S'MORE BAR. MOJITO BAR. COCOA BAR. Overkill? Nah.

Happy Monday Prettyfaces.

Hope you enjoyed your weekends!

Here's what's up lately:

1. Thanks for all who had great comments on the article I posted Thursday. It was awesome to hear everyone's opinions!

2. Thank goodness for Gap pants in every color of the rainbow. And thank goodness I have a ridiculous amount of chambray to pair with said pants. 

3. Saturday night we celebrated our friend Josh's birthday, complete with a pretty decorated table and a Nutella + Reeses cake. Yeah. You read that right. It was amaaaazing. Best cake I've ever made, I think!

4. Sunday was the awesome #FallFestWI at Dani's house. Bloggers + their men came over for a night of yard games, food, drinks, and flannel! Since Dani and I couldn't help ourselves...there was a Hot Cocoa Bar, a Mojito Bar, and a S'more Bar. 

We were super lucky that some AMAZING businesses sponsored the event with awesome gifts for all the girls! HUGEEE thank you to bareMinerals, Pen & Paint, Loollipop, Splendid, Louisa Marion Photography, & Lashionistas for supporting local bloggers! And of course, and amazing thanks to Dani and her husband for allowing all of us into their gorgeous home!

(a few shots from the night, some stolen from Dani, Emily, Tomissa, Lauren, Shannon, & Jamie)

What fantastic things did you do this weekend?

Anyone else have s'more/mojito/cocoa bar?

xo, lp

*let's be friends on instagram too! find me here!

let's all take a moment to read.

okay everyone.

i found this article yesterday and it was good enough that i wanted to share it with you.

what's it about?

getting #engaged. yes, the hashtag is part of it. 

(image via)

i won't go on an on about it in this post, because i think plagiarizing is pretty lame, so i'll let you just follow the link and enjoy!

i will say that this was the most eyeopening part for me:

"Out of my 11 close friends who have gotten married in the past three years, 10 of them attended meetings with their wedding coordinators,to ensure their wedding day would be flawless. Only one of those friends attended pre-marriage counseling."

so, go read this awesome article. stat. 

After you read it, come back and let me know what you think!

xo, lp

MAN, YOU'VE GOT STYLE.

We've actually started decorating our apartment.

 2 months in. 

We're doin' it, folks. Being adults and covering up the blank walls.

When we first moved in I had a collection of apartment pictures that I thought would fit in our place...but I've revamped that with what we really want, now that we've lived in our space for a bit!

Here's what's on our radar:

images via: a beautiful mess // sf girl by bay // design sponge // a beautiful mess // emily henderson 

1. This recent lighting fixture from ABM is amazing. I love the look of the bare lightbulbs-- and while we might not go totally literal here with bulbs, there will definitely be some type of glass or chandelier in our lofted ceilings!

2. Light, bright bedroom with minimal art & simple monograms. Need I say more?

3. I am in LOVE with this green wood stain. I mean, so much more chic than just painting a dresser with solid paint. Our dresser needs a major makeover, and I'll be using this as inspiration for sure.

4. I have the most awesome 365 day calendar printed on my instagram photos from Social Print Studios, and while it won't be an entire wall of wallpaper photos, I think 365 will make a pretty good impact!

5. My gallery wall in our last place wasn't too much of a success, so this time around mismatching frames more is my goal. 

What's something you really love about your space?

For more of my favorites, go here!

xo, lp

TAKE A SIP: RASPBERRY BOURBON FIZZ

Summer is officially done, which means this will probably be one of the last fruity-refreshing drinks I get to share on here for a while. Sad day!

-----

A while back on a good old fashioned date night with Michael, I ordered the most delicious blackberry bourbon drink. It was the perfect combination of sweet, sour, and bitter- with a hint of lemon and seltzer in it.

I didn't have blackberries on hand, but I did my best to recreate it with some raspberries:

What you'll need to make it happen:

- Handful of raspberries

- 2 ounces bourbon (I love Bulleit)

- 1/2 ounce of triple sec

- ginger ale

- ice & cute straws

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Pour your bourbon over your raspberries in the bottom of the glass you're choosing to use & mash 'em up.

Step 2: Add your ice and triple sec & stir!

Step 3: Fill glass with ginger ale, garnish with raspberries, and sip through a lovely straw.

I mean, easy, right?

This drink is both cool & refreshing and warming (thanks to the bourbon) - making it the perfect beginning of Fall/End of summer drink!

What drink are you sipping on these days?

If raspberry is your jam - try these too!

xo, lp

love instagram? me too! find me here!

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

Friday's Fancies #69: Fall Must-haves!

GAHHHHHHH Fall is HERE! Picture me doing flips around the house and running around unearthing all of my favorite sweaters. Because that's what I'm doing. Because Fall.Is.Here. 

Here are my top 8 fall must-haves:

1. Waxed Cotton Parka: More than just your average military jacket, this parka is something special for sure. The price tag is steep, so if y'all wanna chip in to help me get it, that'd be great.

2.  Herringbone Loafers: As far as I'm concerned, these are THE shoes of fall. Anything herringbone is good in my book, and these are complete perfection.

3. Basic Infinity Scarf: Nothing is better than a basic scarf that's easy to throw on with any and every outfit, right? This one is soft, silky, and sweetly priced!

4. BareMinerals Eye Shadow Palette:  I'm not usually much of a eyeshadow girl, but I think this fall I'm going to give it a go with these gorgeous dark & dusty shades of shadow from BareMinerals.

5. Brown Leather Bag: I've said it before and I'll say it again - this bag is the bees knees. Cognac. Tassel. Love.

6. Camo Sweater: I have been fighting the camo trend for the last year but dangit if it isn't growing on me! 

7. Leopard Pointy Flats: Leopard just won't die, and I'm totally okay with that. Pointy flats are my favorite because they help my short lil legs seem a little longer, so these are awesome.

8. Crystal Necklace: Target did a pretty solid job copying the classic J.Crew Venus Flytrap necklace. I already have the J.Crew one but I got the Target one too to layer 'em up!

What's on your Fall must-have list?

Tell me those herringbone loafers aren't perfection!

xo, lp

The Blogger Buzz, vol. 3

It's that time again! This volume of Blogger Buzz is all about our must-have beauty buys...

1.      1. // Ashley Fine of One Fine Day

 I love The Beauty Blender: This bright pink makeup sponge lives up to the hype. Believe me, I hate gimmicks! Since I started using it earlier this year, I've received so many compliments regarding my complexion. I've never considered myself to be someone who has nice skin, so this was a huge coup! The application is foolproof and foundation looks airbrushed. What's not to love?

2.     2. // Samantha Peterson of The Brunette One

 I can't live without my Urban Decay Naked Palette! While the price is a bit steep, it is worth the investment. Easily go from day to night with the multitude of neutral shades offered! A huge plus? It makes packing my make-up a breeze. If you want something a bit smaller, try out the Naked Basics Palette.

3.      3. // Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista

 I've been trying to convert over to more natural + chemical free beauty products and was SO thrilled when my mom introduced me to The Honest Company- founded by Jessica Alba. The Lavender Mint flavor of this Honest Company Organic Lip Balm is my favorite- it's ultra-moisturizing and will be a total lifesaver this winter!

4.     4. // Laura Podlich of Beauty and the Beard

 My one beauty buy I can't live without is One Love Organics- Skin Savior. This stuff is seriously magic. It makes your skin softer than you could ever imagine as a moisturizer, and doubles as a waterless balm to remove makeup without irritation. PLUS it smells heavenly!

5.     5. // Katherine Nolden of The Duchess of Plumewood

I use this Clarisonic Mia every single night! I love how deeply it cleans my skin; I swear my skin has never looked better since I started using the Mia! Plus, I feel that the other beauty products I use are more effective because they can better penetrate my skin after it’s been cleansed so thoroughly! 

What's your must-have beauty buy?
If you haven't tried Skin Savior you MUST!

xo, lp

EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME SHOULD BE MADE OF ACRYLIC.

Okay mayyyybe an exaggeration. But I mean, plastic is BACK people. 

Yes, it's just plastic.

I mean, some stores try to pretend it's fancy and call it lucite- and charge a ridiculous amount for it...but it's really just plastic. No matter what you call it, it makes for some fun accessories, right?

The Container Store has an awesome selection of fun acrylic pieces, and at super fair prices. I already have the bracelet stand, and am going to be adding a few more of these pieces to my collection soon:

1. We just got a new desk in the apartment and I love this general organizer. Perfect for pens, stamps, or any random knick-knacks that need a home.

2. I REALLY need to get some business cards for this here blog...mainly so I can justify buying this card holder!

3.  Scotch tape has never looked so chic! This tape dispenser is $10 and worth every penny.

4. This tray is SUCH an awesome hostess gift, right? Or just a "I moved into a new apartment so this is my housewarming gift to myself" gift. 

5. These racks are excellent for organizing your necklaces and bracelets. Plus it makes for a pretty display!

6. This organizer is perfection for the lipstick lover. All the individual sections keep your collection from turning into a total mess!

7. I mean, if you have to have Qtips out, you might as well have a cute case to put them in...

8. Same goes for your make up brushes, or mascara/eyeliner- might as well keep it tidy in this slender case!

9. The catchall tray is necessary. Toss your jewelry off at the end of the day into it, or have it at the ready for keys and stray bobby pins. What's best is they stack, so for $6 a piece you can have some seriously good looking and affordable storage!

Which of these acrylic pieces would you use to organize your space?

I'm loving them all, but that tray is #1 on my list!

xo, lp

DAMN, LIFE IS PRETTY FANTASTIC, RIGHT?

PEOPLE!

You know what? The last week or two I was being a really Negative Nancy. I choose to be childish and pass the blame to the 90+ degree heat for making me act this way, naturally. 

I'm not quite sure why. Well, this weekend fully knocked it out of me. It was too good to be whiny about. So here I sit, Sunday night, I my sweats and Donald Driver jersey- blogging & chugging water like it's my job ... happy as a clam (whatever that means).

So on that positive note, here's what's been good lately:

1. My girl Dani is the beauty queen. Fer real. Girl introduced me to bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie in Never Say Never. It is the richest, creamiest lipstick. And the color is dope. Yes, DOPE. Er, cool? fresh? hip? What do the kids say these days? Either way, get yourself some.

2. Finally getting back to some #ootd shots on Instagram. Here's what happy outfits I've been wearing lately:

3. In case you were under a rock (or don't follow me on Instagram), I went to the Packers' Home Opener this weekend. Despite the early morning rain that moved our tailgate indoors, the clouds parted halfway into the game and left us with a gorgeous day. Our seats were right next to the endzone, 10 rows back. I've never sat so close in a game, it was amazing!! Plus an awesome win didn't hurt!

4. Nothing like a cute couple picture, riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight? The couple that watches the Pack together stays together!

5. Driving back into Madison we were met with the most stunning sunset over Lake Mendota. It was the perfect ending to an excellent weekend. 

See, way too many good things going on out there to be wasting time being whiny!

What's something good going on for you lately?

I expect these comments FILLED with positivity, my friends!

xo, lp

*whaaaa? we aren't instagram friends yet? for shame! you can find me here (@lpodlich)!

Friday's Fancies #68: Football Sunday

Weekends in the fall are my favorite. I mean, crisp leaves and cider are awesome and all, but what I really get excited about is Badger games on Saturday, and Packers games on Sunday. 

Now, I'm pretty superstitious and wear the same jersey every week, but if I ever change my ways I think I could get down with an outfit like this:

Comfy jeans are an obvious choice, along with some comfy driving mocs. Oh, and a big old bag to sneak beers into the tailgate or stadium (don't act like you've never done it).

This long sleeve Packers shirt & hat are obviously musts- I mean, you don't want anyone to think you're a Bears fan or anything, right? ::shudder::

What team are you rooting for this fall?

GO PACK GO!

xo, lp

*update: michael called me at work at 8 am to tell me we're going to the home opener Packers game this weekend...so if you'll be at Lambeau- I'll see you there! AHHH!

CURRENTLY v2

Happy Thursday friends. Time for round 2 of "Currently":

via

FEELING: Hot. This 90 degree weather needs to go. Fuh real.

READING: Ender's Game. A coworker lent it to me and I'm just starting on it...SciFi really isn't my jam but let's see where this goes. Anyone read it before? I'm liking it so far.

LISTENING TO: "Can't Hold Us"  by Macklemore + Ryan Lewis. So freaking catchy. It is my pump up, run around, clean the house, drive the car song. 

THANKFUL FOR: Getting to see a favorite old friend this weekend. We've known each other since we were...12 maybe? She's just as witty and ridiculous and goofy as she was then, and it was a breath of fresh air to see her (and her awesome boyfriend).

EATING: Almonds, Onion Chive Cheese, and too many Cesar salads to count. Riveting, I know. Honestly, all this heat makes me just want to eat popsicles 24/7. But, alas, they don't fall too high on the food pyramid. Can fall just come so we can all eat soup and pumpkin seeds?

WATCHING: Portlandia. Now that Michael and I have been to Portland I can't get over how true to real life it is. PUT A BIRD ON IT! GRAB THE GEAR! Anyone? Portlandia fans out there? Also, thanks to Netflix I've been watching an embarrassing amount of Glee while blogging. Watching it right now. Truth.

LOVING: Where do I begin? THIS most perfect fall bag in gorgeous cognac (with a tassel!), THIS Skin Savior- which is by far the best beauty product ever invented, and THIS pair of plum pants. Gap, you're killin' it. 

LOOKING FORWARD TO: BLOGGER FALL FEST! AH! Dani & I are hosting a Wisconsin Blogger Fall Fest complete with flannel, s'mores, and a spiked cocoa bar. You know you want in. If you're local, email me for deets: beautyandbeard (at) gmail (dot) com.  

What's up with you lately friends?

Answer one of these for me! Tell me somethin' good!

xo, lp

NECTARINE BASIL LEMONADE (it's as refreshing as it sounds!)

I make a good amount of cocktails on this here blog...which probably makes me look like a bit of a lush. Truth is I don't actually drink that much (she says as she blogs with a glass of wine), and most of the cocktails I make could easily be made sans alcohol.

This recipe on the other hand, is a virgin drink that could just fine with a lil gin or vodka in it. Take your pick kids, choose your own adventure.

What you'll need:

-Lemonade mix 

- Nectarines

-Fresh Basil

How to make it happen:

You ready for how difficult this is?

Step 1: Mix up your lemonade.

Step 2: Rip 4-5 large basil leaves and muddle in your lemonade.

Step 3: Pour over some ice with a few slices of nectarine & enjoy!

If you want your lemonade to be sweeter, muddle up your nectarines too. I on the other hand, like to eat the nectarine slices once I'm done with the drink and they're all cold and sour from the lemonade. Because I'm weird like that.

 It was 97 degrees yesterday, so this kind of refreshing drink is still absolutely necessary! I fully intend on keeping this easy recipe in my repertoire for parties in the future.

So the question of the day is:

What have y'all been sipping on lately?

xo, lp

(oh, and if you notice I'm a big fan of fun straws- I get them from an Etsy shop called Loollipop, you've got to check it out, her prices are amazing!)

** in the cocktail mood? try out my orange ginger mojitos or my fizzy pineapple lemon punch.

FALL FOOD RADAR

I've been in a food funk lately. I haven't been making any fun dishes- mainly because it's been about 95 degrees every day for the last few weeks. Baking and cooking is just NOT fun in that kind of heat...right?

Now that it is finally starting to cool down, I can turn to my trusty old food Pinterest board full of great recipes from creative minds for some inspiration:

1. Pretzel bites via My Baking Heart- These bites with spicy cheese dip look like the PERFECT Sunday football snack!

2. Classic Swedish Cinnamon Rolls via Have A Yummy Day- I've never made cinnamon rolls from scratch, and I think early fall is the right time to try them out.

3. Nectarine & Fried Mozzarella Stacks via Half Baked Harvest- Nectarines are some of my favorite summer fruit, and I've never thought to put them with mozzarella, basil, and balsamic. Genius!

4. Parmesan Garlic Grilled Corn via Eclectic Recipes- With the last bit of sweet corn at the markets I think this recipe is absolutely in order. Deeeelish.

5. Tequila Battered Onion Rings via Life as a Strawberry- Along with those pretzel bites, I think tequila battered onion rings would be perfect tailgate food!

6. Parmesan Baked Potato Halves via Fav Family Recipes- Michael will eat any potato dish out there, and this is one I'd happily nibble on too.

7. Basil Mozzarella Wontons via Return to Sunday Supper- Now that I've perfected the sriracha cream cheese wontons, it's time for a new kind of wonton to try- these look fantastic!      

What recipes are on your radar?

Leave a link to your Pinterest boards in the comments so I can check it out!

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #67: Transition Time

Geez. I haven't done a Friday's Fancies in AGES.

I figured this week would be a perfect one to jump back in, since I loved the theme {av} chose this week. The challenge? Take a purely summer piece and make it work in your fall wardrobe. 

Here's what I'm workin' with today:

This Madewell minty silk dot cami is so sweet to just keep in summer. Slipping it under this grey Wallis blazer & adding some jeans takes it from strappy summer to fitting for fall. Throw on some camel driving mocs from Gap, and you're good to go! I mean, as soon as you have your colorblock crossbody & silver hairties in hand..of course.

If you don't already have this Madewell top- you can find this biddy in the sale section at a major discount. Scooooore!

What summer piece will you be wearing into fall?

Seriously, throw a blazer over just about anything and you're good to go!

xo, lp

PNW FOOD (+beverage) GUIDE

We ate (and drank) a ridiculous amount while we were in the Pacific Northwest.

Here's where we went, and what we thought:

Oregon (Portland)

Salt & Straw - The Stumptown Coffee & Bourbon ice cream was unreal. Oh, and the chocolate with gooey brownies? Heavenly. Totally worth the wait in line.

Fireside- Fried spiced chickpeas are the best snack on earth. Michael's farro salad was pretty solid too. Outdoor seating is excellent people watching since 23rd Ave is busy!

Bamboo Sushi - Even if you're not a vegetarian you must get the Green Machine roll. Tempura asparagus, avocado, sweet chili cilantro aioli. Nom. Also awesome people watching on 23rd. 

McMenamin's Blue Moon Tavern- We went late night for drinks & cajun tater tots. Oh, and the boys got hot dogs. They're classy like that. Fun, busy atmosphere. Super casual.

Lompoc Tavern- We loved everything about this place. Great outdoor seating, great homemade beer, great food. Michael loved the Bleu Piggy fries & the Cubano, and my strawberry salad was a perfect summer meal. If you go to Portland, this is a must-go!

Cafe Nell- Brunch is a culture here. Fig & goat cheese flatbread with honey? Sold. I can get down with brunch with that kind of food available. Michael got some kind of hash. I was too busy downing my flatbread.

Besaw's- Brunch, again. More Hash. Lots of Coffee.

Stumptown Coffee- Portland does coffee well. I'll give them that.

Blue Star- Sea Salt Caramel Donuts. That is all. 

Rocket Fizz- This candy store has everything you could ever dream of, especially vintage candies & sodas. Clearly I just got an obscene amount of Salt Water taffy...

Washington (Tacoma, Seattle, Woodinville)

Net Shed #9- We stumbled across this place in Gig Harbor & it was fantastic! Right on the water with a goregous outdoor patio. My veggie & hummus sandwich was the best vegetarian sandwich I've had in a long time. 

Dirty Oscars Annex- We checked out this place because it was on Diner, Drive Ins, and Dives. The Tacoma Tea was delish, and the Parmesan Tots were so effing amazing. Everyone drop what you're doing and drive there right now and get some! M's Tasso Tacos were awesome- but unfortunately my Smoked Cheddar nachos were less than stellar. If you go here, just skip those!

The Original Starbucks-Touristy? Yes. We got a Pike Place roast, since we were at Pike Place and all...

Michou (Pike Place Market)- For the love of all that is good, go here an get a Bomboloni. Look kind of like a donut- but much bigger with a bigger hole. Covered in sugar and heavenly. My mouth is watering right now thinking of them. Gah. 

7 Seas Brewery- MUST visit- serious gem hidden in Gig Harbor. We did a sampling- and the Rude Parrot IPA was by far our favorite. Best craft beer on our trip!

Harmon Brewing Co.- This spot in Tacoma had okay beer and okay food. Nothing too special.

Rock Bottom Brewery- Definitely not a place I'd visit again in Seattle. Bad beer, bad service.

Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery- While the customer service of the lady doing our tasting was lacking, the wine was great, and the estate was completely stunning. 

Red Hook Brewery- People, you MUST go for their $1 tour of the place. You get to sample a bunch of their beer and if you're lucky like we were- you'll get a great tour guide. When you go there, ask for Sophie to do your tour. We learned a lot about the brews, as well as the history of RedHook. If we went back to WA, we'd do this tour again for sure.

Forecasters Pub- RedHook Brewery has a full restaurant in it- with awesome food. The meal-type food was great- but the pretzel with beer cheese dip was the BOMB. I could eat it every. single. day.

So, if you're planning on going to the PNW, take this guide with you- or pass it on to someone you know might be traveling there!

Been to OR/WA and have a cool place you'd like to add?

Leave it in the comments for others to find!

xo, lp

COLLECTION #3.

Collection #3 is LIVE people.

If you're new to the party, check out past collections here and here.

Do yourselves a favor and buy the items you like right away. The collection is only in its 4th day and the item I wanted is already sold out. You'd think with A MANO being my sister's I would have some pull here, but I don't. RUDE. 

Here are my absolute favorites this time around:

That Pendleton clutch is AMAZING, and those gold striped ring/change dishes are darling. I mean, I know I don't NEED anything but...is it wrong to kind of want it all?

Which items are you loving this time around?

Go to A MANO and show my sista some love!

xo, lp

** all images are from A MANO used with permission

TINY BABIES AND DEEP FRIED OLIVES.

Holiday weekend is over. UGH.

I'd like another 3 hours in bed today. #amiright?

Let's play catch up.

First things first I want to say  THANK YOU for all the awesome feedback and support from #hairweek last week. Every pin and comment was like a big fat hug. Big old callout to you cool kids who tried the tutorials and snapped a picture on Instagram and tagged me (@lpodlich). YOU ALL ROCK. For those who are going to try them in the future, I'd love to see how they turn out!! 

The most important thing that happened last week was the birth of my NEW NIECE! AHHHH!

She is about 5 lbs and the tiniest thing ever. I'm obsessed. Look how little she is:

This weekend was full of awesomeness. Michael and I got to see our families and friends, which was fantastic. Best part of the weekend hands down was spending a day out on my parent's lake with some of our favorites. Can life just be a permanent vacation so I can see everyone all the time?

Labor day weekend wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Minnesota State Fair. My favorite new food there was the stuffed,deep fried green olives. So. Good. 

 Tell me about your long weekend, kids!

Get your last minute white-wearing in?

xo, lp

(psst, find me on instagram here!)