i can feel it in my bones.

i'm freaking thrilled that it's about to be 2014. 

not that 2013 was a bad year or anything...

m & i moved into a new apartment we absolutely love.

we made new friends and reconnected with old ones.

we saw friends get engaged, married, have kids.

we went to 2 packer games, and met james jones.

we were lucky enough to travel, camp, and explore.

my parents both happily retired.

my sister ann welcomed a new baby girl into our family.

my sister louisa started her own business and sees more success every day.

overall: a good year.

but, there is something fantastic about a fresh new year. i'm not big on resolutions (other than being loyal to my one line book), but i love that people take this time to reevaluate the path they are on and put a good foot forward for the new year. you get to crack out a new calendar, a fresh planner, and start out with the ability to decide how YOU want YOUR year to be.

2014 is going to be a good one, i can just feel it in my bones.

are you making resolutions? or have something you're hoping for in 2014?

a packers super bowl win is at the top of my list.

xo, lp

**in addition, i'm a crazy person about numbers- i love even numbers. yup. i'm completely kooky about them to the point i like the volume in my car to always be at an even number. 

i can't wait for it to be an even year, and get to turn an even 26.  

full of cheer.

aaaaaaaand i'm back. 

after our tour-de-minnesota to see our families last week, we are fully settled back into snowy wisconsin. 

hope you all had a great and safe time with your loved ones!

-----

winter had fully hit minnesota when we got there. driving through the snow-covered valley to michael's aunt's house was completely gorgeous. a little scary...but gorgeous.

i was lucky enough to be gifted a pair of loren hope earrings for christmas. i posted this little shot on instagram which she happened to #regram - which was another christmas gift in itself :)

i don't know if i've ever shared this with all of you, but i am a total calendar hoarder. i love calendars and planners. type-a, much? i am in love with my 2014 gold embossed desk calendar from paper source in portland. so gorgeous!

sorry for all who witnessed my insta-rant yesterday about the chick who was complaining about thank-you notes. but seriously. in other news, how gorgeous are these mara-mi cards i bought to send out??

what was something lovely about your christmas?

don't forget to send out your thank you notes!

xo,lp

 i love instagram. i bet you do to. let's be friends! --> @lpodlich

baby it's cold outside

everyone- go enjoy yourselves. 

take time off.

recharge.

breathe.

be merry.

(image credit)

love you, friends.

xo, lp

DID YOU WIN????

You are all fantastic- I wish I could send you all packages!

The lucky winner of the Favorite Things Giveaway isssssssssssssss....

Niki! 

Niki- I'll be emailing you shortly about your goodies!

WISHLIST!

You know, I grew up in a household that didn't do Christmas Lists (well, because I was raised Jewish..so..duh) - so the idea of writing out a wishlist was always a little foreign to me. It was kind of a "you get what you get and you don't throw a fit" scenario, which always served me just fine! 

As I've grown into Michael's family- I've learned how useful these lists can be. When it comes down to it- sometimes people just get stumped on what to get you (especially the grandparents!), and they'd rather just get ideas than take a shot in the dark and waste their money. Amen to that, my friends.

Ann Taylor contacted me about their new "wishlist" function on their site- and it's pretty fab. You literally just drag and drop items you love into a Wishlist, and can print it or share it via email/social media! Adding and removing products is ridiculously easy, and it all formats out into a neat little sheet that includes images, links, and prices so there's no confusion on what you'd love to get!

I threw together a little Wishlist of my own (themed in a classy holiday black scheme) from AT, and here's what I came up with:

Nice, right? I mean, not just my picks, but the look of it too! 

If you have last minute family members looking for gifts for you for the holidays, or you have a birthday coming up, throw together your own Wishlist (for free, of course) to help nudge them in the right direction :)

What would you add to your Wishlist?

Any of the items above look good to you too??

xo, lp

*yes, this was a sponsored post by Ann Taylor- the thoughts and opinions were 100% my own. I wouldn' t agree to post about a company or promotion I didn't love, and I truly think this Wishlist application is nifty! xo

KIWI BERRY SANGRIA

I know what you're probably thinking: 

"Sangria is a summer drink, Laura! It's winter! Time for spiked cocoa and hot cider!"

Well, I mean...you're right... but.. that doesn't mean those are the only drinks to be had! What's more festive for Christmas than a red and green drink?

Thus, I give to you:

 What you'll need to make it happen (serves 4):

- 2.5 ounces vodka

- 1 ounce triple sec

- 2 kiwi

- 1/2 cup raspberries

- 8-10 strawberries

- 12 ounces sweet white wine (sauv blanc will work)

- 1/2 cup Sprite

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Cut up your kiwi and strawberries and add to a glass container with your vodka, triple sec, raspberries, and wine.

Step 2: Let those berries soak up that booze in the fridge for 2-3 hours before you're ready to serve.

Step 3: When you're ready to serve, pour sangria into glasses, scooping in some fruit to make it festive. 

Step 4: Top with Sprite, garnish with an extra kiwi- and enjoy!

Festive- right? 

And- if you're a hot-drink purist for the season, feel free to Pin it for a summer party- it'll still be great then too :)

What seasonal drink will you be serving this Christmas?

Feel free to share- I'm always up for new ideas!

xo, lp

GIVEAWAY WINNERS & BRIGHT BLUE SKIES

Hi friends!

I'm back in the Midwest, and thus, back on the blog. For the last 5 days we've been visiting my parents in sunny Florida, and are kind of in denial about being back in the snow. When we left Wisconsin it was 5 degrees and snowing. When we got to Florida it was about 75 degrees and sunny.

Nothing like a 70 degree climate change to make you happy, let me tell you. 

Our time in Florida was well spent exploring the beach, visiting historical sites in St.Augustine, shell searching, beach bar hopping, and taking an obscene amount of photos:

Clearly I took a ton more, but I didn't want to overload you lovlies in case you already follow me on Instagram- or hate me for getting to see the sun for 5 days. Our place was right on the ocean, 5th floor looking over the sand. Not too shabby, right? One of my favorite parts of the trip (other than just walking along the beach) was beach bar hopping with Michael one night. There were tons of restaurants/bars within walking distance of our place, so we just went to one-had a drink-and walked to another! Rough life, I tell you.

One of the strangest things about being in Florida in December is that all the Christmas parades and celebrations go on...but it feels NOTHING like the holiday season. Christmas lights on palm trees...snowmen made out of sand...trees tied to the tops of open air Jeeps...so strange!

On another note: I LOVE announcing giveaway winners!!!

The winner of the $50 UncommonGoods giveaway is Fran Hasselhof! I was giddy when I saw Fran won, as she is a former Wisconsin girl herself! She lives in PA now- and you should follow her lovely fashion blog- Franish.  Congrats, Fran!

WAIT! You're sad you didn't win and want some presents for yourself? There's still time to enter the Favorite Things giveaway! A handful of awesome prizes (plus a few surprises not included in the image) could be all yours! Enter now!

Tomorrow I'll be sharing a drink that doesn't SEEM like it's appropriate for the season since it's a sangria- but I promise once you see the ingredients I'll be able to convince you otherwise!

This week I'll be a busy bee making Christmas candies like my caramels, peppermint bark, and more! 

What are you doing to get ready for Christmas?

Sand snowmen, anyone?

xo, lp

**let's be Instagram friends, shall we? find me here:@lpodlich

JOJO LOVES... a great sale!

(yes, i'm still in florida- but that doesn't mean i won't have a post for ya!)

It's been a while since I've posted about JoJo Loves You- and since it's Christmas time they're having another sale! I have some fab neon pink ones from the last time this sale came around, and I always get compliments when I wear them. So go ahead, get yourself some fun baubles for Christmas or NYE!

Here's the scoop:

3 pair for $60 Blings

3 pair for $60 Party Bling 

3 pair for $50 Mini Bling

3 pair for $50 Oval Bling

3 pair for $50 Navette Bling

Which color would you grab?

I think the next on my list is those lavender ovals!

xo, lp

** There is still time left to enter the Favorite Things Giveaway!!

Blogger Buzz v6: In our Stockings

The Blogger Buzz is back. This month, the ladies are hoping for something other than coal in their stocking.

Here's an assortment of sparkly and colorful items they wish to find instead:

ONE: Samantha Peterson of The Brunette One

• A new crossbody to wear throughout all the seasons.
• All gold, all the time with this gold feather from Williams-Sonoma.
• A place to hold all of our wine.

TWO: Katherine Nolden of The Duchess of Plumewood

• I already have a place picked out for this print in my living room! The room is basically British themed and I love how punchy and bright this is! Evelyn Henson is really fantastic!
• This cake stand is so fun! I can just imagine putting fun cakes on this at the party I have to throw for my birthday bucket list! 
• I need this necklace! I love the script and I feel like it would be a staple in my wardrobe and I could layer it with other necklaces!

THREE: Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista

• A chocolate bar that's equal parts pretty and delicious.
• Seriously, best candle EVER. I'm hoping for the "Aloha" scent.
• The Macaron foil art print from Jenny Bevlin — pretty please, Santa?

FOUR: Laura Podlich of Beauty & the Beard

• I love these Loren Hope Sophia Studs in Pine- although I'd take 'em in every color!
• You can never have enough phone cases! I'll take this Rifle Paper Co. Dot iPhone 5 Case
• This Anthropologie "L" Gem Pouch is ladylike and lovely!

FIVE: Ashley Fine of One Fine Day

• I'm smitten with Meg Gleason's work. The pops of color and two-centuries old letterpress from which her products are printed. I die. This hand-bound "letterquette" is just lovely!
• Gin in a Teapot — I'm certain it was created with me in mind!
• Being punctual never looked so sparkly. This watch from Kate Spade would look snazzy on my wrist.

Tell us, what do you hope to find in your stocking?

xo, lp

FAVORITE THINGS GIVEAWAY!

I know, I know. We already have one giveaway going on around here- and yet, another! 

Why not?

This time, the lucky winner will win a package with the items show- plus a few extra goodies. These items are some of my favorite things!!

Included:

- 7 rainbow mini "do small things with great love" by Pen & Paint

- 6 flavors of Kernel Season's popcorn seasonings

-Kate Spade Saturday "day of the week" pencils

- Page a Day Journal from Thyme is Honey

-Blue Raspberry Dum Dums (yup.)

- Rifle Paper Co. Notebook

- Pantone postcards

- 5 rolls washi tape

- Julep nail polish

+ a few other goodies!

So- how do we make this happen?

Well simple- just follow the instructions on the Rafflecopter, and you'll be good to go! Just make sure to complete the mandatory entries- and you're golden:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck, lovlies!

xo, lp

* special thanks to pen & paint, kernel season's, and thyme is honey for donating the mini cards, seasoning, and notepad for the good of the giveaway. you guys are the bomb.com. xo

* winner will be announced 12.19.13.

....AND THEN YOU END UP AT PERKINS

If you had told me that I would spend an anniversary dinner at Perkins in Appleton, Wisconsin during a snowstorm I would have told you that you were smoking something a little too strong.

And yet, where did I find myself last night?

Yup- you guessed it. At a Perkins in Appleton,WI in a snowstorm. 

Why? Well let me rewind. So I won Packers tickets a while back at work (remember that?), and the game happened to land on our 4 year anniversary (score!). The game was at noon, so we got up early, drove to Green Bay (as it was starting to snow) and headed in.

WAIT. Let me paint a picture for you of what I looked like: I looked like Ralphie's brother in a Christmas Story. Snowpants. Coat. Scarf. Hat. Mittens. Boots. It was cold, y'all. I'm talking juuuuust barely double digits cold. And snowing. And windy. So cold that our beer froze upon opening:

...and all of our pictures have snow in front of our faces

Wait..where was I?

Right. Perkins.

So the game ends (we win!) and we go to drive home and realize the streets are full of snow.

You know what happens when the streets are full of snow?

The idiots come out of the woodwork and choose to drive like the idiots they are. Not only to they smash up their own cars, they cause other accidents that shut down roads and make everyone else wait as their Escalades get loaded up on a tow truck to be taken back to Daddy's house to be fixed.

Moral of the story: it should take 20 minutes to get to Appleton from Green Bay. It took 2 hours.

Frustrated and hungry we pulled off and stopped the first place we saw: a warm Perkins.

The food was...well...Perkins-esque, but I have to say, it was a great anniversary dinner. We people watched (read: Old People watched), tried to regain our voices from screaming at the game. and reminisced over the last 4 years (awwwww. i know, roll your eyes). 

And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. 

Happy 4, M! For Keeps!

----

In other news, my babelicious sister turned 30 yesterday. She's kind of my hero, so naturally i believe she makes 30 look better than anyone else. Plus, look at her pulling off this flat-brim hat! So thug.

 I know beginning of fall is "sweater weather" that everyone says to be cutesy- but SHIT people, it's winter in the Midwest, sweaters are necessary now. Especially ones with cables. Worn with chambray. Duh.

DID YOU ENTER THE GIVEAWAY YET? Sorry for shouting, but jesus people it's $50. FO FREE. And if you enter, make sure to read the mandatory entries. Come back tomorrow for ANOTHER giveaway. Yup, it's the holiday season people, it's gonna get fun over here.

 

Finally: a PSA for Loren Hope. How good are her Sophia studs? If you feel like sending me a gift, I'll take one set in every color, please and thanks. I'll send ya my address. Love. 

Alright, long enough post for the day. I know, I know.

What was wonderful about your weekend, friends?

Any fellow Perkins goers out there?

xo, lp

let's be friends on instagram. please? cool. (@lpodlich)

$50 UNCOMMON GOODS GIVEAWAY (you don't want to miss this!)

My dear, dear friends.

Are you done with your Christmas shopping? I bet you're not. Not that I don't have faith in you or anything... but come on, we're all too busy to be that prepared these days-right?

Insert UncommonGoods. If you already know about UncommonGoods, ignore these next sentences:

So this company based in New York (working out of the Brooklyn Army Terminal-so cool!) has the widest array of unique gifts you didn't even know you needed to give. Over half the items for sale are handmade- most of which being made in the USA, and a third being made of recycled or up-cycled materials. Doesn't that just make you feel good buying it then? I bet it does.

Now if you are interested in just looking on your own and not entering the giveaway- run on over to see cool Christmas gifts for men (here), women (here), or anything/pet in between (here).

Wait- you're continuing on and want to see what gifts I love? Aw, Shucks. They're all under $50- did I mention that? You'll surprise your loved ones with a cool gift, and you won't cry when you see your wallet afterwards. Fab.

1. Have a mom that's hard to shop for? Instead of just a bouquet of flowers, give her this little Caterpillar Bud Vase! (for more gifts for the ladies, click here)

2. Is there a science nerd who loved to drink in your midst? Give them this Mojito Molecular Mixology kit!

3. We all have that health nut friend. Give them a water infuser so they can sip on their ginger lemon water all day long- and in style!

4. For the party planning bud- this slate cheese plate with chalk is sure to please.

5. I know you have a wine-o friend (hint: me), so give them these sweet tea towels that have wine and food pairings on them (hint: send them to me).

6. Not sure what to get your dude? This wood beer caddy comes with a metal bottle opener- manly AND useful. (For more guy gifts, click here).

7. These oil & vinegar holders do double duty for the animal and the food lover. You can't go wrong!

--------

Now comes the fun, enter to win $50 to ANYTHING at UncommonGoods- just use the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck & happy gifting!

xo, lp

*pssst: who doesn't love a little fine print? as a thanks for writing this post, uncommongoods sent me a little stocking stuffer-but all opinions in this post are 100% my own. i think you'll see this once you go to their site and see that it rocks. i don't endorse companies i don't love!

** winner will be announced 12/16/13

ETSY GUIDE TO HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Gift guides are fun. I love making them. I love looking at them.

I decided that my first gift guide of the season had to items that were off of Etsy, because supporting small shops is a great way to feel good in the holidays, am I right?

These are 9 shops that have gifts for all the different ladies on your list, go check them out and #shopsmall!

1. Pen & Paint: This shop is perfect for the sentimental & sweet girl- gorgeous prints and cards in bright colors, and meaningful sayings/quotes.

2. Sincerely Me, PJD: This shop is perfect for the preppy lady- a shop dedicated to monogram necklaces, bracelets, earrings and more!

3. First Snow: This shop is perfect for the ultra-girly-girl- prints and stationary with florals and cursive and class.

4. Loollipop: This shop is perfect for your crafy gal- washi tape & paper straws in every color and print under the sun!

5. Thyme is Honey: This shop is perfect for the organization nut- daily journals for your most Type-A friend.

6. Michelle Dwight Designs: This shop is perfect for the bright & bold girl- lots of quirky pillows & coasters in pink & gold. (oops. accidental rhyme).

7. Rouge and Whimsy: This shop is perfect for the eclectic fashionista- clutches and bags with leather & fabric with pops of bold prints & colors.

8. LucyLovesThis: This UK shop is perfect for the foodie- gastronomy tea towels and prints- the USA one is fab!

9. Shade on Shape:  This shop is perfect for the feminine lady- pastels, golds, greys, and natural wood vases & candle holders. Simple, elegant items!

What Etsy shop do you love finding gifts at?

Share the name or link in comments, I'd love to check them out!

xo, lp

DIY HOLIDAY: GOLD JEWELRY DISHES

Here's the deal:

Everyone has those friends that you're not quite sure what to buy for them- because they have a great job and buy everything they need.

Most people also has those office Secret Santas that you're not quite sure what to buy for them- because they don't really share their likes other than post-it note color preference.

So, insert this DIY Holiday gift. 

Cost: Under $2. Insanely easy. Personalizeable. 

I give you: DIY Gold Jewelry Dishes!

Step 1: Find yourself some cheap ceramic trays! I found mine for $1 in the Target Dollar Spot- but I know Michael's has some options too!

Step 2: Do what's best for them- Spray them gold! It took me 3 light coats of this Krylon to get the look I was going for- but the shine is perfect!

Step 3: Paint it! I used basic black acrylic paint for this- making a polka dotted one, and a monogram one! For the monogram, simple stick on some vinyl or thin stickers, paint over them, wait to dry, and then peel them off! 

Step 4: Seal with Mod Podge, and gift away! 

Clearly you could paint these any colors, and personalize however you know the person would like... oh, and for under $2, you could make one of these for everyone on your list!

What is one of your cheap, go-to holiday gifts?

For more holiday inspiration, go here!

xo, lp

LEMON BALSAMIC ROASTED CARROTS

Like I mentioned yesterday- this isn't a recipe that you'll probably say "OMG I NEED TO MAKE THIS NOW!" but it will be one that you'll want to Pin and save for later. 

Why?

Because if you're anything like me, when you have a dinner party (for the holidays or otherwise) you think:

"Shoot. I have the main dish and some unhealthy sides..I need to convince my friends/family that I'm healthy by having some kind of vegetable served"

Thus, I give you, Lemon Balsamic Roasted Carrots:

What You'll Need to Make it Happen:

- 10 medium carrots or 20 baby carrots

- 2 Tbsps balsamic (i use lemon-balsamic)

- 2 tsps brown sugar

- 1 tsp olive oil

- zest of 1 lemon

- salt & pepper to taste, parsley to garnish

 How to Make it Happen:

Step 1: Cut any bad ends off your carrots, wash thoroughly. 

Step 2: Toss in olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, half of your lemon zest.

Step 3: Roast in a 375 degree oven for 25 minutes on a foil-lined baking sheet. (20 for baby carrots).

Step 4: Combine your balsamic and brown sugar, and drizzle over hot carrots.

Step 5: Return to oven for 3 minutes to carmelize.

Step 6: Serve up in a dish, sprinkle with lemon zest and parsley for garnish!

 I knowwww they don't look beautiful at this stage of the game, but once served up they look (and smell) amazing!

 The final product! If the sound of brown sugar scares you, cut the amount in half for a little less sweetness!

They're tender, sweet, citrusy, and salty all in one. Doesn't get much better, my friends.

What healthy side do you make when you have people over for dinner?

I need some more options here, people!

xo, lp

(looking for other side ideas? try my bruschetta or asian cabbage salad!)


find me on instagram here:

**For all you online shoppers, don't forget to use EBATES! find out more HERE ** 

RAINBOW TURKEYS & TREAT YO'SELF ICE CREAM

Happy (cyber) Monday my friends!!

Hope you all had an amazing Thanksgiving, and a safe Black Friday! 

We made the annual less-than-24-hours-in-minnesota trip back to my hometown, where my parents host Thanksgiving every year for about 15-20 people. I can't even say how happy it makes me to see my witty, sassy cousins. Fer real. Just like last year, I made a veggie turkey:

I think next year I'll try one made out of cheese. Hm.

Despite the fact that it's for sure winter now, I've been trying to still keep the #ootd shots bright and cheery...with the help of some J.Crew baubles:

Unless you live under a rock, I'm sure you know it's Hanukkah. Classic Laura OCD decided to rainbow-order the dreidels. You know, the usual:

I fully fulfilled the treat yo'self philosophy this weekend by splurging on some Jeni's ice cream. I'm not really a big ice cream person- but holy shit the Salty Caramel is good. There are only a few places to get it in Wisconsin, and we luckily live pretty close to one of them. If you're a Jeni's fan- what other flavors should I try???

 Tomorrow's recipe might not be one you want to go out and make instantly- but it's definitely one you'll want to pin and keep in your back pocket for your next dinner party or get together. Promise. 

Question of the week:

What was the best dish at your Thanksgiving table this year? 

xo, lp

(pssssst, let's be instagram friends!)

THANKS.

this will be my last post for the week- in order to get fully ready for the best holiday of the year- THANKSGIVING!

thanksgiving is by far my favorite holiday- my parents host our whole family at their house every year, and it's a night full of a ton of food, wine, and scattergories. 

this year is of course especially awesome because it's HANUKKAH as well!

hope you have a wonderful thanksgiving, and can find a lot of things to be thankful for this year. i know i sure have plenty to look back on and be grateful for!

xo, lp

(via Instagram last year)

SNAIL MAIL & FLATS IN EVERY COLOR

Hello lovelies! 

Happy Monday! This past week was a lovely one- here's what's been going on lately:

1. I finally found someone who loves Snail Mail as much as I do! I recently started up a good old fashioned pen-pal-ship with the lovely lady behind One Fine A, and getting a lovely card in the mail just makes my day! If you're looking to get some snail mail, today is the last day to sign up for her mail exchange! 

2. I've been sharing a lot of #ootd shots lately, and as you can tell I've been trying to get good use out of my favorite Old Navy Flats before the snow fully flies (well, okay, it already has snowed, but it keeps melting). Yes, I have them in 3 colors, and might just buy them in more in the future. Hide your judgement, please.

3. This weekend we celebrated the birthday of one of my favorite friends- complete with dinner, drinks, and an impromptu drunken adventure to a bowling alley. Yup, we live dangerously! Happy 28th, Dani!!

 4. What's a party without a specialty cocktail? For Dani's party I made a kiwi-berry sangria and it was sooo good. Too good. I'll be sure to share the recipe soon!

Now it's your turn- tell me something good!

Celebrate a birthday recently? Dress in seasonally inappropriate footwear just to be stubbon?

Do share!

xo, lp

let's be instagram friends, shall we? find me here: @lpodlich