TAKE A SIP: (the classics) THE BRANDY OLD FASHIONED

When I think of the quintessential Wisconsin drink, I think of an Old Fashioned. Heck- we even have a restaurant on our Capitol square named after the thing!

The Classic Wisconsin version is the Brandy Old Fashioned Sweet- when I bartended I made zillions of these things for out of towners who wanted to have the traditional drink.

Now that we have people over fairly often, I love making these- and there are so many iterations of these possible, that if you aren't a brandy fan...or a sweet fan...you can tweak it to make it your own! 

What you'll need to make it happen:

- 2 orange slices (in quarters)

- 4-5 maraschino cherries

- Raw sugar cube or just granulated sugar

- 3-4 dashes of Bitters (see bottle below)

- 2 ounces Brandy

- Sprite

-Muddler

-Ice

 How to make it happen:

Step 1: Throw your 2-3 cherries, 1 orange slice quarter, sugar, and dashes of bitters into the bottom of a glass. With your muddler, mash until cherry, orange, and sugar is well mixed. Be careful not to grind the orange rind too much, or you'll get a really bitter taste!

Step 2: Add ice and brandy, and top with a few splashes of Sprite.

Step 3: Either stir or pour into another glass so drink is well mixed.

Step 4: Garnish with and orange slice & a cherry, and enjoy!

 If you don't dig brandy, sub for bourbon or whiskey!

If you don't like orange, sub for lemon!

If you don't like overly-sweet things- add in 1 Tbsp Sour mix, then finish with just a little Sprite!

If you're really feelin' fancy, buy orange or cherry bitters to enhance the fruit flavor!

(so many exclamation marks, so little time)

What drink represents where you're from?

Leave a recipe or name in the comments, I'd love to look it up!

xo, lp

for more drink recipes, go here.

for instagram fun, go here.

IT LOOKS LIKE I ATE A BUNCH OF CHEETOS

Happy Monday, friends!

Hope you are enjoying the nice weather!

Other than spending some time outside, M&I took the weekend to do some MAJOR spring cleaning, and are getting so much stuff out of the apartment for a garage sale / goodwill. Feels. So. Good.

Here's what's been lovely lately:

1. Some weeks Michael gets inspired to make me lunch every day. Last week was one of those weeks- and I found notes with my lunch every day. I should have Instagrammed the one in which he rapped. #keeper #backoffhesmine

2. Normally on the weekends I get up early and run errands/clean/workout/etc...but Sunday was LAZY. I wore my pajamas until like 2pm or so. AND watched the Season 2 finale of House of Cards. AND drank hot cocoa with peppermint marshmallows (that are leftover from Christmas- judge away).

So yeah, Sunday was a pretty fab day.

3. It got above 60 here this weekend, which I felt validated orange lipstick. Despite the initial reaction of looking like I'd just eating an entire bag of cheetos - it definitely grew on me:

4. I love doing giveaways on the blog!!! You have until Friday to enter to win a bunch of amazing cards from Ready Maker Design (a few of which shown here!) Entering takes a minute- you won't regret it!

In other news, everyone needs these shoes for summer.  Oh, and this necklace too.

So tell me friends- what did the Easter bunny bring you this year?

If there were Cadbury MiniEggs in your basket, send them my way NOW (please)!

xo, lp

*new here? follow along on instagram for compulsive candy ordering, ootds, and other assorted midwest life items here!

SNAIL MAIL GIVEAWAY!

Here's the deal with giveaways on this blog:

When companies ask to do giveaways with me I put them through some criteria-

1. Would I buy the product myself?

2. Is this something readers would find cute/exciting/fun?

I know, I'm super tough, right? 

But really, I don't like doing giveaways just for the sake of doing them, so I tend to turn away a fair amount that come this way. Sorry friends- it's not that I don't love y'all dearly, but I want to make sure this blog isn't just a mess of giveaways for sub-par products!

I digress. The reason I set it up like that is because I want to make it clear how JAZZED I am for this giveaway!

Jaclyn of Ready Maker Design  designs and hand draws ALL her own amazing paper goods. Stationery, Wedding Invites, Bridesmaid cards, Thank Yous-you name it, she's got it. Her shop is full of incredibly sweet, whimsical, and completely original cards (some of which would be preeeetty perfect for mother's day, may i add) that anyone would be lucky to receive!

When she emailed me to do a giveaway I was THRILLED- because you all know how I feel about Snail Mail- it's the best!

So let's get to the giveaway, shall we?

Jaclyn is giving away over $50 worth of greeting cards, plus a discount card to one lucky person- all wrapped up in some fab gold polka dot paper :)

Details on how to enter are below!

HOW TO ENTER:

Step 1: Go to my Instagram account & find the above image!  Follow the directions that will be shown with the picture to enter!

(Instructions are easy once you get to Instagram- no need to repost the image! Just-->Follow @lpodlich and @jaclynhudak, and tag a friend in the picture! For each friend you tag you get another entry!)

Step 2: If you DO NOT have Instagram, simple leave a comment on this post telling me which of Jaclyn's prints are your favorite from her Shop, and leave an email address in the comment!

***For a bonus entry for Non-Instagram users- simply "favorite" Jaclyn's Shop on Etsy and leave another comment saying you've done so! 

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Giveaway Ends Friday, April 25th

Winner will be announced shortly after

No purchase necessary.

So tell me, my snail-mail loving friends- which of these cards do you love the most?

The one with all the oranges is my favorite!!

xo, lp

Blogger Buzz v.9

The Blogger Buzz is back! This month we're sharing our newest reads:

Where'd You Go Bernadette: Meghan Anderson from Downtown Daydreams. The perfect beach read and I loved the uirky story of the young girl and her mother. Plus the bright cover is a perfect addition to any bookshelf! 
Allegiant: Samantha Peterson from The Brunette One. Finishing up this trilogy was a must for me! 
Making Ideas Happen: Laura Podlich from Beauty and the Beard. It was slow at first, but had some excellent tips on taking ownership for your ideas and executing them flawlessly!
The Divorce Papers: Katherine of The Duchess of Plumewood. A fun read that was just the thing to get my mind off my looming law school finals! 
Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook: Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista. I'm a total social media nerd and he talks about the industry in a really inventive way! 

So we want to know- what's been on your reading list lately? Send your suggestions this way!
xo, lp

CHOCOLATE DIPPED MACAROONS (yes, with 2 "o"s)

Long before the days of French macarons being the trendiest dessert on the block, there were coconut macaroons.

I mean, wait. Let me back up.

They were never trendy but they were a popular Jewish dessert, especially loved during Passover- and I have plenty of fond memories nibbling on them as a kid. 

They're sweet and crunchy on the outside, and extra soft on the inside. So- while they may not be as lovely as macarons, I think they taste a heck of a lot better! For all coconut lovers- give them a try!

What you'll need to make them happen:

-14 ounces sweetened coconut (make sure you don't grab the unsweetened!)

- 1 large egg white

- 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk

- 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

- tiny pinch of salt

- Crisco

- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Get your oven going to 300 degrees- and get a baking sheet lined with parchment paper ready!

Step 2: Whisk your egg white and salt until frothy- use a mixer or a hand whisk. This will take a couple minutes, so have some patience :)

Step 3: Once frothy, stir in your vanilla and condensed milk- and once well mixed add in your coconut. Mix until coconut is JUST coated.

Step 4: Time to get your hands dirty! Using a spoon and your hands, form small balls and place on the sheet. DON'T use a melon baller or other typical cookie-former-- you don't want these to be too compact- it's best to just lightly scoop some up, lightly mold, and drop it on the pan.

Step 5: Bake in the oven for 25 or until light golden brown- and set aside to  cool.

Step 6: After melting your chips & Crisco together, either dip your macaroons in it or drizzle the tops of them.

Step 7: Let chocolate cool, and enjoy!

----

Your egg should look frothy like this:

Your mixture should be sticky, & there shouldn't be any excess liquid!

Pop them out when golden brown:

Dip & enjoy!

Weigh in on the debate: 

Macaroon vs Macaron- which is your favorite?

xo, lp

for more dessert recipes, go here!

LINE DANCING & BULL RIDING

Monday! You came too quickly!

In case you all didn't get it from me cutting off from blogging midweek..or from all the instagram posts- I took off for a quick vacation for a few days with Michael & friends. It was much needed- and it's going to be seriously hard to snap back into reality this week!

Here's what's up lately:

Can you tell I work at an apparel brand with some nautical heritage behind it when it's totally normal to dress like this for work? This outfit makes me feel like I should be hangin' out on a yacht in New England:

I recently got some goodies from Elizabeth @ Spike the Punch and Sugarfina- so I clearly had to fill my compulsive need to put 'em in rainbow order :)

VACATION!

M & I roadtripped with friends down to Nashville- and made a couple great stops on the way. Our first night was spent in Indy- with pull tabs & pizza at a VERY smoky bar. Boo to cigs still being allowed in bars in other states! We had a fabulous time laughing at the ridiculous band & getting some quality people watching in.

Day & night #2 was spent in Kentucky- in the bourbon capitol of the world. We toured Maker's Mark, explored downtown Bardstown, and ended up at a really cool hidden bar with great live music. The whole town smells like sour mash because of the distilleries surrounding it. So crazy!

The next day we headed to Nashville & did all things honky-tonk. We line danced, rode mechanical bulls, visited the Grand Ole Opry,  sang along with country bands, and drank our fair share :) 

Our final day & night we explored Vanderbilt, scouted food trucks and thrift stores, enjoyed whiskey flights and bbq, and headed to East Nashville for a full-hipster experience at night. 

I already miss the 80 degree, sunny weather. Le sigh.

If you're headed to Nashville anytime soon, I absolutely have some recommendations!

Now, back to reality---

Tomorrow I'll be sharing a seriously delicious recipe that any coconut lover will appreciate (and is kosher for Passover, if you're celebrating!)

Whew! So what did I miss while I was gone everyone?

Anyone going to Nashville soon? Please take me with you!

xo, lp

for more nashville goodness, and general entertainment, you can find me on instagram here --> @lpodlich

12 COCKTAILS TO GET YOU READY FOR SUMMER!

Here's 12 reasons to look forward to summer...and to buy a ton of cute paper straws!

1. Fizzy Pineapple Lemonade Punch- you'll never guess what the secret ingredient is! 

2. Raspberry Bourbon Fizz- Bourbon, but ladylike.

3. Kiwi Berry Sangria- If you're feeling a little tropical

4. Not-so-Kiddie-Cocktail- aka the Dirty Shirley

5. Orange Ginger Mojitos- doesn't get more refreshing than these!

6. The Clemetini- the best way to get your Vitamin C

7. Nectarine Basil Lemonade- with or without vodka, you choose.

8. Raspberry Lemon Maritini- a whole lot of girly in one glass.

9. Brandy Slush- hands down the best summer drink EVER.

10. Mixed Berry Mojito- In case you can't pick a favorite berry!

11. Strawberry Lemon Candy Vodka- the sweetest there is.

12. Patriotic Icee Slush- for all you who love the red,white, and blue.

If you're not quite in the summer mood yet, be sure to pin this and make 'em later!

What's your favorite summery drink?

Bonus points if it's one of these!

xo, lp

ROCK JUMPING & FINDING DIVE BARS

Monday! I can't even be mad at you this week since I actually feel like I got a full weekend in!

It was so gorgeous out this weekend, it was hard to be in a bad mood. 

I mean...other than the Badgers losing. That blew. BUT OTHERWISE. Great weekend to be in Wisconsin!

Here's what's been good over hear lately, as shown by Instagram:

1. Sending out some happy mail! A favorite friend gave me these postcards for my birthday a while back and they are so much fun to send out- you can't not smile if you receive one of these. If you wanna jump on the snail mail bandwagon and be pen pals, just email me : beautyandbeard(at)gmail(dot)com !

2. I know I've mentioned this before, but I get on food kicks like a low-grade addict, and grapefruits are my current target:

 3. Heidi Braids have made an appearance again-- get the tutorial here!

 4. Not to let the nice weather go to waste, M & I were outside a TON this weekend. Walk & frisbee playing on Saturday, and a few hour long hike at Devil's Lake State Park. Please see M scaring the crap outta me by rock jumping below:

In addition to spending time outside, we've officially started our Dive-Bar-Tour-de-Wisconsin. We find hole in wall, tiny tiny places (usually cash only) - and order the same thing, and grade it. Super nerdy, I know- but it's really fun! If you ever are in Wisconsin and want eat at a great dive bar, let me know!

Anyone else a fan of finding hole in the wall places?

If you know of a good one in Wisconsin- let me know & we'll be sure to go!

xo, lp

***lemme see what you've been up to lately! what's your instagram handle??
*** ALSO: i'll be a little sparce this week because i'll be on vacation... follow along here!

LINKS TO LOVE v. VI

Ooooh Friday, I just want to give you a big hug. 

Here's what's been looking lovely around the interwebs lately:

1. This wood shelf DIY is so simple, but so chic. Now I just have to figure out how to sweet talk Michael into building me a few...

2. I am a full blown stationary hoarder- and these floral monogram cards are fabulous! Well done Feathered Arrow Press!

3. I love the black & white leaf/floral/nature prints out there- such a sophisticated way to transform a girly print. This shirt is amazing!

4. Did I share this cake already? I feel like I did. Whatever- it's good enough to be shared over and over and over again. Gah DesignLovefest, you KILL ME!

5. Now that I've found ban.do on Fab, it's like going down a rabbit hole - this gold pin! Ah!

6. Have you guys watched The Mind of a Chef? It's on Netflix, and it is seriously addicting. They're really short episodes, and David Chang explores food around the world. Plus, it's narrated by Anthony Bourdain, so you KNOW it's quality.

Whatcha got going on this weekend, friends?

Anyone else watching the Badger game tomorrow?

xo, lp

5 INGREDIENT, 5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE.

Yup.

5 minutes. 5 ingredients.

I have your new last minute go-to treat recipe, and it's going to make you oh-so-very-happy.

What you need to make it happen (easy to double the recipe too!):- 1/2 can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter

How to make it happen:
Step 1: Combine your salt, sweetened milk, chocolate chips, and salt in a microwave safe glass bowl/vessel.
Step 2: Microwave on med-high heat for two 30 second intervals, and again as needed until chocolate chips are melted. After each 30 second interval, STIR. The milk will get hot and melt the chips as you stir it- so don't overheat the chips or they'll sieze up!
Step 3: Spread out on parchment paper on a baking dish until it's about 1/2 inch thick. Yes, I know fudge is normally these HUGE thick bricks, but this makes it so much easier for people to enjoy- it's really rich!
Step 4: While the fudge quickly cools in the fridge- microwave your PB until liquid.
Step 5: Drizzle your melted PB over the fudge, and set in the fridge to cool.
Step 6: Cut into squares, and prepare yourself to be the most popular person in your office/friend group!
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Really-just microwave it all together! Doesn't look pretty, but it sure is good!

Use a silicon spatula & you won't have any issues with the fudge sticking to it!

The final product! 

 I can't stress enough how easy this recipe is! It's sure to satisfy any chocolate-peanut butter lover's sweet tooth.

What's your favorite chocolate/peanut butter dessert?

If you're looking to add some more recipes to your repertoire, try my PB Oreo pops or Reese's Cupcakes!

xo, lp