BAKED CINNAMON SUGAR SWEET POTATO FRIES

Ohhhh Sweet Potato Fries. 

Remember when I made some spicy ones a while back with a Sriracha dipping sauce? 

Crap those things were good.

I figured not everyone loves spicy- so this version is sweet. Juuuust like all of you. I know. I'm full of it today. I blame it on the looong week at work.

Here it is folks, I dare you to eat just one...

What you'll need to make it happen:

For the Fries:

- 2 Sweet Potatoes

- 1 Tbsp CornStarch

- 1 Tbsp Canola Oil

- Cinnamon Sugar

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 1 Tbsp cinnamon sugar. 

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

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!

Step 7: When hot out of the oven, sprinkle with more cinnamon sugar- load it up if ya feel like it!

If you want to make these REALLY good, give them a light sprinkle of salt too, it'll make them that perfect balance of salty and sweet!

For the Spicy version with Sriracha aioli, go HERE!

For more snacky food recipes, go HERE!

What is your favorite snack to munch on lately?

I can't get enough of these fries, and these baked sriracha cream cheese wontons!

xo, lp

PSST: Want the inside scoop of daily B&B life? Go HERE! 

MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS FOR EVERY MOM WITH SHOPBOP

Mother's Day is LESS than 2 weeks away everyone- so if you're still figuring out what to get your mom, now is the time to grab something off this list so you're not late!

If you live near your mom, this will ship to you fast so you have time to wrap it up nicely!

If you DON'T live near her- Shopbop offers FREE shipping, so you don't have to deal with that extra pain of extra charges to get it to her.

PLUS if your mom is pick- Shopbop offers free returns within 15 days ;-)

It's super easy to just grab her a nice pair of earrings or a bracelet- but sometimes an out of the box can mean so much more! I've arranged a list of gifts for all different types of moms out there (my favorite is the pink fanny pack for the practical mom, of course), so you're sure to find a gift for yours!

For the Practical mom, a cool Hunter umbrella for rainy days, a pink fanny pack for hikes and trips, or some lesport sac gear for keeping things in order!

For the Organized mom, somewhere to display her watches, her rings, or pack up her clothes!

For the Workout mom, a new yoga mat, a shiny s'well bottle, or a new gym bag!

For the Fashionable mom, an array of style books, a TB mixed print case, or a stylish new phone case!

For the Super Hip mom, an ironic bag, a wine topper, a coffee table book or a sassy mug!

For the Pet Loving mom,  anything and everything dog and cat- like mugs, wine stopper, or salt and pepper shakers!

For the Gardening mom, some sweet snail or flower earrings, or a floral lesportsac piece!

For the Best Hostess mom, a cheese label or knife set, a boozy candle, or some cute coasters!

My mom is definitely a Gardening/Practical mom-

Which of these buckets does your mom fall into?

xo, lp

PANTONE CANDY + A MILWAUKEE WEEKEND

Oooh the weekend. Why does it have to fly by so quickly?

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend- here's what's been good lately:

I've started a new little series on Instagram called #pantonecandy- and it's exactly what it sounds like :) Check out the beginnings here --> @lpodlich

 This weekend Michael and I went to Milwaukee for a little getaway. We had a great dinner at Balzac, enjoyed the Comedy Cafe- and met some friends at Hi Hat for drinks. Today we enjoyed a sunny walk by the lake and it was seriously hard to drive back home! 

This chilly sprint has meant I get that much more use out of my favorite colorful wool coats. If it's not going to be green and springy out in nature, I'm going dress green and springy!

This week's recipe is the most addictive one I've made in a while... fair warning.

What did you do this weekend?

Tell me good things, friends!

xo, lp

APRIL BIRTHSTONE: DIAMOND

It's my favorite time of the month, everyone- time to unveil the monthly birthstone round up!

For all you April ladies out there- how lucky you are to get DIAMOND as your birthstone! I mean, it goes with everything, and it never goes out of style.

Per usual, I've rounded up my favorite items from Shopbop that have a diamond-feel to them. Clearly these diamond-esque Kate Spade studs are great (and at an under $40 price tag? psh! treat yo'self!)- but there were some fun rhinestone shoes, and accessories that I found as well this month! 

Here they are:

To get these shiny ones:

STUART WEITZMAN JELLY SANDALS

JENNY PACKHAM BOW COMB

MICHAEL KORS DARCI WATCH

KENNETH JAY LANE EARRINGS

MICHAEL KORS RING

Anyone out there with an April birthday and doing something fabulous to celebrate it?

xo, lp

Missed your birthday month?

Go back in the archives! 

March: Aquamarine

February: Amethyst

EASY + FAST 5 STEP FRIED RICE

I took these pictures AGES ago and totally forgot to post this recipe, but it's one that too good and too easy not to share! 

Vegetable Fried Rice can be sooo satisfying. Salty soy sauce, crunchy veggies, warm & filling rice.

This recipe just takes 5 steps- and assures you'll have a tasty meal or side dish in no time at all!

What you'll need:

- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice *it's best to cook it the night before- but not necessary!

- 1/2 cup diced carrots

-1/2 cup peas (thawed-not frozen)

- 1/2 cup diced white or yellow onion

- 1 large egg

- 2 Tbsp veggie oil

- soy sauce

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Heat your oil in a wok or large pan and saute your veggies for 2-3 minutes.

Step 2: Push your veggies to the side of the pan and crack your egg on the other side of the pan

Step 3: Lightly scramble the egg in the pan, until cooked and in small pieces

Step 4: Add your rice and toss all ingredients together

Step 5: Add soy sauce to taste (I usually use 1 Tbsp to start), and once rice is heated- remove and eat!

This is totally one of those recipes to pin now so when you're looking for a quick recipe you can pull it up and make it!

What's your favorite quick & easy meal to make?

For more recipes go here!

xo, lp

** want an inside look into B&B? be sure to go HERE! **

ROCKSBOX REVIEW: TAKE II

About a month ago I wrote a review about Rocksbox- and I wanted to write a follow-up one now that I've used the service for a couple months, and have exchanged numerous boxes!

If you don't want to hear me blab, but want to get a month FREE from Rocksbox- just go to the website and enter code "beautyandbeardxoxo" at check out!

Like ANY referral nowadays, I totally get perks if you use this code- so if you do, THANK YOU! I could just hug your sweet face. 

------

For those who love to hear me ramble, here's the 2 month review:

I've heard the same complaint from numerous friends about clothing/jewelry subscriptions boxes:

 The first box (or two) is AWESOME in order to get you hooked...and then after that they taper off and seem to send you less and less impressive things. Good enough to keep you paying money, but not really worth it.

To be honest, I kind of expected this to happen with my Rockbox boxes. The first one was amazing. It had a combination of delicate gold Gorjana pieces, and bold colorful Loren Hope. It was like the stylist was reading my mind. 

I've gotten 3 more boxes since then- and each one has been just about as awesome. Always a mix of bold statement pieces and delicate layering necklaces or bracelets- which is exactly what I want. Any time I've given feedback about not 100% loving something (like a bangle being too heavy/big)- I never get another piece like it in my box- they totally listen! 

Now: on customer service.

I am a Customer Service SNOB. 

No, really. 

I've worked in different customer services positions for as long as I can remember- and I know how people should be treated. You should anticipate your customer needs, be flexible, be respectful, be accommodating- and always ALWAYS do everything in your power to make a negative experience turn into a positive one.

I can honestly say that the people behind Rockbox do all the above.

One of my boxes was delayed due to a USPS shipping error- and after one email to the team- I received and apology email- and a replacement box was sent that day, arriving just a day or two later. There weren't any excuses given, any runaround- just clear action taken in a fair (and awesome) manner.

If you have more questions on the basis of how Rocksbox works, be sure to check out THIS post.
All in all- getting packages in the mail is the best, right? And when those packages are filled with sparkly baubles it just makes them that much better!

So that's the 2 month review. Still loving the service- still getting great jewelry!

If you have any other questions, be sure to leave them in the comments below or email me:  beautyandbeard(at)gmail.com

Don't forget- to try a first month TOTALLY free, just go to the website and use code "beautyandbeardxoxo" !

Have you tried out Rocksbox?

What are your thoughts? Love? Hate? Can't live without?

xo, lp

** for more sparkly posts, be sure to follow me on Instagram! you can find me here: @lpodlich **

I'M LOOKING FOR >YOUR< ADVICE! (SHOPMYCLOSET)

Happy Monday everyone!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend- here's what's good lately:

-----

1. This page from my favorite page-a-day calendar was worthy of a prime spot on my wall at home. If you're a people pleaser- I bet you know alllll too well what it's like to put up with something (or someone) who isn't worth your time or frustration. Remember you deserve all the good things, friends!

 2. Rather than wear just one of the necklace from Rocksbox this weekend, I figured I'd layer 2 up. Aren't they gorgeous?

Remember- if you want to try Rocksbox for 50% off your first month, just go to rocksbox.com and enter code "beautyandbeardxoxo" !

I won't try to hold any suspense over your heads- this week's recipe will be a super tasty one- AND insanely quick and easy. Get ready to get cooking!

Like I mentioned in the title of this post, I'm looking for YOUR advice!

I did a ton of spring cleaning this weekend and I have a ridiculous amount of jewelry and clothes to sell...BUT I live in an apartment, so garage sales are out of the question.

I'm wondering:

Have you ever done and online sale with a shopping website- or a "shop my closet" on Instagram or Facebook?

If you ever have I would REALLY appreciate some advice/help!

If you don't feel like sharing in the comments- PLEASE send me an email:

beautyandbeard(at)gmail.com

I know emailing someone you've never met probably sounds weird, but I promise I'll be forever grateful! :) :)

Thanks in advance for any awesome advice you might have on online sales!

xoxo,

lp

pssssssssssst: let's be instagram friends! i promise to give first dibs info on there when i do sell all mah jewels & clothes!

find me here--> @lpodlich

SOLUDOS ESPADRILLES! (part of Shopbop Friends & Family Sale!)

Like I mentioned in yesterday's post, the best sale out there is ON right now: 

The Shopbop Friends & Family Sale.

25% off.

No minimum order.

Free 3-day Shipping.

Free returns for 15 days.

I ordered a handful of things today (insert blushing emoji here) - and one thing I finally grabbed was a pair of Soludos Espadrilles. I've seen them EVERYWHERE on blogs- and well-  the peer pressure got to me. I haven't had luck finding comfy espadrilles in the past- but the reviews on them promise to be great- so I grabbed a pair of the bright aqua ones! With the 25% off Friends & Family discount they were only $27! Total steal.

Once they arrive I'll update y'all on how they fit and feel- but with the free returns for 15 days, I just HAD to grab them while they were 25% off! If you've been thinking about grabbing a pair- NOW is the time!

Here's the whole rainbow Shopbop offers in Soludos:

Which color Soludos will you be grabbing during the 25% off sale?

I got the bright aqua- but I LOVE the red with a pineapple too!

xo, lp

Sale ends April 10th, 4am EST

*brand exclusions do apply - see here for more details

The BIG Sale: SHOPBOP FRIENDS & FAMILY 25% OFF SALE!

There are some retailers that have sales ALL the time- and Friends & Family ends up not meaning anything, because well..when you have it 8 times a year, it loses it's impressiveness!

Shopbop only has this sale a couple times a year- so if there's been something you've had your eye on, NOW is the time to get it.

The sale is on April 7th (now!) until April 10th at 4am EST- so get shopping!

(brand exclusions do apply!)

The Friends & Family sale has always been the time when I've bought my big ticket items like my Michael Kors Watch, as well as items that aren't as expensive- but I've been too cheap to pull the trigger on, like Rifle Paper Co stationery. This time around I think it might be time for some Tretorn boots or a new purse!

Since it's tax-return season, it's the best time to treat yo'self to something NEW for spring! Here's a guide to the best things (in my opinion) to snatch up during the sale:

A new case for your cell phone ... or a new watch if you're trying to rely on your phone less.

A new big wallet to store all your cash ... or something smaller if your tax refund wasn't so great.

Classic Sam Edelman Flats if you've got some sun ... or Tretorn Boots if you're stuck in April Showers.

A bright bag to say "Spring is heeeeere" in an Oprah voice ... or one in a basic color if you're more practical like I am. 

What are you going to grab for yourself during this sale?

Remember, it only happens a couple times a year, so don't wait!

xo, lp

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER + CARROT + PARSNIP SOUP

Winter is finally coming to an end- but it's still chilly enough to enjoy a nice soup! This soup recipe is creamy, smooth, and the nice mix between sweet and salty!

After seeing a ton of awesome recipes out there- I made a hybrid of a few of the recipes.

To see the inspiration: 

101 Cookbooks Simple Carrot Soup

Spoon Fork Bacon Cauliflower + Parsnip Soup

Food & Wine Roasted Cauliflower Soup

Here's my version:

What you'll need to make it happen:

- 3 cups cauliflower (cut)

- 2 parsnips, peeled & cut

- 1 cup carrots, cut

- 4 garlic cloves - peeled

-2 shallots, peeled and cut

- 3 cups veggie stock

- 1/4 cup light sour cream

- olive oil

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 2 teaspoon dried thyme

- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne

- salt & pepper

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375 degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper

Step 2: Mix veggies with olive oil and spread out on the baking sheet

Step 3: Sprinkle thyme, cayenne, paprika, salt, and pepper 

Step 4: Roast vegetables for 15 minutes, stir/flip, then roast for another 15 minutes

Step 5: Heat vegetable stock in a pot on the stove & put into blender add your roasted veggies.

Step 6: Leave the top circle open and cover with a paper towel -- if you leave the cover totally closed and try to blend that stuff will EXPLODE! Trust. 

Step 7: Once well pureed- put back in the pot on the stove and stir in the sour cream.

Step 8: Add salt and pepper as needed - then garnish with some olive oil and cut carrots and enjoy!

Don't these roasted veggies look amazing?

Gah! This soup is so good. Creamy and rich- but not too heavy!

Anyone else have a great soup recipe I should try?

If you have a good recipe or if you've seen one on another blog, send it my way!

For more recipes - go HERE!

For more fun- find me on Instagram HERE!