Links to Love, Volume I

Happy Friday lovelies!

Let's start the weekend off right, shall we? Here are some of my favorite things flying around the internet right now:

1. This little girl will completely warm your heart and make you want to create something of your own!

2.  Dude, you've got 99 problems and none of them are real. An awesome article on problems & happiness (thanks to Alyssa for sharing!).

3. Snail Mail is BACK people! My girl Ashley is creating a postal revolution- want to be a part of it?

4. Oh my goodness. Ricotta + Carmelized Pear Raviloli. I die. 

5. This drawing of all the Oscar dresses every worn by Best Actress winners. Epic.

6. These pad printed bowls from West Elm are just too pretty for words!

Anything fantastic on the internet that you've seen this week?

Share away!

xo, lp

layering etiquette (a 9th & Elm love story)

I'm here today to talk layering. No- not in terms of clothing- which I am an expert at from living in the Midwest thankyouverymuch- but in terms of jewelry- a little bit more fun, no?

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I remember in high school the jewelry rule was "before you leave the house, take one item off".  It was the days where we all wanted to be Jennifer Aniston- with dewy makeup & sleek straight hair. 

These days it seems like the trend is the exact opposite. Crack open any J.Crew catalog and it's a bunch of pale thin ladies yelling LAYER UP! Baubles on baubles on baubles.

While I'm not totally opposed to this-- I'm more of a fan of layering simple necklaces over the big sparklers. I've been searching for the perfect gold monogram necklace for a while, and this one from 9th & Elm is just mah jam. Delicate, ladylike, and easy to layer. Proof I love it, via Instagram:

 WAIT! STOP! I know you're going to say- "Laura- a lot of places offer gold monogram necklaces. SNOOZE". Well calm yourself. I know that. How many of those places offer said necklaces for only $40 and ship them in a week? I ordered this one and got it a week later. Yeah. Most places (not naming any names here) tell you it'll take them 3-5 weeks to personalize. If you're a fan of immediate gratification & great quality, this necklace is for you!

Now that we've got the neck area down, let's talk wrists.

I refuse to say "armparty" because frankly, I think it sounds pretty dumb. Maybe it's not actually bad- but because it's so overused and overhashtagged? 

I digress.

My usual wristwear is a big gold watch, and 1-2 bracelets. Worked into the rotation has been these Lily and Laura bracelets. These bracelets are made with Nepali women- and are a bunch of tiiiiny crystal beads that layer perfectly! They stack together really well, and have a little bend to them so they sit up nice and snug to your watch/other bracelets!

Once again, Instaproof:

So how do you layer, friends?

Are you more of a simple gold monogram girl, or a colorful lily and laura bracelet wearer?

xo, lp

*the pretty powers that be at 9th & Elm sent me these baubles as a thank you for writing this post. i don't post about companies or products unless I dig them, and you can have my friends/coworkers attest to the fact that I ACTUALLY wear these pieces regularly. no lies here, buds.

BAKED CRANBERRY & BLUE CHEESE WONTONS.

It's been a little bit since I've shared a recipe on this here blog, so I figured I'd start the end of a hiatus off with a bang- with THESE:

If you've hung out at this blog for a while, you may remember me sharing this Pecan/Cranberry/Blue Cheese Spread a while back. The other day I had some wonton wrappers to use so I figured- why not make this spread into a wonton? Is there anything that DOESN'T taste good in a crunchy wrapper? I think not.

Plus, you need just a few ingredients:

What you'll need to make it happen:

- Wonton Wrappers

- 8 ounces of cream cheese

- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries

1/3 cup chopped pecans

- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese

- Olive Oil Spray

How to make it happen:

Watch out- these are suuuuuper tough:

Step 1: Mix in your cheese, cranberries, and pecans into your softened cream cheese.

Step 2: Take 1 Tbsp of your mix and fold it into your wonton- pinching the corners in to seal.

Step 3: Spray lightly with olive oil spray and put onto an ungreased baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake at 350 for 12-15 minutes, checking every 5 to make sure they're not burning! Bake until golden brown, let cool slightly, and enjoy!

These wontons have so much flavor there's no need for a dipping sauce at all. They're salty and sweet and creamy and crunchy. Best of all the worlds!!

I love these wontons because they're completely unexpected - if you want to totally mess with your guests heads - don't tell them what's inside and let them guess! I mean...unless they have a nut allergy. Then, geez- please tell them.

Any other blue cheese lovers out there?

If you're a blue cheese fan, try this dip, and if you're just a wonton fan, you must try these!

xo, lp

BIRTHENTINES (less gross than it sounds)

Well crap it's been a long time, hasn't it?

I decided that turning 26 warranted a full week of being lazy and not blogging- sorry!

I'm back, I'm back- and this week I promise a new recipe, a favorite new shop, and more fun & games & such.

Let's rewind a second, shall we?

Here's what's been good lately:

1. I'd pretend I'm surprised that it's still sweater weather- but who am I kidding?  It'll still be sweater weather in Wisconsin until APRIL. This ridiculously cheap white waffle sweater gets worn more often than I care to admit lately. Perfectly cozy in 20 degree weather.

2. My birthday at work was fabulous. I came in on Friday the 14th to an early b-day celebration...or rather... a Birthentine's celebration. Clever, those coworkers of mine. So much food. So. Much. Food.

 3. There was one day last week that got up to 40 degrees and people around here were FREAKING out. Anyone who lives in the Midwest gets what I'm saying. I figured this is as summery as it's going to get for a few months, so I went nautical. Hey- no judging- it's whatever gets you through the winter around here. (shirt from Old Navy, anchors from F21, clear & cobalt from 9th &Elm)

4. Saturday morning was so calm. Michael was at work, which meant time for tea, clementines, and Pablo. I'm not a huge poetry person, but when I lived in Peru I did a loooooooong paper on some of these poems, and I feel like I can recite them in my sleep. This edition is in Spanish and English...so if you're looking for some bilingual sweetness, you can grab it here.

5. I can't believe I've been doing these #dottyoptimisms for 20 weeks now.  Last week's was one of my favorite to date, and one I needed to remind myself of sometimes. It's sooo easy to get caught up in worrying about being the best over others, when we should be focusing on being the best version of ourselves. AmIRight? (for more dotty optimisms, go here!)

6. I know I haven't posted a recipe in a while- but tomorrow I'll have a new one for ya! It involved cream cheese, so you know it's gonna be good.

What's been good for you lately, friends?

Anyone have a romantic Valentine's day story to share? C'mon...brag away!

xo, lp

*let's be instagram friends, eh? find me here: @lpodlich

**don't forget, if you're an online shopper, you HAVE to use ebates!! Find out more HERE

oops. brb. celebrating.

OH HEY.

oops. forgot to post today.

i blame it on birthday brain.

yesterday was my birthday. today is michael's birthday.

we celebrated last weekend, we're celebrating this weekend.

yup.

so, with that, i'll see you pretty faces in a couple days, okay?

i'll leave you with this birthday fiesta PDA picture! hurray!

happy monday!

xo, lp

Water...what?

I'm sure you guys have seen plenty of people posting Waterlogue pictures on Instagram- but just in case you've missed the memo- it's an app that turns your images into watercolor pictures in seconds! I had an old iTunes giftcard and bought it the other day (it's $2.99)- and it is SO WORTH IT. I can't wait to print out a handful of these to frame around the apartment.

Here's a little look at what it does:

I seriously held back at posting like 40 of these. I'm sure the last thing you want is to see every one of my Instagram #ootd shots turned into a watercolor...right?

Anyone else in love with this app?

If you've been sharing some- leave your Instgram handle in the comments so I can check them out!

xo, lp

Blogger Buzz, v.7: Dream Dates

The Blogger Buzz is back. 

This month we're sharing our celebrity dream dates, just in time for Valentine's Day!

1. Laura Podlich of Beauty & the Beard // Aaron Rodgers—the QB from my favorite football team would be a perfect date!
2. Katherine Nolden of The Duchess of Plumewood // Michael Phelps—those abs and that smile! I'd live in a natatorium for him...
3. Meghan Anderson of Downtown Daydreams // My initial thought is Ryan Gosling, ever since The Notebook, I've been hooked.
4. Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista // Ryan Reynolds! I can't resist a guy who makes me laugh (and he's easy on the eyes!)
5. Ashley Fine of One Fine Day // When I think of John Krasinski, I think of Jim Halpert. Swoon! He's adorable. 

Now that we shared our celeb dream dates, it's your turn to dish. 
Who's your ultimate celeb Valentine?

xo, lp

Image Credits: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5

IS THE PAPER STRAW FAD OVER? I HOPE NOT.

 HOW is it Monday?

Whenever we go out on a Sunday night it always feels like Monday comes too soon. Ya know what I mean? 

I would complain, but this week is BIRTHDAY WEEEEEEK!

Yep. My birthday is Sunday the 16th, and Michael's is the day after. I've already started getting birthday cards in the mail from some amazing friends, and it couldn't be more heartwarming. You people know who you are- and you're awesome. Fuh real.

Alright, enough of that before I get weepy at how awesome my friends are. Done. 

Here's what's good lately:

1. Lily and Laura bracelets- these things are addicting. Thanks to the amazing 9th & Elm for sending these my way! 

 2. Dudes, Waterlogue App is the bomb. It is seriously addicting- when I first got it I spent like an hour turning photos into watercolor #notashamed

3. I don't care if the paper straw fad ever goes away, I'm always going to be on board. I recently bought some more from my #1 shop Loollipop. If you need any washi tape or straws, you must check her out!

4. Sunday night, as I mentioned, we went out to dinner with favorite friends & then hopped over to Anthropologie for their Feb Birthday private event! A few mason jars of champagne cocktails, mini cupcakes, and a photobooth later- Dani & I left with a little less money in our pocket. Dang you, Anthro! 

I snapped this shot before we went out- let's have a talk here, people.

This. Shirt.

Old Navy just won't stop getting better- and this shirt is so fab. Online images do NOT do it justice at all. It's the perfect weight and looks great buttoned up or open as well- it has little blue and red dobby like yarns, and is a STEAL of a deal. Runs true to size & is so comfy! Okay- END public service announcement...but get it! 

 5. Congrats to Heather S. for winning the amazing First Snow giveaway! Hope you love your print!

What was wonderful about your week - or what are you looking forward to this week?

xo, lp

** care to see what birthday week looks like? follow along here on instagram @lpodlich 

LET'S PRINT MORE PICTURES. (an ode to my sps calendar)

We don't print out pictures enough these days.

We take a ton of them, and share them every chance we get on social media...but we don't print them out. 

Isn't that the point of taking them? To have something tangible that connects to a memory?

So let's print more pictures, shall we?

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I know, I know, my intro to this post is a little long winded, but I'm feeling extra chatty today. Anyways:

Social Print Studio. I first declared my groupie-dom back in 2012. (whoa.) Then I reiterated said love while sharing my printstagram sticker tray in 2013. I figured I might as well make it 3 years in a row to show my appreciation- hat trick, right?

So a (long) while back I ordered a calendar from Social Print Studio- and for a while was putting it up month by month at my desk. When I went one day to check on August...I noticed my August 28th day was missing. Now, I'm sure that somehow when we moved from 1 apartment to the other I misplaced it somehow- but still, emailed the SPS team.

Long story short they MAILED me one of THEIR August 28ths from one of their calendars.

For free.

In a funny card.

Of which they all signed.

WHO DOES THIS NOWADAYS? WHAT COMPANIES HAVE THAT GREAT OF CUSTOMER SERVICE?

I've worked in customer service & the service industry for maaaaaaaaany years, and I know some customers are just huge pains in the ass- and I might have been like one of those to SPS- but they just smiled and helped me out right away. High five, fantastic team.

So where is this all going to?

Our (not so) new apartment needed some more photos in it- so I decided to hang the (now complete) calendar in our home. After much deliberation that involved having the entire year laid out on the floor in 3 different rooms...I realized the whole thing wasn't going up until I found a good way to do it. Instead I started doing month by month with string & mini clips.

Here's Feb, in case you were wondering what it looked like...complete with garish hearts and all:

Every time I walk by this wall I can't help but be brought back to a memory..

like the Feb 2nd- Ice cream in Mystic Seaport, CT wearing tacky 4th of July outfits.

like the Feb 16th - Richmond Flying Squirrels game in VA where I got gut-rot eating so much cotton candy.

like Feb 19th- M trying desperately to blow up a pool floatie for me at our old apartment pool in WI

like Feb 25th- Dancing around the huge Sorry! pieces in Philadelphia, PA

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I won't got on forever... but you get the point. 

The pictures we share on Instagram/Facebook are great- but how often do we revisit them and enjoy them? Probably not enough. 

These pictures- I see them every day and when a new month comes, so will a new set of memories be remembered. 

Moral of the story:

Print. More. Pictures.

And do it with Social Print Studio- because heck, they're really swell.

Care to get on board the picture train? 

Find them HERE.

xo, lp

* no, SPS didn't bully me into writing this post. nor did they pay me. i just think they deserve yet another post. ya dig?

SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEETIE

Maybe you're not into Valentine's Day- but I bet you'll be into these desserts!

Tell 'em you love them with some sweet Sugar Cookie Conversation Hearts!

Love Oreos? Love PB? Then you'll love these Oreo Peanut Butter Chocolate Pops!

Need a sweet breakfast treat? Try these Raspberry Cream Cheese pie tarts!

What sweets will you be making for your sweetie?

If you have a must-try recipe, send it my way or leave it in the comments!

xo, lp

BONFIRES ON THE LAKE.

Happy Monday, loves!

Hope you all had a perfectly fantastic weekend! 

Michael and I ventured back to my hometown for the annual huge tree bonfire on the ice- and it was a spectacular again this year for sure. 

Here's what the weekend looked like:

1. Tights+leggings+jeans+2 pairs of socks+duck boots= a successful walk on the lake. I felt like a giant marshmallow the whole weekend- but I stayed warm, so at least I got that right:

 2. Here's the annual "before" shot of the bonfire pile out of the lake (with a ton of ice fisherman in the background). It doesn't seem huge..but M is over 6 feet tall...and it's more than double his height!

3. And of course, the after shots: 

yes, this is what 300+ christmas trees look like going up in flames! Huge turnout this year-hundreds of people- and a lot of fun to be had! More images on my instagram HERE

 4. IT'S FEBRUARY! BIRTHDAY MOOOONNNTHH!!!! I am so jazzed. February means my birthday, Michael's birthday, my dad's birthday, and the birthdays of a few favorite friends. I was so excited I hung up my Feb Printstagram calendar a week or so early:

5. Wait, you haven't entered the giveaway yet? What! This gorgeous, HUGE print is worth $85! No cost to enter- just a few clicks and you're in! Enter HERE

I can definitely say that this year was the first year I have cared ZERO percent about watching the Super Bowl. Bruno Mars was pretty fab though- excellent job, mah man.

What great things did you do this weekend?

I hope entering the giveaway was one of them!

xo, lp

**love beautiful pictures? me too! let's be friends on Instagram. Find me here: @lpodlich