2015: A YEAR IN REVIEW

2015 was a solid year.

I know that's not very exciting. People normally are all like:

"this year was the best of my life!"

"this year was so unreal I can't even handle it!"

"this year was epicccccccc"

I don't know that any of those really sum up my year. Don't get me wrong, 2015 was great.

Michael and I have great jobs, an apartment we love, and awesome friends.

We went on camping trips, visited family, and celebrated people we love getting married.

But I have a feeling about 2016 though. It's going to be THE year. I just know good things are going to happen. 

So cheers, 2015- you were excellent- but move over for your better looking sister, 2016!

Here are some snapshots from the last year on Instagram (@lpodlich)

XO, LP

GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS FOR YOUR PET LOVING FRIEND

Another Gift Guide?

WHY NOT?!

If you missed it, you can find the booze-loving friend gift guide HERE and the coffee-loving friend gift guide HERE. 

Today's gift is another no-brainer. We all have friends who treat their pets like they are better than anything else on the planet. They talk to them like humans, they buy them a ridiculous amount of toys...

These are gifts for those people. 

GRUMPY CAT 2016 calendar: $15, Free shipping You don't even need to be a cat-lover to appreciate this one.

GLASSES KITTEN makeup pouch: $15, Free Shipping I mean...pretty cute, right?

ARE YOU KITTEN ME RIGHT MEOW pillow:  $39, Free Shipping: Who doesn't love a good cat pun?

PINK CAT candle:  $34, Free Shipping: I feel like it would be kind of creepy to burn this- but might just look cool on a shelf!

HARRY BARKER dog toy: $14, Free Shipping: Um, tartan dog stuff? YES. 

CALI DOG pouch: $14, Free Shipping:  Dogs wearing clothes? Fuggeddaboutit.

I'M NOT SINGLE,  I HAVE A DOG mug: $14, Free Shipping  HA. HA. Love.

BEST FRIEND dog mat: $8, Free Shipping This has a cool modern feel to it- great for any dog owner. 

Which gift will you be buying your pet-loving friend?

xo, lp

GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS FOR YOUR COFFEE (OR TEA) LOVING FRIENDS

Mmmkay.

Day 2. Hope you all liked yesterday's Gift Guide for Booze Lovers ! Today we're putting away the hard liquor and bringing out the caffeine...time for gifts for those coffee & tea lovers you know! These are also good gifts for secret santas at work - because a coffee/tea gift is always a safe gift.

Links below! 

COLD HANDS WARM HEART travel mug $18, Free Shipping  

B&W STRIPES travel mug $18, Free Shipping

BRIGHT FLORAL travel mug $14, Free Shipping 

I DID MY BEST travel mug $14, Free Shipping 

I WOKE UP LIKE THIS mug $10, Free Shipping 

BEST DAY EVER mug $10, Free Shipping 

SCRABBLE LETTER mug $10, Free Shipping 

TEAL SHAPES mug $22, Free Shipping

BLUE GRADIENT mug $18, Free Shipping 

GOLD INITIAL mug $10, $7 Shipping 

POLKA DOT travel mug $18, Free Shipping

SILVER GLITTER travel mug $14, Free Shipping

BUT FIRST, COFFEE travel mug $14, Free Shipping 

LILLY FLORAL travel mug  $15, Free Shipping

If you feel like getting me one of these, I'll take the bright floral one- please & thank you!

xo, lp

GIFT GUIDE: GIFTS FOR YOUR BOOZE- LOVING FRIENDS

Gift Guide season is upon us!

For those of you who are having trouble finding last minute gifts for specific people, I have a few guides coming your way.

Today?

Some seriously fun gifts for your booze-loving friends...which, if you're like me...is pretty much all of your friends. #amiright? My favorite from the below is the "I'm Dreaming of a WINE Christmas" napkin set. For $7? SOLD.

YAY BOOM CHEERS shot glasses, $11, Free Shipping // Who doesn't love adult shot glasses?

HOT TODDY ingredient mugs, $30, $6 Shipping // The best winter drink!

VINTAGE BEER print, $24, $4 Shipping // Awesome for dudes and ladies alike!

I'M DREAMING OF A WINE CHRISTMAS cocktail napkins, $7, Free Shipping // YES.

WINE AUX cocktail napkins, $7, Free Shipping //  Heehee. Wine-o. Get it?

GIN & TONIC ingredient glasses, $25, $5 Shipping // I KNOW you know a gin-lover

KATE SPADE cocktail shaker,  $50, Free Shipping // Dots never go out of style.

GILDED HEX drink coasters, $28, Free Shipping // If I didn't already hoard coasters I'd buy these.

ONE GLASS OF WINE glass, $16, Free Shipping // Um, this holds a WHOLE bottle of wine. Yeah.

GILDED ANTLER bottle opener, $24, Free Shipping // Again, for dudes and ladies alike.

BATHTUB GLASS HOLDER for wine, $15, Free Shipping // This is a HILARIOUS gift, right?

If YOU are the booze loving friend in the friendship, be sure to share this link on Facebook to give your friends an idea or two :)

xo, lp

Let's be friends on Instagram! Find me here -->@lpodlich

BEST BITES: 8 RECIPES USING CRANBERRIES!

I absolutely LOVE cranberries; they're tart and sweet and perfectly brighten up any recipe.

Here are 8 cranberry recipes I've made and think are perfect for the season- so Pin this image for later when you're looking for a great dessert/drink/snack to make with the cranberries in your fridge!

1. CRANBERRY APPLE GALETTE: I make 2 of these every year for Thanksgiving, and then a few more for assorted Christmas parties- and they're always such a crowd pleaser! SO much easier to make than a pie, but just as delicious.

2. CRANBERRY MOSCOW MULE: Moscow mules are one of my favorite cocktails, and the cranberries just make them that much more festive.

3. CRANBERRY LEMON BREAD: One year I made quite a few mini loaves of this and gave them out as gifts and I'm pretty sure people liked the bread more than anything else I bought them. #win.

4. CRANBERRY CHAMPAGNE FIZZ: This post is from SO long ago so the pictures are awful, but the drink is fabulous!

5. CRANBERRY ORANGE SCONES: If you're a cranberries-for-breakfast kind of person, these scones are for you.

6. CRANBERRY ORANGE COSMO: This is just like a classic cosmo with less lime and more orange- a little sweeter, and dangerously boozy.

7. CRANBERRY ORANGE COOKIES: Chewy, tart, and always super easy to make.

8. CRANBERRY BLUE CHEESE WONTONS: These are technically cranberry pecan blue cheese cream cheese wontons...but that title was just too long. These are baked, not fried...so go ahead and tell yourself they're healthy!

What's your favorite cranberry recipe?

Let me know, I'd love to try it!

xo, lp

For more colorful things, follow me on instagram here -->  @lpodlich

CYBER MONDAY SALES

Cyber Monday Sales, ALL ready for you!

(**Before you shop- be sure you sign up for Ebates here to get cash back as you shop! You can then either shop the sites through Ebates, or follow the links below, and then riiiiight before checkout, finish the purchase through Ebates to get cash back!)

----

ALICE & OLIVIA:

25% off sitewide

ANN TAYLOR:

50% off everything (!!)

BANANA REPUBLIC:

40% off your order

CASETIFY:

Up to 30% off cases

CLUB MONACO: 

25% off $150, 30% off $250

DYLAN'S CANDY BAR:

Special Cyber Monday deals , up to $50 off

EAST DANE:

15% off $250, 20% off $500

EXPRESS:

50% off everything!

FOREVER 21:

21% off when you spend $21 or more

GAP:

40% off everything (!!!!!!)

GAP FACTORY:

50-70% off everything

GORJANA & GRIFFIN:

30% off EVERYTHING! (code cyber30)

HUNTER BOOTS:

Up to 30% off Sales

H&M:

20% off $25 or more, 30% off $50, extra 40% off sale + free shipping

JACK ROGERS:

Buy 1 get one 50% off!

JACK SPADE:

30% off your entire purchase

JACK THREADS:

Up to 90% off Sale,50% off cashmere sweaters

JCREW:

30% off your purchase, extra 40% off sale items

J. CREW FACTORY:

50% off everything (!!!!) plus extra 15% off and free shipping

KATE SPADE:

30% off your full purchase

LILLY PULITZER:

Free present with purchase (bracelets, totes, etc).

LOFT:

50% off almost everything!

MACY'S:

Extra 20% off & Free shipping over $25

MADEWELL:

25% off your purchase

MOOSEJAW:

Get 50% back on every purchase

NAUTICA:

50% off Outerwear & Sweaters and 40% off everything else

NORDSTROM:

Cyber Monday Deals, 40% off Designer Sale

ONE KINGS LANE:

Sale on Nutcrackers/Holiday Decorating

PAPER SOURCE:

20-30% off Calendars, Stamps, Cards, and more

RALPH LAUREN:

Spend $125 save $25, Spend $250 save $75, etc.

SAKS 5th AVENUE:

Designer sale- up to 40% off

SHOPBOP:

15% off $250, 20% off $500

SIERRA TRADING POST:

Shopping Spree Giveaway & Deals

SMARTWOOL:

Spend $99 get Klean Canteen Cup

SPLENDID:

40% off everything!

TARGET:

15% off entire order, 30% off clothes, shoes accessories

THE LAND OF NOD:

20% off + Free Shipping

THE NORTH FACE:

Free Shipping and Cyber Monday Deals

TOMMY HILFIGER:

50% off Sitewide !!

TUCKERNUCK:

Up to 30% off sitewide

UNDER ARMOUR:

25% off Hoodies, Baselayers, Pants

UNIQLO:

$15 off $100, $30 off $150, $1 socks

URBAN OUTFITTERS:

$50 off $150, $15 off $75

VERA BRADLEY:

50% off Sale Items and Free Shipping

VICTORIA'S SECRET:

$20 off $125, Free Shipping over $50, Free tote with purchase

WEST ELM:

Up to 25% off, Cyber Monday Deals, 40% off Duvets

WILLIAMS SONOMA:

Up to 25% off, Cyber Monday Deals

WORLD MARKET:

20% off, Free Shipping

ZAPPOS:

FREE 1 day business shipping

Happy Shopping!

xo, LP

BLACK FRIDAY SALES! 55+ STORES WITH LINKS TO ONLINE DEALS!

Black Friday Sales, ALL ready for you!

(**Before you shop- be sure you sign up for Ebates here to get cash back as you shop! You can then either shop the sites through Ebates, or follow the links below, and then riiiiight before checkout, finish the purchase through Ebates to get cash back!)

----------

ALICE & OLIVIA:

25% off sitewide

ANN TAYLOR:

50% off everything (!!)

BANANA REPUBLIC:

40% off your order

CASETIFY:

Order 2 cases, get $10 off

CLUB MONACO: 

25% off $150, 30% off $250

DYLAN'S CANDY BAR:

Special Black Friday deals , up to 50% off

EAST DANE:

15% off $250, 20% off $500

EXPRESS:

50% off everything!

FOREVER 21:

Black Friday deals up to 70%

GAP:

50% off everything (!!!!!!)

GAP FACTORY:

50-70% off everything

GORJANA & GRIFFIN:

Free jewelry wallet with $100 purchase

HUNTER BOOTS:

Up to 30% off Sales

H&M:

Black Friday Deals from $4.99

JACK ROGERS:

Up to 40% off styles

JACK SPADE:

Up to 75% off surplus sale

JACK THREADS:

Up to 90% off Sale

JCREW:

30% off your purchase, extra 40% off sale items

J. CREW FACTORY:

50% off everything (!!!!)

KATE SPADE:

25% off your full purchase

LILLY PULITZER:

Free present with purchase (bracelets, totes, etc).

LOFT:

50% off almost everything!

MACY'S:

Black Friday Dealbusters + 20% off & Free shipping over $50

MADEWELL:

25% off your purchase

MOOSEJAW:

20-25% off Patagonia & More, Free gift cards with Purchase

NAUTICA:

50% off Outerwear & Sweaters and 40% off everything else

NORDSTROM:

Black Friday Deals, Extra 25% off select sale items

ONE KINGS LANE:

Up to 75% off Furniture

PAPER SOURCE:

20-30% off Calendars, Stamps, Cards, and more

RALPH LAUREN:

Sale up to 60% off, Extra 20% off already reduced styles.

SAKS 5th AVENUE:

Up to 60% off select styles

SHOPBOP:

15% off $250, 20% off $500

SIERRA TRADING POST:

Shopping Spree Giveaway & Deals

SMARTWOOL:

Spend $75, get $20 off a future order

SPLENDID:

30% off everything!

TARGET:

Black Friday Doorbusters, BOGO 50% Toys, 40% off Clothes

THE LAND OF NOD:

20% off + Free Shipping

THE NORTH FACE:

Free Shipping and HUGE Black Friday Deals

TOMMY HILFIGER:

40% off Sitewide

TUCKERNUCK:

30% off Sitewide

UNDER ARMOUR:

25% off Hoodies, Baselayers, Pants

UNIQLO:

All Black Friday deals under $50! Free Shipping on all order.

URBAN OUTFITTERS:

Extra 30% off Sale, $80 Instax Cameras, $39 Sweaters, etc.

VERA BRADLEY:

50% off Online Exclusives

VICTORIA'S SECRET:

BOGO 50% off Bras, $15 off $100

WEST ELM:

10% off $100, 20% off cookware,  candles, ornaments, etc.

WILLIAMS SONOMA:

Black Friday Deals, Free Shipping, 20% off 1 Order

WORLD MARKET:

50% off select items

ZAPPOS:

Free 2 day shipping!

Happy Shopping!

xo, LP

GIVEAWAY! 6 MONTHS OF ROCKSBOX!

I normally am someone who likes to give a tangible, in person gift...but sometimes a gift can actually be more thoughtful when it's not something you give in person. I'm talking anything from magazine subscriptions (bridal mags for a friend who gets engaged near the holidays!) to those healthy-snack subscriptions for my paleo-no-gluten-whatever friends who still like to pretend like they are eating snacks like the rest of us.

All of this babble is to assure you that sometimes giving a gift that will continue to surprise someone month after month down the road can be seriously awesome...I mean...who doesn't love getting real mail?

------

My subscription suggestion this Holiday season shouldn't be a shock to anyone.

Yup, you guessed it, a Rocksbox subscription. 

Gifts start as low as $29, which basically gives them a month of Rocksbox + $20 to spend on jewelry!

Rocksbox is a one-size-fits-all gift that is sure to please anyone with any taste, since they have jewelry options that are over-the-top sparkly as well as simple, clean, and minimalistic. I mean, aren't you sick of your go-to gift for your friends being candles and mugs? Give one of these subscriptions and you don't have to wrap anything, or worry whether or not they'll like it. If your friend/mom/aunt/sister/girlfriend wears jewelry....she'll like this!

 (To learn more about Rocksbox, check out the information posts I've written here, here, and here.)

So now, about the giveaway..the sweet ladies at Rocksbox are offering up 6 months of Rocksbox for FREE.

Yup.

SIX. MONTHS. FOR. FREE. 

Like, actually free. No sneaky lame fine print. 6 months to either give as a gift or KEEP for yourself!! That means 6 months of designer jewelry to wear as much as you want, for $0. 

Want to win?

Click  the link HERE to enter!

Giveaway details are within the link above- good luck!

If you want to try Rocksbox now because you're impatient like I am, just use code "beautyandbeardxoxo" at checkout through November 30th for your first month FREE!

xo, lp

THREE INSTA ACCOUNTS YOU MUST FOLLOW!

I haven't done a #LPMustFollow post in a while, so I thought I'd throw out a few great Instagram accounts for you to follow as you're starting out a lazy Sunday. These ladies all are seriously talented, and people you should definitely be following:

-------

1. @janecan_ : These two ladies are serious creative powerhouses! Their posts have plenty of creativity and color- definitely an account to follow if you love all things DIY!

(all images via @janecan_ ) 

2. @violettinder : Natasha's account kills me. It's the account of my pastel-super-organized-candy-dreams. Serious perfection:

( all images via @violettinder) 

3. @meandering_mari : Mari is one seriously skilled painter - how calming are all those gorgeous brushstrokes?

(all images via @meandering_mari )

Who do you love to follow on Instagram?

You can find me here--> @lpodlich!

xo, lp

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE FOR JEWELRY LOVERS (FEATURING UNCOMMONGOODS!)

You all know how much I love jewelry, which is why I am SO excited to share some sparkly holiday gifts from UncommonGoods! If you haven't heard of UncommonGoods, they're a site that basically has everything under the sun you could imagine getting (or giving) as a great gift...including jewelry (like all these handmade pieces!). 

I know jewelry can get to a place where it's a cliche gift, but that's why UncommonGoods is so great. There are pieces with real personality (some of which you can personalize) that show you really thought about them when picking out the perfect item! There's such a variety that it's easy to shop for multiple people with different tastes - whether they like big glitzy jewelry or simple, handmade pieces (like these).

I've featured mostly necklaces (like these) in this post because that's my favorite type of jewelry to wear- plus they're one size fits all- so they're easier to buy than rings or cuff bracelets that aren't adjustable! A few necklaces I have to call out below include the amazing amethyst piece on the top row (need!) and the astrology locket right next to it. Having such a subtle detail on the locket makes it seem really personal, without being over-the-top. 

Does the lady you're shopping for already have enough baubles? Get her a jewelry holder (like one of these) to store it all in! I personally think the cup that holds makeup brushes is genius.

If you want to see more, be sure to click here to see more great Holiday Gifts for women from UncommonGoods!

Which jewelry piece would you pick from the ones above?

Be sure to check out more here!

xo, lp

*this post was sponsored by uncommongoods, but as always, all opinions are my own. like...i really want that amethyst necklace. stat. no stop reading this, go check out uncommongoods now! * 

TAKE A SIP: CRANBERRY ORANGE COSMOPOLITAN

That's kiiiind of a deceiving title...because if you've ever made a cosmo, you know it has orange liqueur in it...but this one has a splash of orange juice in it too- so it's extra orange-y!

I used to be a bartender back in college, so I've made about a billion cosmos- but this one just basically trades out the lime for some orange. Still refreshing, a little less sour.

What you need to make it happen:

- 1 ounce vodka 

- 2 ounces cranberry juice cocktail

- 1/2 ounce triple sec

- splash orange juice

-ice

- orange and cranberries for garnish

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Combine all ingredients (except your garnish!) in a cocktail shaker (or large glass) with ice. Shake (or stir) until chilled.

Step 2: Strain into a glass, garnish, and enjoy!

This drink is super refreshing - and would be excellent at a Thanksgiving dinner or a Holiday Party!

What drink do you love to sip on during the holidays?

Send the recipe my way, friends!

xo, lp

PSST:

Looking for more easy drink recipes? Go HERE !

LIFE LATELY: MISSY ELLIOTT & LEAF GRADIENTS

Welcome to week two of the new Life Lately.

Let's get right into it, shall we?

1. PERSONAL LIFE:

1. I can't post about Paris. All I can say is to remember everyone handles tragedies in a different way. Some cry, some go silent, some avoid it altogether and focus on happier thoughts. Don't think that because someone mourns in a way different than yours that their way is any less valid. Instead, focus your energies on ways to help those who have been affected the most.

2. On a lighter note, I discovered Jane the Virgin on Netflix this weekend (honestly, to hide from the news) and I know it's corny, but I really liked it.

3. I. Am. So. Ready. To. Go. Home. For. Thanksgiving. I get to see all my amazing cousins and my parents and my sister and my friends and gahhhhhhhhhhhh I can't wait!! 

(these are the leaves I pressed for the Thanksgiving tables!)

2.  GREAT LINKS:

1. MISSY. ELLIOTT. HAS. A. NEW. VIDEO. So catchy. Love me some Missy.

2.The newest Matt Bellassai video. It's not my favorite one he's done, but there are a few great lines in it. BUT no matter what he says I still love blue cheese.

3. For anyone who is interested in Retail like I am, this article talks about how brick-and-mortar stores we all know are doing.

3. FAVORITE POSTS:

1. This weekend I tried making this Orange Cranberry Margarita from A Beautiful Mess (Photo: Elsie Larson)

2. I got some serious travel envy from Carly's latest post in Maine. 

3. I am so down with ANYTHING that has pomegranate in it. This Pom Sage Fizz from Domestikated Life looks awesome.

4. Anyone feel like sending me this dress that Fran is wearing in one of her latest post? Please?

4. RECIPE THROWBACK:

I'm really in the mood for this Nutella Reeses cake.  Nom.

5. SALES!

1. J.Crew Factory has 40-60% off everything.  My friend Emily owns this jacket and for $150 bucks off the original price, I might have to copy her and get one too!

2. 40% off PLUS free 3 day shipping for order over $75 at Gap. This grey marl sweater looks like it would go with just about anything...

What's new with you?
Tell me something good, people!

xo, lp