SHOPBOP SPRING MUST HAVE: THE BUCKET BAG

Mmmkay people. Let's talk spring bags. This post was not one I thought I'd ever write, because for along time I did NOT like the look of bucket bags. I'm more of a big tote or small cross-body kind of girl- but after seeing them EVERYWHERE and checking out the bucket bag assortment on Shopbop- I may convert to them this spring.

There are some seriously affordable ones out there (like these ones) that make this trend an easy one to jump on board with. Here are the ones from Shopbop I'm currently digging:

These are the top 5 brands with the BEST bucket bags (in my humble opinion, of course):

DEUX LUX BUCKET BAGS

KATE SPADE NEW YORK BUCKET BAGS

MARC JACOBS BUCKET BAGS

REBECCA MINKOFF BUCKET BAGS

SEE BY CHLOE BUCKET BAGS

I'm totally boring and would probably buy a camel or black one if I got one...but there's something to be said about the peach & pink ones!

Which color bucket bag would you choose?

xo, lp

RAINBOW PEEPS & ENDLESS TULIPS

HAPPY MONDAY!

I actually am fully ready for Monday. Last week was...a lot...so Michael and I totally vegged out this weekend and are feeling really refreshed!

Hopefully you're all feeling the same- and had a great time watching some NCAA basketball (GO BADGERS!!!!!)

Here's what's good lately--and if you don't already, be sure to follow me on Instagram for more snaps (@lpodlich)

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Let's talk about Peeps. 

I happen to love them stale- anyone else with me here?

Of course I had to put them in rainbow, cuz #everythinginrainboworder

If you already follow me on Instagram you're probs ready to yell ENOUGH WITH THE TULIPS ALREADY!!!!

But I can't stop.

They're too pretty.

I decided to try out the nail polish marble trick on eggs for Easter and it TOTALLY worked!

Check out these beauties:

I really don't drink much these days- but if I do, I try to make it a great beer or handmade cocktail...until this weekend.

Mike's Hard Lemonade's seasonal flavor is Blood Orange- and oh my gosh. It tastes like boozy orange pop and it's delicious.

So judge away for my drink choice- but I dare you to try it and not like it!

Rocksbox just keeps getting better and better you guys. 

If you haven't signed up, stop dawdling! If you go to Rocksbox.com and use code "beautyandthebeardxoxo" by April 1st you get your first box FREE!! 

This week's recipe involves these yummy roasted veggies.

GET. READY:

What was wonderful about your weekend, friends?

Tell me something good!

xo, lp

FIVE THINGS TO BE BUYING FROM ETSY RIGHT NOW

I'll keep it short and sweet, this is what you need to be getting off Etsy right now:

1. This awesome abstract art from DURIDO ...for under $20! 

2. This colorblock pouch from littlebrightstudio for $35:

3.  This gorgeous print from emmyrickard for $32 (just bought some art from her shop yesterday!)

4. This colorblock ring dish from weshopamano for $12:

5. These gorgeous rainbow tags from mooseart for $12 (i need these for an #everythinginrainboworder post!!) 

Which of these gorgeous items would you grab for yourself?

Those gift tags SO have my name on 'em.

xo, lp

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let's be friends! find me on instagram here --> @lpodlich

MARCH BIRTHSTONE: AQUAMARINE

This one goes out to my March Birthday Girls!

(if your birthday was last month, don't worry, I didn't forget about you, go HERE)

Shopbop has a ridiculous amount of Aquamarine inspired items out there right now, and it's making me seriously jealous that this isn't my birthstone. I think these earrings and one of these bags need to be mine, like, yesterday. ALSO was I the only one that didn't know Hunter made flats? Whaaaaaat?

March girls: here's what I've got for you:

THE KATE SPADE STUDS: you see them everywhere on this blog, and there's a reason for it. They go with everything, they are totally affordable, and they are the CUTEST gift to give (including to yourself).

THE MM6 BACKPACK: this bag is currently 30% off- and is the most awesome shade of aquamarine. Plus it's convertible to be a crossbody or a backpack- so....two birds, one stone.

THE KENNETH J LANE NECKLACE: this necklace WILL be mine- and it should be yours too. This is the kind of statement necklace that when you wear it to a wedding, everyone is in awe of how different and gorgeous it looks. Guarantee no one else will be wearing it (unless you're at the same event I'm at ;-) )

THE SHE+ LO BAG: This bag comes in 3 colors but I am loving the hue shown above. If you're a March birthday, TREAT YO SELF to this baby. 

THE HUNTER FLATS: i'll say it again, did anyone else know that Hunter Boots made flats? Whaaat? Diggin' these aqua beauties.

THE KSNY PASSPORT HOLDER: If you go on a lot of trips- for sure get this for yourself- BUT if you're going to a wedding this summer and you know the couple is going on an international honeymoon- what an AWESOME gift to give the bride, no? 

THE ESPADRILLES: This is totally a must-have Spring shoe. Comfy, casual, cute. And the color options: AH! Of course, for you March gals I went for the aquamarine color- but if this isn't your jam there's about 40 others to choose from here. 

Oh- for the shoes- worried they might not be the right size? Shopbop has FREE shipping and FREE returns within 15 days- so if they aren't perfect- there is no risk at all in paying for shipping!

Okay March birthday ladies-what gift are you getting yourself for your birthday?

Bonus points if it's something in the list above!

xo, lp

ROCKSBOX: FREE MONTH OF JEWELRY!

Alright guys:

Time for my RocksBox review! You've probably seen a good amount of people posting about Rocksbox on Instagram- but I'm here to answer some common questions- HONESTLY. 

If you're not interested in me blabbling, here's the quick quote:

- Rocksbox is like Netflix for jewelry - and to get a free month, signup at rocksbox.com & use code "beautyandbeardxoxo"? -

Okay, here's the long version:

Rocksbox really is like Netflix for jewelry.

You get 3 pieces in the mail, you wear them as long as you want...and then you return them.

Here's how you start, to assure you actually get pieces you LIKE.

1. You take a style quiz. There's a bunch of quick questions to narrow down what kind of jewelry you like - gold/silver, necklaces/earrings/bracelets/rings, etc. 

2. You USE the comment sections! There are places everywhere to give specific details on what you like, and drop hints about pieces you want :)

3. You use the Wishlist- you can request specific pieces of jewelry you want. That plain and simple!

4. You leave feedback! With each box you get, there's a spot to leave feedback for each piece - likes, dislikes, comments.

The most common questions I've been getting have been about shipping- so here they are, with answers:

1. Can you keep 1 piece for longer and send the others back? Unless you buy it, no. It kind of sucks if you really like a piece, but you have to send all 3 back at a time. BUT like I said, if you like a piece a lot, you can buy it for 20% below retail price!

2. Is shipping fast? Yes! My first box actually took a long time to come- but I found out it was my post office's fault, not Rocksbox! Since that first one, the shipping has been super fast. When I sent my last box back and got my new one- it only took a total of 4 business days!

3. Is shipping actually free? Yes. Shipping and Returns are totally free!

4. What are the hidden costs? Hah. I asked this question too. There actually aren't any- using "beautyandbeardxoxo" by March 19th and you get the first month free - and then after that it's $19/month. Shipping and returns are free!

5. What if you get something in your box you don't like? This has only happened to me once- I got a necklace I didn't totally love- so I just put a comment on the return form when I sent the box back! 

6. Are you getting paid for this? Hah, not to post about this, no. But like any referral program nowadays, you bet your sweet bottom I get perks. Use code "beautyandbeardxoxo" and YOU get a free month, and I get credit towards Rocksbox. BUT WAIT. Before you get all high and mighty- once YOU sign up for Rocksbox, you'll get a code too- which means YOU can pass it along to friends/family/coworkers, and get the exact same perks :)

7. Is it all gaudy statement jewelry? NO! There is something for everyone. I've gotten bold, bright Loren Hope pieces as well as delicate, simple Gorjana pieces. You get whatever you specify in your comments!

8. Is it worth it? For me, for right now, yes. As we're approaching wedding season I have a TON of weddings coming up (and bridal showers and bachelorette parties) and it's going to be awesome to have a constant flow of new jewelry to wear! Honestly, I don't know if it's something I'd do year round, but right now, it's worth it!

If you are still skeptical, send me an email : beautyandbeard(at)gmail(dot)com.

So don't wait! 

Use code "beautyandbeardxoxo" by March 19th for your first box for FREE!

xo, lp

Want to see some of the awesome pieces I've gotten?

Find me on Instagram --> @lpodlich 

SHOPBOP EARRING RAINBOW

You all know that I love me a good rainbow, AND I love jewelry- so why not combine the two?

Shopbop has THE best earring collection, hands down. From Kate Spade to Tory Burch to Gorjana- seriously a color and style for everyone. 

My favorites? These ones below- clearly I'm on a Pink/Turq/Gold/Crystal kick....

For even MORE earring choices- go HERE.

Which pair would you choose to buy?

I'll take every one of these, please!

xo, lp

for more colorful things (especially in rainbow order), find me on instagram---> @lpodlich

POMEGRANATE MOJITOS

Pomegranate & Citrus season is still in full force, and after having made a handful of grapefruit or clementine cocktails , it was time to get some pom in the mix.

If you're a mojito lover, this is SO for you- still minty & fizzy, with just a hint of pomegranate tang!

What you need to make it happen:

- 1 1/2 ounces white rum

- 1 ounce pomegranate simple syrup

- mint leaves

- pomegranate seeds

- sprite or soda water

- ice (I freeze mint leaves & pom seeds in mine!)

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Muddle a few mint leaves with your pomegranate simple syrup

Step 2: Add rum, ice, fill with sprite (for sweeter taste) or soda water

Step 3: Garnish with fresh pomegranate seeds and mint leaves!

Step 4: Enjoy!

This drink is crisp, refreshing, and just sweet enough to be called fruity.

Like I said- I freeze mint leaves and pomegranate leaves inside ice cubes- doesn't really add any flavor, but it sure looks pretty!

What cocktails have you been mixing up lately?

If you are looking for more ideas, I have a ridiculous amount of tried and true recipes here!

xo, lp

PSST: want to see a little more in the daily B&B life? go HERE!

THE ONE WHERE THERE ARE TULIPS EVERYWHERE

I've been watching WAY too much Friends on Netflix - because every time I go to put a title on a blog post, I always accidentally start it with "The One Where....". It's a habit, I tell you.

Here's what's been good lately:

This weekend was phenomenal- the weather was OUTSTANDING! I don't want to jinx it, but it actually feels like Spring. Michael and I took this opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air at a local State Park. We cross country skied on some trails we had never been on..aaaand got lost. Yup. 

Miles and miles later, after we finally made our way back to the car we walked around the park a bit and watched the sunset (and threw snowballs, duh).

You guys I've found a new love. I mean, other than Michael (sorry Michael!). 

I'll be doing a full review this week, but in the meantime- if you have already heard of RocksBox and have been on the fence about doing it- GO FOR IT. Seriously fun- this bracelet came in my last box and it was so hard to send it back!

(if you're going to sign up, be sure to use beautyandbeardxoxo to get your first box for FREE!)

So as for the title of this post- TULIPS.

I grabbed a bunch of bouquets for $5 each the other day and they've been making recurring appearances on my Instagram feed. #sorrynotsorry

This week's recipe on the blog is so delicious: 

How did you guys spend your weekend?

Fingers crossed there were tulips involved!

xo, lp

*psssssssst: let's be friends on Instagram, mmmmkay? find me here --> @lpodlich *

NO, BUT REALLY...I OWN IT.

I love reading truly love reading other blogs- no matter what kind they are.

Because you're here- I'm going to assume that you like blogs a fair amount too, or...at least this one.

With all the affiliate sites out there (one of which I use)- it can be hard to tell if people who you trust in the blog world are sharing products because they actually love/believe in/own them- or because they're trying to make a quick buck. 

I can say that on this here blog- I really share stuff that I only love/believe in/own.

Proof?

Here's just a couple below, as shown by my Instagram pictures!

MICHAEL KORS SLIM RUNWAY WATCH: This baby gets worn EVERY.DAY.  If the phrase #armparty didn't make me want to puke so much, you'd probably see a lot more of it on my Instagram feed. Sure, $195 can seem like a lot to shell out in one moment, but when you wear it often (and get compliments on it weekly like I do)- it's so so worth it.

GARANCE DORE CARDS:  (UPDATE: these patterns just sold out, but there are more options here!) : I post a lot of notebooks, cards, letterpress, etc on this here blog - and it truly is because I'm a certified paper hoarder. I love having JUST the right card to send to someone in the right moment. These cards are perfect for specific occasions (like birthdays or Valentine's Day), or just every day "I'm thinking of you" stuff. 

THE NY TIMES 36 HOURS BOOKS: I also post a fair amount of books- because-like above- I'm a pretty book hoarder. I love these series of books- all $15-$30-feature a specific part of the USA or the World. I currently own USA & CANADA: MIDWEST/GREAT LAKES as well as USE & CANADA: NORTHEAST. 

So there you have it folks, proof that I'm not just posting about stuff for the sake of filling the blank page. I love gushing about great products/brands I find and love- which is why I share them with you! 

What brands/items/products do you stand behind?

All 3 above are 100% vetted by me :)

XO, LP 

PS: Don't forget- through March 8th, get up to 25% off your ShopBop purchase! 

Psst: for more proof i buy things i post about ... follow me on instagram --> @lpodlich

THE BIG EVENT! UP TO 25% OFF SHOPBOP!

You guys- it's here! Shopbop's Spring Sale!

Here's how it works:

You save 15% with purchase over $250

You save 20% with purchase over $500

You save 25% with purchase over $1000

I know, dropping $1k in a day is not the norm for most of us- so grab some of your friends and go in on it together to get that 25% off!

Come on now, treat yo'self!

Get that Tory Burch wallet you've been wanting...or the Michael Kors watch...or those kick butt turquoise Hunter boots....

So GO! Shop!

Which of these awesome items do you have on your list?

I already have that awesome MK watch, so the Hunter boots are next on my list!

xo, lp

Sale goes from March 3rd @ 6:30am to March 8th @ 4:00am ET so GET SHOPPING!

BAKED SWEET POTATO FRIES w/SRIRACHA AIOLI

I've tried to make baked sweet potato fries multiple times- and each time they end up being a nasty soggy mess. I can't decide whether it was bad recipes or user error...but either way- not delicious.

I decided to give it one more try after seeing my favorite gals at A Beautiful Mess share a recipe I hadn't tried yet! I tweaked the seasoning a bit, and made up a different dip to go with them- but the base recipe was the same- and they turned out absolutely perfect!

What you'll need to make it happen:

For the Fries:

- 2 Sweet Potatoes

- 1 Tbsp CornStarch

- Salt, Pepper to taste

- 1 teaspoon Cayenne (less if you don't like spicy!)

- 2 Tbsp Canola Oil

For the Sriracha Dip

- 1/4 cup mayo

- 1 tsp Sriracha

- 1/8 tsp salt

- 1/4 tsp garlic powder

-1/8 tsp cayenne

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Cut potatoes into evenly cut fries- the more even, the better cooking

Step 2: Soak the fries in water for 15 minutes

Step 3: Drain, Pat dry, and throw in a Ziplock bag with the cornstarch and cayenne

Step 4: Toss with 1 Tbsp canola oil and spread out evenly on a baking sheet lined with tinfoil

Step 5: Sprinkle with pepper and salt, and drizzle with other Tbsp of canola oil

Step 6: Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, flip, and then bake for another 15 minutes. If you cut your fries a little thicker, they may need more time- so bake until crispy!

Once they're cool, taste- and sprinkle with more salt/pepper to taste.

Step 7: Mix all dip ingredients together and enjoy!

You guys.

They are seriously addictive. The dip is so damn good. Yup.

 These are totally going to be my new go-to snack for the weekend when I'm craving some super unhealthy chips :)

Raise your hand if you're gonna be giving these a try this week!

Let me know how they turn out!

xo, lp

For more food recipes, be sure to go HERE!

Let's be friends on Instagram, okay? You can find me here --> @lpodlich