FOOD LA LA's FAVORITE THINGS 2021

If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that time together is the ultimate treasure. Gift giving is my love language though, so nothing lights me up more than finding a gift that really acknowledges who somebody is and what’s important to them. And what’s better than sourcing those gifts from really wonderful businesses?!

I hope the list below inspires you and delights somebody on your list!

Coppermill Kitchen

★ Woman-Owned ★

I’ve become a total copper nut and adore not only these beautiful pieces, but also the wonderful woman behind this brand, Beth! From candles, to barware, to serving pieces and home accents, each is beautifully and thoughtfully crafted. (I actually just ordered a set of the copper bells for us!) 20% OFF SITEWIDE THROUGH END OF DAY TOMORROW 11/30!

Table Stationary by Mariana Velásquez

★ Woman-Owned ★

An elegant way to add a pop to your entertaining tables, these menu and placecards are designed by our favorite Colombian food stylist and author Mariana Velásquez. There’s no better way to make your guests feel warmly welcomed!

FOOD LA LA DIY FRENCH MACARON KIT

★ Woman-Owned ★

Quite literally, the sweetest gift. Each kit contains almost everything you’ll need to make two-dozen French macarons at home (including a pre-recorded class so we can bake along together!) No baking experience required (in fact, we prefer newbies!)

Salty’s Blackening Spice

★ Family-Owned ★

From one of our favorite Pacific Northwest restaurants, a sprinkle does wonders on everything from fries, to fish, to even a salad!

Favorite Cookbooks

★ Woman-Owned ★

A beautiful cookbook offers excellent direction and oozes with inspiration. Take a look at a few of our favorites from this year’s FOOD LA LA COOKING CLUB guests:

“Edible” Earrings

Photographer friend Kathleen Sheffer recently gifted me a pair of Bauble Bar’s baking themed earrings and they make me smile every time I look at them! From pizza, to French fries, martinis and ice cream, these jewel-encrusted statement earrings would be a fun holiday hostess gift!

Human Design Reading with The Blondeish

★ Woman-Owned ★

I’m recently learning more about Human Design and am fascinated. If it’s new to you—it’s based on Western Astrology, the I Ching, the Chakras and the Kabbalah. It’s a wonderful way to learn more about yourself. Unravel the specifics of how you think, process, learn and connect with the world. Based on your birthdate and time, Erica will guide you through a fun session to learn more about yourself, to deepen your understanding of your relationships, to personalize parenting for your children, or to help you navigate big and small life decisions! Erica’s guidance is sound, practical, and always delivered with warmth and understanding!

Naturally Scented Candles

★ Black-Owned ★

I love candles all year long, but have become increasingly aware of their toxicity and the perfumes that are then burning into the air. My sister shared this Seattle candle business with me and we can’t stop buying them! The candles are scented with only high-quality essential oils (instead of toxic synthetic perfumes and fragrances). I love the ”Blue and Orange Sky” smell (it reminds me of the Volcano Anthro candle!) and we get them in the unbranded white jars! Ask for Keith!

Shop with code RS10 to save 10%

Ilia Cosmetics (Clean Beauty)


You may remember the Ilia mascara I shared last year, but oh baby, do we have updates! If you’re new to Ilia, it’s my favorite clean beauty brand. The ingredients are well sourced, but they also actually work like regular cosmetics. They released a new mascara (Fullest Volumizing Mascara) and the bad news is that I have to wipe mascara off my eyelids, but the good news is that it makes my lashes so long they reach my eyelids! I also love their Skin Tint SPF 40 (I don’t usually wear foundation-type makeup, but this I can quickly rub on with my fingers and I love the SPF protection! It smells kinda weird when you first put it on, but within minutes goes away.)

Little Market Felt Garlands

★ Give-Back ★

These sweet garlands are eco-conscious, made using wool and cotton (also making them 100% biodegradable!) Each purchase supports artisans in Nepal (many of whom are women and sole providers for their families). I’ve got my eye on the FA LA LA LA LA and star garland, but the CELEBRATE pictured above could be used all year long!

Birdies Slippers

★ Woman-Owned ★

We adore this woman-owned business, started in San Francisco! We love ‘em so much we even gift them to our clients to reward referrals! The outside is stylish with fun patterns, textures, jewels, and embroidery, but the inside is secretly slipper-like (only your cozy toes will know!). 25% off through TODAY!

Gâteau St. Honoré Class with Pooneh Yamini of Mon Reve Chocolate Art Studio

★ Woman-Owned ★

One of the most beautiful French treats is the castle-like St. Honore cake! Local Marin chocolate and patisserie artist, Pooneh Yamini, teaches a festive how-to in her cozy studio. Share the ultimate gift—time together, learning new things, and something sweet!—by grabbing a seat for you and a friend to enjoy together before the holidays!

Food52’s Joy of Cooking (Gold)

A classic with all the ideas and all the answers, but bound in gold leather (or one of the other cute colors!)

L’Avant Cleaning Products

★ Woman-Owned ★

Non-toxic, effective, and plant-based cleaning products! I gave these to my mom last year and we’ve loved them ever since! I love the black/white hand and dish soap combo - it smells so good, and the bottles look like fancy French apothecary products! (Bonus = they’re women-owned!)

Rumpl Outdoors Blanket

★ Give-Back ★

Cozy indoor and outdoor blankets! Great for adventurers (and even a smart thing to just keep in the back of your car!) They have tons of prints and styles but I love this one, designed by Northern Cheyenne artist Jordan Ann Craig (A portion of the sales of this collection benefit First Peoples Fund, an organization committed to honoring and supporting Indigenous artists and culture bearers).