TAKE A SIP: ROSEMARY + GRAPEFRUIT GIN SIPPER

Alright. I'm trying to be fancy here, but this is really just a rosemary greyhound.

Gin. Grapefruit. Rosemary Simple Syrup.

It's just as good as the basil salty dog I made last year, I promise!

What you'll need to make it happen:

- 1.5 Ounces Gin

- 1 Tbsp Rosemary Simple Syrup

- Ice

- Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice

- Grapefruit wedge & Rosemary for garnish

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Mix together your simple syrup, gin, and grapefruit juice in a shaker with ice. Shake like crazy!

Step 2: Pour over fresh ice and garnish with grapefruit wedge & rosemary.

(if you don't have a shaker, just mix together well with a spoon in your glass!)

With the 85+ degree days we've been having, this is the definitely the refreshing drink I needed!

I mean COME ON - how good do these look? Pin it for later, my friends.

What drinks have you been enjoying this summer?

For more cocktail recipes- go here!

xo, lp

LIFE LATELY: FARMERS MARKETS + PINA COLADA STARBURST

 Howwww is Monday here already? 

If I could take just 1 more day and get a few solid naps in that would be great. By the way, isn't one of the best things about being a grownup taking names on the weekend? I can't believe I ever fought them as a kid, seriously.

Here's what's good lately:

#1: Ooooh it is prime Farmer's Market season, my friends. Michael and I wandered around the Square and picked up so many great things- including these currants (which will be featured in a recipe post soon!):

 #2: Other than all the produce we bought (like zucchinis the size of a toddler), we also got some gorgeous flowers. How perfect are these?

#3: If there's a candy out there, I'll put it in rainbow order. I recently found out there are pina colada Starburst. 

My first question is: WHY!?!

My second questions is: Does anyone actually like them!?

Because..EW. 

 #4: This week's recipe is a treat, my friends. If you like grapefruit, this is SO for you!

Okay, I care about your weekend and all, but I REALLY want to know if anyone out there actually likes pina colada Starburst...

FESS UP, PEOPLE.

xo, lp

For more of a look into the weekend, go HERE!

BEACH (or pool) DAY MUST-HAVES

One of the great things about living in our apartment is that there's a pool for us to use that we don't have to maintain. It's magical. And since it's only warm enough to use it for about 2 months a year here in Wisconsin, we're sure to get down there plenty. We also visit the beach at a local state park a few times a year, and these are a few of the things I'm always sure to have around.

Some things are obvious (like these towels)  but some might not already be on your list (seriously if you don't have an Instax- get one!):

#1: A (big) TOWEL: No one likes small skimpy towels...amiright? I love this super colorful one from SunnyLife, kind of has an #everythinginrainboworder vibe to it.

#2: AN (easy to carry) COOLER: Okay, if you driving up in a car with some friends, I get that you'd have a big cooler- but if it's just one or two of you, why lug a big plastic one around? I love the size and shape of this Sunnylife one with a carrying strap!

#3: SUNGLASSES (duh): Too much sun in the eyes=headaches. These Le Specs are SO cool!

#4: A BAG (to fit all your crap): I bring the biggest beach bag possible so I can shove everything it in...and this Lolo one with clear sides makes it easy to find anything.

#5: AN INSTAX (sooo hip) CAMERA: If you don't have an Instax yet, boo to you. I've had mine for almost 2 years and it captures memories in such a cool, vintage looking way.

#6: A (ridiculous) FLOATY: Okay. These floaties are everywhere. Bloggers have them. Taylor Swift has them. Everyone. Has. Them. This donut one is colorful & actually looks comfy!

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Beacause I'm a beach towel hoarder, here are some of my faves: 

What are you beach/pool day must-haves?

Anyone have one of those fun floaties?

xo, lp

for all you people with summer pinterest boards like me....

LIFE LATELY: SELFIE STICKS AND SUMMER WHITE LEGGINGS

It happened this weekend. We went to wedding #4 of the summer...and this one was so. so. good. 

It was way up in northern Minnesota- so Michael and I broke up the drive with a day trip to Duluth before heading up to the wedding site.  We ate, drank, and were extra merry celebrating his cousin & his new wife! 

Other than that, life has been pretty calm. Work is good, Michael is super busy with school, and the humidity is just rising daily! 

As you'll see below, selfie sticks (like this) are my new shameful favorite thing, I'm on the hunt for some comfy summer white leggings (like these ones), and Rocksbox keeeeps killin' it.

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Here's what's good lately:

#1: Loren Hope necklaces just feel like they were MADE for me. Coral + Gingham = Summer, right?

(free month of jewelry by going to rocksbox.com and using code "beautyandbeardxoxo") 

#2: Errrrything white for summer. I love me some black & navy- but I'm currently trying to stock up on summer whites. Right now looking for the best ivory pants and white leggings (like these options) to round out my assortment. And no, the white leggings would be like comfy sleep-leggings. I'm not about that leggings-as-pants thing, especially if they're white!

#3: Like I mentioned, Michael and I spent a little time in Duluth on Friday, and while it was HOT, it was also gorgeous! I haven't been there in ages, so it was great to explore around a little bit:

 #4: The wedding this weekend was unreal. Set at the Bride's family's property, overlooking a lake, surrounded by trees. Each detail was so thought out- like these gorgeous centerpieces:

#5: The hit of the wedding (other than the bride + groom, duh) was the SELFIE STICK. Seriously. Whenever I see people with them, I think they're ridiculous, but they were SUCH a blast. Such a great way to get a ton of people in a picture without finding someone to take it. Plus, they make everyone laugh because they're RIDICULOUS. Proof is in the picture below (of michael's family!):

So what was good with your week, my friends?

Anyone else attend an awesome wedding recently?

xo, lp

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for more images (if you're like me and loooove pictures, go HERE!)

RECIPE REFRESH!

I've had this blog since 2011, back when Michael & I lived in Virginia.

We had no family or friends nearby- so I chose to start documenting our life out there. Over time I started sharing the recipes I was trying, the crafts I was making, and the trip we were taking.

Sharing recipes is by far my favorite thing to do still- and I recently refreshed my recipe index.

Some images are back from when I had a point and shoot camera (flash. omg. so bad), and some are new & a whole lot nicer to look at.

The recipe index is still under works- I'm hoping to add some images soon- but it's now broken down into clearer categories that makes it much easier to find a specific kind of food or drink- from mojitos to scones to quinoa.

So check it out HERE. 

Share it. 

Enjoy! 

& for more food pictures I don't share on the blog, go HERE! 

xo, lp

TAKE A BITE: 4 INGREDIENT DILL DIP

Summertime means picnic time, amiright?

Our standard picnic fare is cheese + crackers, fruit, and veggies + dip or hummus. I know, I know, nothing exciting- but it's all easy and quick. 

Since the veggie dips you buy from the store have about 20 ingredients and plenty of preservatives, I decided to make my own!

What you'll need to make it happen:

- 8oz Sour Cream

- 2 tsp garlic powder

- 1/2 tsp salt

- Fresh Dill (2 Tbsp, chopped)

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Mix all ingredients together & let sit for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Enjoy!

So easy. So good. 

Also, fresh dill smells amazing.

Also x2: Broccoli smells pretty gross.

What's your go-to food for picnics?

If you need a dip recipe, add this to your short list!

xo, lp

*For more food recipes go HERE!

*For more pretty pictures, go HERE!

HELLO, SUMMER!

Oh you guys. I know it's technically been summer since the end of June, but this weekend reeeeeeeally felt like summer. Lots of sun, pool time, and campfires. Everything I own now smells like bonfire smoke, but it was soooo worth it. 

Here's what's good lately:

#1: Taking Instagram snaps and turning them into summer iPhone backgrounds like it's my JOB y'all:

#2: Um, Kate Spade fruit earrings for the win (shop them here). Pineapples or Bananas?

#3: Latest Rocksbox necklace is faaaabulous. I've never been a purple person- but this one is growing on me.  (free month of rocksbox with code beautyandbeardxoxo)

#4: Let's chat about backpacks. I've wanted one of these Fjallraven backpacks for a while (this yellow one is so cute!) but I can't decide on a color. Help a girl out- which one is the best?! :

#5: This week's recipe is so dang easy, and requires less than 5 ingredients. YAS.

What summery-good things did you do this weekend?

Follow along on more summer adventures HERE!

xo, lp

TAKE A BITE: CILANTRO LIME QUINOA

I haven't done a recipe on the blog in a while - so I figured it was high time to post another...and a healthy one, at that! 

Most people like cilantro lime rice - so this is a version that's a little healthier. Quinoa is seriously a superfood, and while I looooove me some white rice, sometimes I try to health-it-up by replacing it with quinoa.

This recipe just takes 4 ingredients and about 15 minutes to make- and is great on its own- or in tacos or burritos

What it takes to make it happen:

-1 cup quinoa

- 2 teaspoons lime juice (or more if you really dig limes)

- Handful of cilantro, roughly chopped

- pinch of salt

How to make it happen:

Step 1: RINSE. YO. QUINOA. No but really. Rinse it well before you cook it.

Step 2: Cook your quinoa per directions on the package. (Typically 1 cup quinoa/2 cups water)

Step 3: Let cool slightly and stir in lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.

Step 4: Eat warm or cool- it's delicious both ways!

 I made this and added it to a veggie burrito (with a ton of avocado) and it was SO good!

Anyone else have a great quinoa recipe I should try?

If you're looking for more, try my:

 Quinoa Caprese Salad // Quinoa Mac & Cheese // Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

xo, lp

**still can't get enough food recipes? go here!

** like instagram? me too! let's be friends here!

JULY BIRTHSTONE: RUBY

Happy Birthday all you July ladies!

I figured since I failed so much in June that I better make amends and be sure to post this ruby birthstone post early.

July gals, I'll say the same thing to you as I said to the Emerald ladies of May: there are not a ton of items that are in a Ruby hue for July.

Everyone is all white/yellow/turquoise/coral/pink..but ruby? notsomuch.

Lucky for you, the bag/wallet designers of the world see your struggle and have answered your request for red leathaaaa.

Treat yo'self to a red bag or a red wallet- own the Ruby in summer!

shop red bags HERE / shop red wallets HERE

If red accessories aren't your thing, love taza did a pretty solid red lipstick roundup, and food & wine has a list of great red wine under $15!

July birthday ladies: what are you doing to celebrate your day?

Wishing you an extra-special month!

xo, lp

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Missed your birthday?

Go back in the Archives here:

June Birthstone: Pearl

May Birthstone:Emerald

April Birthstone: Diamond

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

February Birthstone: Amethyst

LIFE LATELY: ALL THE REDWHITEBLUE THINGS.

Happy Monday, m'loves!

Ohhh my goodness what a wonderful weekend! Michael and I both had Friday off of work, so we took full advantage of the long weekend and packed up to camp at a local State Park Thursday-Saturday. It was an eventful camping trip to say the least (which included a scuffle with a raccoon- soooo Parks & Rec), and exactly what we needed to recharge before a busy week ahead.

For the 4th we showered the camp smoke off of us and headed downtown to enjoy fireworks and drinks with friends. Hope you all had a safe and perfect weekend!

Here's what's good lately:

#1: We have been to 3 weddings so far this summer, and they've all been different and beautiful in their own ways! Our friends Ben & Emily got married two weekends ago and Emily made this awesome LOVE marquee- so perfect, right?

#2: Rocksbox saved my butt again from having to search for the perfect statement earrings to wear to one of the weddings- I would honestly never have spent the $$$ to buy these in real life since they're a little expensive, but getting to wear them for a night was perfection! 

(go to rocksbox.com and use code "beautyandbeardxoxo" for a month FREE!)

#3: I went sprinkle crazy at Target. Per usual. This was my phone background for the 4th:

 #4: And because sprinkle art is everywhere these days, I had to try my hand at it. MAN is it tricky! 

#5: This week's recipe is a super healthy one! It's vegan/vegetarian/gluten free and FILLED with flavor:

What did you do to celebrate the 4th of July?

If you shared pictures on Instagram, leave your handle in the comments, I'd love to see them!

xo, lp

(psst: you can find me on Instagram here!)