up to 77% OFF sure sounds nice...

Oh my friends.

It's a glorious time of year---it's the time of the year when retailers are trying to get rid of winter stuff to make room for their new spring stuff.

What does that mean?

MARKDOWNS.

and SALES on TOP of MARKDOWNS.

Today's top sale? Shopbop's extra 25% off clearance sale.

Check it out m'friends:

SHOP TORY BURCH SALE

SHOP JONATHAN ADLER SALE

SHOP MARC BY MARC JACOBS SALE

SHOP MADEWELL SALE

SHOP KATE SPADE SALE 

What are you grabbing from the sale?

Those Kate Spade notebooks for $6 are calling my name!

xo, lp

the most sparkly tree of all!

Yes, I did make a tree out of earrings.

Because...

Well...

Because it's beautiful...and sparkly...and...fun?

Anyway- it's pretty right?

Pin away, m'loves:

Jennifer Meyer Earrings

Blanca Monros Gomez Earrings

Kate Spade Earrings

DANNIJO Earrings

Marc by Marc Jacobs Earrings

Ben Amun Earrings

Tai Earrings

House of Harlow Earrings

Erickson Beamon Earrings

Shay Earrings

Which one would you pick off the tree?

Those Erickson Beamon beauties are my favorite!

xo, lp

*pssst: let's be friends on instagram, okay? you can find all my pictures right here! --> @lpodlich

TAKE A SIP: CRANBERRY MOSCOW MULE

I had to squeeze in one last Christmas drink before taking next week off..so naturally I chose some thing red & green...

Cranberry Moscow Mules!

What you need to make it happen:

- 2 ounces Vodka

- Gingerbeer

- Lime Slices

- Frozen Cranberries

- Cranberry Simple Syrup 

- Ice

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Fill copper mug with ice & add  2 ounces vodka, 1 teaspoon cranberry simple syrup.

Step 2: Top with ginger beer and garnish with a few lime slices & a handful of frozen cranberrries

Step 3: Enjoy!

Fruity, tart- not at all too sweet!

What drink will you be sipping on this season?

If you'd like one of these, just come on over!

xo, lp

*psssst: let's be friends on instagram, shall we? find me here           --->@lpodlich 

*also: for more drinks recipes, go HERE!   

IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE....

Happy Monday you lovely people!

The countdown to the holidays is on- and we're gettin' festive around here! Here's what's good lately:

Yes, I AM that annoying person that changes out paper straws with the holidays. The bar officially has Christmas all over it!

I am so excited to go home and give gifts to friends & family. These monogram mugs will be perfect for all of my favorite girls back home:

Christmas & Hanukkah cards have been sent out- with all the envelopes decorated with washi tape and Social Print Studio stickers!

 I don't know what it is - but once December hits I want all every single fair isle thing I see. Liiiike this hat: 

Tomorrow's recipe is SO. DANG. GOOD. Cranberry Moscow Mules, mah friends:

What have you been doing to get in the holiday spirit?

I fully expect holiday cards & cookies to be sent my way, folks!

xo, lp

psssst: let's be friends on instagram, mmkay? find me here  --> @lpodlich

an HONEST gift guide for each friend- no, really!

Okay people, here's the deal.

If you're looking at this gift guide, you're either a total slacker, or have just legit been having trouble crossing the last few people off your list.

I know what you need.

You need gifts from somewhere that will ship QUICKLY...and for FREE.

Why do I know this? 

Because I'm in the same spot. 

In fact, I came across all of these gifts because I need all gifts here by the 18th - and after last year of getting gifts AFTER Christmas that had been promised by stupid retail companies to come on time, I'm not taking any chances.

Here are some gifts for the people you might have left on your list- guaranteed free (and super fast) shipping:

For the "I have no idea what to get you" Friend: Let's be real, most of the friends we meet later in life aren't like our High School or College Friends. We just haven't seen them grow up, or have enough inside jokes with them from being drunkenly stumbling back to the dorms with. For these friends, it can be hard to get gifts for! 

What I suggest: These House of Harlow or Kate Spade studs. Totally within budget, but look lovely all boxed up.

For the Recently Engaged Friend: The great thing about these friends is that no matter what you give them- as long as it's related to their magical engagement day or upcoming wedding- will be adored. So, get them something that shows you fully get they're about to get hitched!

What I suggest: This super cute gold & white ceramic crown ring dish.

For the Constantly Travelling Friend: Maybe they have a job that they travel a lot for- or maybe they have a long distance boyfriend. Either way, a travel themed gift will show you get their lifestyle, and thought of something cute & practical just for them.

What I suggest: These heels travelling bags are made for individually travelling with shoes so they don't get scuffed- or get dirt on your other clothes!

For the Type-A list-making Friend: Everyone has a bunch of Type-A friends in their life- especially at their place of work..but it can be hard to shop for these people since they don't seem to have a whole lot of obvious interests!

What I suggest: These sweet (and cheeeap!) Kate Spade notebooks

For the Friend who lives too far away: You've been friends for a long time, and you need to ship their gift...but OY shipping things is friggen' expensive! 

What I suggest: These adorable notecards. They're small and flat so they cost next to nothing to ship, and you can write a cute note about how you should be Pen Pals because you miss them so much!

For the Friend who Instagrams everything: This technically should be for the friend who is obsessed with their iPhone- but the two usually go hand in hand...

What I suggest: A few cute but affordable iPhone cases. (Jordan Carlyle / Marc Jacobs / Rifle Paper Co ) She'll love to change them out depending on her mood- and they're Instagram worthy to boot. #loveit #bestfriend

For the Friend who likes booze or ironic hipster things: Oh yes. These friends. The friends that still think mustaches are a funny thing on mugs and shirts and temporary tattoos. These are the friends who like quirky things, and with those quirky things, they like craft beer and Trader Joes wine.

What I suggest: This Jonathan Adler Moustache bottle stopper: Good for the hipster wanna bes, good for the booze lovers.

For the Friend who loves Fido: Ah yes, dog owners. They already think their pet is sent from the heavens, so why not pretend you think the same by giving them something dog-themed? 

What I suggest: This gold dog catch-all for anything from jewelry to things you'd need at your desk.

There you have it, people! 

The quick, down and dirty gift giving guide. So get out there and grab a thing or two for those last few people on your list!

What kind of person do you need last-minute gifts for?

If you have any other ideas for people like the ones mentioned above, I'd love to hear them!

Xo, LP

TAKE A SIP: SPARKLING CARAMEL APPLETINI

Okay my friends, it's officially time for HOLIDAY DRINKS!

I mean, not that any of these drinks coming up on the blog aren't good all year long..but..they're perfectly holiday party ready!

First up: Sparkling Caramel Appletini.

What you'll need to make it happen:

- 1.5 ounces vodka

-  Hard Cider (angry orchard preferred!)

- Caramel Sauce 

-Apple Slices (honeycrisp is best)

- Ice

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Swirl caramel sauce in the martini glass

Step 2: Shake ice & vodka until chilled & add to glass

Step 3: Top off with hard cider, stir, and garnish with an apple slice.

Step 4: Sip & enjoy!

Simple, right?

The caramel sweetness assures no bite from the vodka, and the fizz from the hard cider is an extra surprise!

What holiday drink are you making this season?

If you don't have a good one in your repertoire yet, make this one!

xo, lp

**psst: let's be instagram friends! -->@lpodlich

TARTAN ALL THE TIME

Happy Monday you lovely people!

Today is a great day. Why, you ask?

Well for starters, it's my amazing sister Louisa's birthday!! (Hi Lou!)

It also happens to be the day of our anniversary! Er, I mean, Michael + Me...not my sister + me. That'd be just wrong. And illegal in the USA I think?

Anyway: Michael I know you read this blog once every blue moon - so Happy Anniversary!

------

Here's what else is good lately :

Rainbow. Glitter. Ornaments.

I DIYed these guys YEARS ago, and we still use them on our secondary mini tree. Just some dollar store ornaments, glue spray, and Martha Stewart glitter. As you can tell, I'm still obsessed with snapping #everythinginrainboworder pictures of them on Instagram :)

35 Degree Weather!

Oh Wisconsin, I love  you when you have mild Decembers! I probably just jinxed myself here- but this extra warm weather means I get that much more use out of my favorite Tory Burch flats. Love, love, love.

Holiday Cocktails!

Tomorrow on zee blog I'll be sharing this recipe for a sparkling caramel appletini. Oh yeah, it's reaaaally good.

(and no, you're not seeing double. it's the same scarf. evidently it's officially my biggest photobomber lately.) 

Holiday Gifts!

I absolutely love giving gifts- and I've been having a blast Hanukkah & Christmas shopping this year for friends and family. My latest great find is this silver antler bottle opener. If you don't have anyone in your life that'd like this, you're probably thinking I'm a crazy person- but I know one hunter and one artsy-thinks-antlers-are-cool gal who with both love this! (If you're in the same boat as me, you can get it here)

What's new with you all?

Anyone else powering through holiday shopping?

xo, lp

*pssst: find me on instagram! --> @lpodlich

you do NOT want to miss this sale!!!

You guys.

I know, I know, you've been hearing about Black Friday.... and Pre Black Friday....and Post Black Friday sales- and you're probably over it, right?

Trust me, this is one sale I KNOW you haven't been getting emails about yet, because it was a total surprise sale from Shopbop & East Dane!

If you're a usual Shopbop shopper, you know that whenever there are sales, there are a ton of brand exclusions...but not this time.

EVERYTHING.

yup, EVERYTHING is on sale! 

Full Price.

Sale.

ALL brands.

Tory Burch, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Madewell, Kate Spade, Michael Kors...so many amazing things!

Plus, the more ya buy, the more you save.

My plan? Going in to place 1 order with a couple friends so we get the 25% off!

Here's the breakdown again:

THIS is the time to finally grab that investment piece you know you want- or give that item on a Christmas list to your family! ;-)

I bet you could treat yourself to one...or two..or three... of the items below right?

WHY are you still reading this post?

go 

HERE

to shop the sale now through December 1!!

What will you be grabbing from the sale?

Don't forget- this sale includes ALL brands, and sale too- so it's totally the time to get your Shopbop shopping in!

xo, lp

BECAUSE YOU KNOW I'M ALL ABOUT THAT....BUFF CHECK

Oh my friends,

It's the season from here on out I will fondly call Buffalo Check season.

I work in Menswear and I have to say, buffalo check is is one of my favorite patterns to run during the holiday season. It's bold, classic, and great for guys & girls alike.

Here are a handful of awesome red + black buff check items you've GOT to grab this year!

1.  Oh, let's begin with some classic Pendleton, shall we? This clutch (currently on sale!)  is 98% lady and 2% lumberjack. 

2&3: This tote is just right for Farmer's Markets...and this backpack is MADE for a chilly camping trip.

4. I don't think I am quite cool enough to rock a mini belt bag- but if I was, this one would absolutely be my choice.

5. I know I've shared this C.Wonder blanket before- but if you're not into 100% wool blankets, this one is for you!

6. This scarf is perfectly androgynous enough for you to wear...or for your boyfriend to steal. Or vice versa.

7. Looking to make your home decked out in Buffalo Check? These throw pillows from Faribault Woolen Mill will give your pad the cabin feel!

8.  Say it with me: Buffalo. Check. Wallets. 

9.  The #1 thing from this list that I want to scoop up is the Faribault Woolen Mills 100% Wool, Made in the USA blanket. I want it for picnics, and camping trips, and early winter bonfires! 

Which of these Buffalo Check beauties would you love to have?

If anyone feels like sending me that Faribault blanket, you'd be my favorite person ever...

xo ,lp

BEST BITES: QUINOA CAPRESE SALAD

I can't believe I haven't shared this recipe yet.

Ridiculous.

It's one of my vegetarian, healthy recipes that even the carnivores in my life love. 

It's ridiculously easy to make, and it's full of protein and fiber. The mozzarella is creamy and salty, the sundried tomatoes are slightly sweet, and the quinoa is super filling!

What you need to make it happen:

- 1 cup quinoa

- Basil leaves

- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes

- 1/2 cup mini mozzarella balls

- olive oil (preferably garlic or basil infused!)

- salt & pepper to taste

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Cook your quinoa to the directions on the package, and set aside to let cool.

Step 2: Once cooled, stir in your basil, sundried tomatoes, mozzarella, and 2 tablespoons olive oil.

Step 3: Season to taste with salt & pepper.

Keep in refrigerator until ready to serve!

 Garnish with a few basil leaves:

Do you have a favorite healthy recipe to make?

Leave the recipe in the comments, I'd love to try it out!

xo, LP

Looking for more Quinoa recipes?

Try my Garlic Parm Quinoa or my Quinoa Stuffed Peppers!

ALSO:

Follow me on Instagram for more food photos!

Find me here ---> @lpodlich

FALL FLOWERS.

Happy Monday you wonderful people!

I know sometimes my Monday recaps can be pretty chatty- but this week I'll keep it short & sweet with 4 fabulous things:

1.  Every year I make this Cranberry Apple Galette about twice- and this weekend was one of those times. We had a fabulous Friendsgiving dinner and this treat, per usual, got rave reviews!

2. Fall flowers man. I dig 'em. 

3. AHHH. Is anyone else obsessing over the Faribault Woolen Mills items at Target? I CAN'T DECIDE WHAT TO GET. The throws? The zip pouches? The most affordable, quality items Target has had in a while. LOVE.

4. This week's recipe is a major favorite. I actually made it a while back and forgot to post about it- get ready- it is SUPER healthy, but SUPER delicious.

Alright, has anyone bought anything from the Faribault for Target collection?

If you have, you've got to tell me what you bought!!

xo, lp

Psst: let's be friends on Instagram, mmkay?

Find me here ---> @lpodlich

RAINBOW KATE SPADE EARRINGS

Everybody needs a pair of Kate Spade earrings. They're colorful, they go with everything, and they're great quality!

I definitely don't need any new earrings, but these are beyond lovely to look at!

Which pair of these Kate Spade studs would you take up?

Those tortoise ones are top-notch!

xo, lp



Psst: Let's be friends on Instagram! Find me here: @lpodlich 

NOVEMBER IN THE MIDWEST

Oh fall, don't go!

We've had such a perfect fall this year- I'm in complete denial that it has to go to let winter in. Michael and I hung out just the two of us this weekend (sorry, we're not Halloween people!) and enjoyed the sunny & chilly November weather of Madison.

Here's what was lovely:

Kale flowers. WHY can't we all figure out how to have these available yearround? So gorgeous!

This picture LOOKS like it was taken in July- but it was just a usual Saturday in November. We grabbed some popcorn and beer and enjoyed the Terrace before they take the chairs away for winter!

I've passed by this red door probably....23243459 times in my 8 years in Madison, and I've always wanted a picture with it. I don't know why- just weird like that I guess? Either way- wish fulfilled this weekend!

 Compulsive gradient ordering of the leaves. Yup. Can't stop won't stop.

This week's pick of the week is this awesome clutch/makeup pouch:

What did you do this weekend, friends?

Any good Halloween costumes?

xo, lp

let's be instagram friends, okay? 

find me here ---> @lpodlich

NEW ARRIVALS: THE LATE FALL EDITION

Oh my friends, it's that time of the year.

The air is crisp, the leaves are falling off the trees.

It's Sweater Weather! Scarf Weather! Boot Weather!

Here are my top 5 picks from ShopBop late fall arrivals:

1. Buffalo Check Blanket: Mmmkay, if you take anything away from this post- it's that you NEED this buffalo check blanket by C.Wonder. Buffalo Check is everywhere this season, and this blanket is the perfect iteration of it!

2. Quilted Gloves: These Carolina Amato gloves are beyond sophisticated-and perfect for anything from apple picking to an evening out.

3. Marc by Marc Jacobs Chain Bracelet: This is definitely a go-with-everything accessory- but would you expect anything less from Marc?

4. Baggu Leather Clutch: When I think Baggu I always think of those thin reusable market bags from J.Crew...so when I saw this clutch (and for only $54...WHAT.) I did a major double take. Love. Love.

5. Sorel Boots: If the late fall wherever you live is anything like the one we're likely to get here in Wisconsin, you're going to want a pair of great waterproof boots- like these fabulous Sorel ones!

Which item from the Top 5 would you grab?

I mean, mine is that buffalo check blanket..so bonus points to you if that's your favorite...

xo, lp

FLANNEL + LEAVES + THE BEST PUMPKINS EVER

Oh my friends, isn't Fall amazing?

Here in Wisconsin we often complain that Fall is too short- because the snow flies before we can blink.

But this year- THIS YEAR we've gotten a full enjoyable fall. The weather has been unbelievable. Sunny. Crisp Air, Colorful leaves.

Here's what's good in around here relating to Fall (via Instagram)

----

I'm not gonna lie, this isn't even all of the flannel shirts I own. Yup.

The LEAVES! Did I mention the leaves?? Can't. Get. Enough.

This year's pumpkin seeds? 4 cheese, Ranch, and Spicy Garlic. My favorite was Spicy Garlic. Soooo good!

My pride and joy this year are these emoji pumpkins. Yup. They're like my kids or somethin'.

Saturday was a perfect day for a football game! So weird being an Alumni sitting in real seats- not the Student Section for Badger Homecoming!

Everybody and their mother is wearing plaid blanket scarves this season- and other than the Zara one, this is by FAR the best! AND it's under $50. Sold. 

Okay- tell me how YOU'VE been celebrating fall!

If you've carved or painted some awesome pumpkins & shared them on Instagram- leave your insta handle so I can check them out!

xo, LP

PSSST: Let's be friends! Find me here.

4 SWEET & SALTY SNACKS FOR FALL

 You're probably sick of me telling you that Fall is my favorite season.

I really don't care.

Sorry.

I mean.

Fall is so short in the Midwest, that I think gushing about it for a few goods weeks is fair, right?

Here are my 4 favorite fall treats- 2 sweet, 2 salty:

Baked Cinnamon Apple Rings. 

Healthy, Sweet. No sugar added. You're welcome:

 Zucchini Bread

This is a snack. And a breakfast. And a dessert. It's THAT good.

 White Cheddar Cayenne Popcorn

I eat popcorn pretty much daily, and this is hands down my favorite recipe. 

Spiced Roasted  Pumpkin Seeds.

NO not sweet like a PSL- I mean spices like paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder. Mmm-mm.

What are your favorite Fall snacks?

For more tasty treats, go HERE!

xo, lp 

i love pictures almost as much as i love you.

let's be instagram buds.

find me here --> @lpodlich

6 GILDED GIFTS TO GET YOURSELF!

Hi friends!

Today is all about YOU! Yup. Today is all about treating yo'self- today specifically with some gilded goodies.

Some of these gifts are just around $20- and I KNOW each and every one of you drop more than that on an average trip to Target...so no BS about "not having enough spare cash" mmmkay?

Here's what I've chosen for myself....er. YOU!

GIFT BOUTIQUE

Fortune Cookie Box: Sometimes the perfect gift to give yourself is one that can hold all the trinkets & treasures you've treated yourself to in the past. And have you ever seen one that's cuter than this cookie?

Gold Lipstick Mug: If you're more of a practical self-gift-giver like I am - this mug is not only useful, but cheeky and perfectly ladylike.

KATE SPADE

Devil is in the Details Notebook: Anyone else out there a Type-A list maker? If so, why not at least write to do lists in style?

C.WONDER

Chevron Round Box: Okay, so maybe you're not into the Fortune Cookie Box- then go for this one instead. Perfect to hold rings on your dresser or earrings on your bedside table!

Golden Chevron Glasses: While we're on a chevron kick here, let's talk about these glasses. If you have a barcart and are looking to add some shine to it- these are your best bet!

Gold Monogram or Animal Wine Stopper: Got glasses for your barcart? Then these wine/bottle stoppers might be just for you. Plus, if you REALLY love yourself, one's a monogram, so you can just stare at the first letter of your first (or last) name all day erryday.

-----

If you're still refusing to buy yourself something, then buy one of these and send it my way, okay?

I'll take those Chevron Glasses, please and thank you!

xo, lp

*let's be instagram friends, because i heart you.

find me here --> @lpodlich