What do you think?

I’m surprised I’m just now trying these products. The fact that they do double duty (makeup coverage + skin benefits) is pretty awesome. Like the look? Share with me and @Neutrogena your tricks to feel #BeautifulBecause!

xox

Disclosure: These products were provided to me by NEUTROGENA® but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Fall Boots Under $150

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Fri, 02 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Row 1: one . two . three

Row 2: one . two . three

Row 3: one . two . three

Row 4: one . two . three

I always feel a major need to switch out my footwear choices in fall. Those espadrille wedges that I loved during the summer just won't work anymore, unfortunately. The one great thing about fall footwear are boots! They're such a comfortable footwear choice and I love being able to wear cozy socks again! Since boots can get expensive, and if you're like me you probably want more than one pair, I found some great styles for under $150! The one that's calling out to me especially is this two-tone heeled bootie! It's such a chic choice that you can wear with dresses or leggings and an oversized sweater. Also, this fringe style is so fun and would be great for fall. I love that it has a little movement when you walk!

Are you a boot girl? Which style are you most excited to wear this season?

xox

5 Lipsticks, 5 Personalities

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Thu, 01 Oct 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Lipstick is by far my favorite beauty product. If you knew how many tubes of lipstick I had, you’d probably laugh. I store them in a shoebox that’s basically overflowing. The last time I cleaned out my purse, I found 6 tubes in there. SIX! That’s a lot, but I guess I just like to be prepared.

Lipstick is one of those items that can immediately transform a look. I think that's why I like it so much. I’ll go from a nude shade to a coral in a matter of hours, depending on how I'm feeling or what I'm doing.

I love trying out new lipstick brands and one that I’ve been really impressed with is Buxom. Their Bold Gel Lipstick collection features 30 different shades that come in saturated satin & matte colors. They're all super soft and pigmented and I love how they glide right on and feel lightweight, yet last for hours. I thought it would be fun to show 5 of their different shades. Each has their own personality, from the feminine pink to the edgy purple. Take a look and let me know which one is your favorite!

CLASSIC RED with Buxom Matte Wildfire

When I want to look a little more dressed up, I’ll always reach for a classic red. Red looks good with everything, even jeans and a white tee. It's such an iconic shade and one that every woman needs in her beauty drawer!

shirt . jeans . heels

FEMININE PINK with Buxom Matte Defiant Bloom

Pink is a lovely shade because it has a softness about it. It's an easy color to wear to the office, or when you don't want to go as bold as a red. Pink is a good gateway lipstick for those of you just getting used to the idea of color on your lips.

top . skirt . shoes

BOHO NUDE with Buxom Nude Exposure

Nude is a color that was hard for me to pull off right away. I am so used to wearing bright and bold colors so seeing a nude shade took a little getting used to, but now I love it! I think nude lipsticks, like this one, look beautiful with boho and casual outfits, but you can also wear it to accentuate a smoky eye.

top . shorts . necklace

MOD BERRY with Buxom Sultry Mauve

For an outfit that's a little more bold, I'll often choose a shade that's has color but isn't too intense. This lipstick is the perfect neutral mauve, and it's especially great for fall!

dress . shoes {similar}

EDGY PURPLE with Buxom Matte Vampy Plum

For a bold nighttime look, I love reaching for darker hues, like a deep purple. This Matte Vampy Plum can build up to be even darker, which is a great feature. It's a perfect shade for those wanting to add a sultry intensity to their look.

jacket . dress . necklace

Definitely check out some of the other Buxom Bold Gel Lipsticks! There are so many gorgeous shades in the collection so you can't go wrong! Another one I love is Extreme Heat. It's a beautiful satin hot coral!

This shoot was so fun to put together and I’m so grateful to the incredible GLAMSQUAD team getting me hair and makeup ready. With 5 different girls/personalities, I needed to bring in the professionals. They always do the best hair and makeup. If you’re in LA, NYC or Miami definitely contact them for your next event. They’re on-demand through their app so they’ll come wherever you are- office, home, hotel, etc.

xox

Disclosure: Thank you Buxom Cosmetics for collaborating with me on this post. All thoughts and opinions, as always, are my own. I’m so grateful for fun opportunities like this one that allow me to share my love of beauty!

photos by Valorie Darling

modern plaid

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Wed, 30 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000

During the summertime, while I’m enduring 90 degree LA days, I start to think of fall outfits that I want to wear. I fantasize about brisk autumn days with the leaves changing colors. The item I’m always most excited to wear, which always makes me think of fall, is plaid. Plaid is, without a doubt, a quintessential fall/winter piece. I wore this red plaid shift dress while I was in NYC for Fashion Week. The shift style is so easy to wear, and those pockets in the front are definitely a plus. I added a pair of booties and a leather jacket for meetings downtown. Even if you’re dealing with some warmer fall weather {cough Los Angeles}, this outfit will have you seasonally dressed.

SHOP THIS OUTFIT

dress BB Dakota {also here}, jacket WHBM, boots Isola, clutch HauteLook, sunglasses Karen Walker, lipstick Givenchy Carmine, nail polish Essie Russian Roulette

It was so nice to be in New York earlier this week even if it was for just a day. I loved that the weather was so much cooler. Matthew and I have been seriously melting at our house in LA. We live close to the beach which means they think we don’t need air conditioning but let me just tell ya, we do! Majorly! The other night we ended up sitting outside on our stoop because it was cooler outside than inside, even with all the doors and windows open. The one little fan we have is working overdrive! I’m hoping we’ll come back from Portugal and the weather will have cooled off a little bit. I can’t wait to wear this outfit with tights and over-the-knee boots! Would that be cute?

Happy Wednesday everyone!

xox

photos by Valorie Darling

Banana Coconut Muffins

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Tue, 29 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000

Every time I go to the store I always end up grabbing a cluster of bananas. They’re great in smoothies, or on their own, but I also love using them for baked goods. I got some bananas last week and unfortunately wasn’t able to eat them in time before they turned brown. We have too many frozen bananas in our freezer right now {perfect for smoothie bowls!}, so I decided to make some muffins that we could enjoy on our flight to NYC and Portugal.

Before trips I always try to eat all the perishable items in our fridge. This muffin recipe definitely helped by allowing me to use up some other items in our pantry too- a half opened bag of chocolate chips and the rest of some shredded coconut {probably left over from those chocolate-dipped iced coffee popsicles}. I feel like we try to make more conscious supermarket choices the week before traveling, but even still we had to deliver some food baskets to our neighbors. Hopefully they didn’t mind!

BANANA COCONUT CHOCOLATE CHIP MUFFINS
makes 8

INGREDIENTS
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 very ripe bananas, mashed (3/4 cup)
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
½ cup chocolate chips
3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut
Special equipment: a muffin tin with 8 (1/2-cup) muffin cups; paper liners

DIRECTIONS
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 375°F. Line muffin cups with liners.

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk together bananas, butter, sugar, egg, vanilla, and 1/2 cup coconut in a large bowl until combined well, then fold in flour mixture until flour is just moistened.

Divide batter among lined muffin cups and sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup coconut. Bake until muffins are puffed and golden, about 20-25 minutes. Transfer muffins to a rack and cool slightly.
------

These muffins are so great with coffee. They’re just sweet enough with the chocolate chips but the banana and coconut make them feel like a somewhat healthier choice. If you want to try another great recipe with bananas, I would highly recommend this Banana Bread recipe. Or, if you’re feeling ambitious, try this Banana Chocolate Chip Cake with Peanut Butter Frosting. It is probably my favorite dessert ever!

xox

Ladylike in the City

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Mon, 28 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000

One of the most versatile pieces in my closet has to be my white blouse. It’s an item I’ll frequently travel with for it’s versatility; I love how it can make even a pair of jeans look more polished. I’ve been needing a new white blouse in my arsenal, and loved this one from kate spade new york. The thing that sets it above the others is that it has the feminine detail of the oversized bow. It adds a sweet, ladylike quality. I paired it with another favorite of mine: a midi skirt! This one is perfect for fall with the plaid print in an easy neutral.

And remember that pink purse I wore the other week? See, I told you it would still work for fall! Pink is perfect for all seasons and this crossbody bag was a great choice in NYC. It even held a change of flats when I needed to walk around the city between meetings.

top c/o Kate Spade New York {also here}, skirt c/o Kate Spade New York {also in this gorgeous red!}, shoes Aldo {similar}, bag Kate Spade New York, sunglasses Karen Walker SuperDuper

more bow & plaid favorites:

Speaking of New York, Matthew and I are in town for the day before flying out on our trip this evening. Did I tell you where we’re going? We’re heading to Portugal!! I can’t tell you how excited I’ve been about this trip! Since my Dad is 100% Portuguese it’s always been my dream to visit the country {my fatherland!}. Matthew and I were looking at flights and then just decided to go for it about a month ago. The fares go down significantly after summer, since kids are back in school, but it's still a great time to go and the weather is going to be so nice.

I have some posts scheduled for this week but make sure to follow along on Instagram! I’m going to try to post as often as I can when there’s WIFI, but I also just want to relax and enjoy everything. We haven’t done a big trip like this since our honeymoon so it’s been much needed!

xox

photos by Valorie Darling

the friday five

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Sat, 26 Sep 2015 00:00:00 +0000

vest . bag . necklace . perfume . heels

I definitely have fall on the brain even though LA's weather seems a little slow to catch up. This SLEEVELESS VEST would be great to wear on days that might be a little warmer than expected, but you could also layer it with a long sleeve sweater and a scarf. It's a piece that would be versatile as the weather gets colder!

Berry colors are great for fall {especially for boots!}, and I love the idea of adding it to an outfit with a BURGUNDY BAG. The shape of this purse is classic and could even work for the office!

Remember those floral heels I had last year? This FLORAL PRINT PAIR OF PUMPS above totally reminds me of them! I loved adding a print to my outfits last year with floral print shoes so I'm tempted to get these. I already know from experience that they look great with jeans, dresses and the works!

When I was in New York I tested this DIPTYQUE PERFUME and absolutely loved it. It has such a unique scent that has masculine and feminine qualities. It's a fragrance I haven't been able to stop thinking about.

What things have you been loving lately?

xox

a classic fall outfit

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Fri, 25 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000

I am so excited about fall colors! Mustard is always one of my go-tos, but burgundy is another shade that I love. Last year, I had these burgundy booties that I wore all the time so I felt like I needed a new clear pair for this season {February in New York destroyed them!}. They're such a great style for wearing with dresses, or with a pair of skinny jeans. I added this oatmeal cardigan {also looks great with neutrals!}, and a textured brown bag that's perfect for toting around all your essentials. Fall, I'm ready for you! LA, you just need to get your act together!

SHOP THIS OUTFIT

top, sweater, jeans, booties, purse, lipstick in Dahlia, sunglasses

Happy Friday everyone! This week has been kind of crazy and I feel like this weekend will be even more so. Matthew and I are heading to NYC on Sunday and then leaving the country on Monday for a vacation. I am soo excited but also really nervous becaue I'm worried I won't be able to get everything done in time. We haven't had a big trip since our honeymoon which was over 4 years ago {can you believe it?!} and it's a lot more stressful than a trip to Hawaii. There's car rentals, flights, hotels, wifi, not to mention a totally different language to worry about! I'm really hoping I can relax while I'm there though. Things have been busy and with the holidays coming up, I know it will only get busier. If I can't post every day while I'm gone {sorry in advance!} just know I will have tons of stories to update you on when I return! And, of course, lots of photos!

Do you have anything fun planned this weekend?

xox

Kate Spade's Secret Surprise Sale (you're invited!)

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Thu, 24 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000

One of my absolute favorite brands, Kate Spade New York, is having a super secret, surprise flash sale but of course I'm telling you about it! I'm rounding out my favorite items below. The sale ends TONIGHT so make sure to go and check it out.

That adorable bow striped swimsuit top? Under $50! Those pretzel earrings? Only $19! There are bags under $200 and items on sale for up to 75% off! It's kind of ridiculous how amazing it is. I'm thinking I should take this as an opportunity to get started on Christmas shopping because I could get my girls these floral cosmetic pouches for only $25! I think they'd love them! Heck, I'd love one!

pink satchel . floral wallet . spotted pumps . striped bikini . black and white sandals . charm bracelet . pleated skirt . black and nude satchel . watermelon clutch . pretzel earrings . passport holder . leopard dot blouse .

Make sure to check out the sale before it's over tonight at 11:59pm PST! Happy shopping everyone!

xox

Updating a Classic Outfit Combination

noreply@blogger.com (Mara) — Wed, 23 Sep 2015 07:00:00 +0000

One of those classic, can’t beat it, outfit combinations has to be a white tee and jeans. It just works! When I’m wanting to wear something classic and comfortable that’s usually what I reach for. In an effort to mix it up just a little bit, I looked for some updated pieces to my favorite classics.

These patchwork jeans from Old Navy are so fun and such a nice switch from my typical skinny jeans. They’re distressed but the floral patchwork detail adds a fun element, that’s perfect for fall. Likewise, instead of a white tee, I paired my jeans with a lace blouse. The detail is feminine and looks good with skirts as well as jeans. I think it could also work underneath a shift dress, when you’re wanting to layer a little bit more.

SHOP THIS POST

top Old Navy, jeans Old Navy, sweater Old Navy, boots DUNE London via HauteLook, sunglasses Karen Walker, lipstick Givenchy Carmine

Do you have an outfit combination that you typically reach for? It’s fun to think of different ways to update them. I think next time instead of a t-shirt dress, I'm going to wear a shirt dress. It's a small change but it makes a difference.

P.S. These photos were taken in New York City on our apartment's fire escape. I am a little afraid of heights so walking out there with heeled boots scared the heck out of me! Thank you Val for encouraging me to take a risk for these photos! I love when you're the daredevil to my scardy cat, like when we went on a helicopter ride in Alaska! Scary but worth it!

xox

DISCLOSURE: Thank you Old Navy for collaborating with me on this post! All thoughts and opinion, as always, are my own.

photos by Valorie Darling