MAN, YOU'VE GOT STYLE.

We've actually started decorating our apartment.

 2 months in. 

We're doin' it, folks. Being adults and covering up the blank walls.

When we first moved in I had a collection of apartment pictures that I thought would fit in our place...but I've revamped that with what we really want, now that we've lived in our space for a bit!

Here's what's on our radar:

images via: a beautiful mess // sf girl by bay // design sponge // a beautiful mess // emily henderson 

1. This recent lighting fixture from ABM is amazing. I love the look of the bare lightbulbs-- and while we might not go totally literal here with bulbs, there will definitely be some type of glass or chandelier in our lofted ceilings!

2. Light, bright bedroom with minimal art & simple monograms. Need I say more?

3. I am in LOVE with this green wood stain. I mean, so much more chic than just painting a dresser with solid paint. Our dresser needs a major makeover, and I'll be using this as inspiration for sure.

4. I have the most awesome 365 day calendar printed on my instagram photos from Social Print Studios, and while it won't be an entire wall of wallpaper photos, I think 365 will make a pretty good impact!

5. My gallery wall in our last place wasn't too much of a success, so this time around mismatching frames more is my goal. 

What's something you really love about your space?

For more of my favorites, go here!

xo, lp

NEW PLACE, NEW SPACE

Here's the thing about our old apartment:

We knew it was very temporary. 

We had moved back to Madison in a hurry and started new jobs quickly, so we snatched up the first place available, that happened to be well below budget. It was enough space and was incredibly convenient for work & such, but overall we knew it never would be "home".

From our mangy-cat owning, cigarette smoking neighbor, to the constant screams of kids left unattended, to the parents swearing at their little ones, to the gigantic dogs that no one seemed to have leashes for... we soon realized we'd be out as soon as we could.

So where is the inspiration or motivation to decorate a place like that? 

There isn't.

Our new place is amazing. High ceilings, lots of space. We plan to be here and enjoy this place from the moment we move in, so I'm wasting no time putting together inspiring pictures of spaces that I'd want to live in. I really feel like the effort I put in to creating a perfect space will be appreciated here, and I can't wait to get started!

Here are some current favorites:

1. I'll actually have an office-y desk space in this place, and I love the use of IKEA cork circles in place of a large board. (image via)

2. We had a gallery wall at the old place but it wasn't overly inspiring. This time I plan to curate more carefully and add much more color! (image via)

3. Ohhhh a girl can dream that this $1,200 dresser would be hers. Le sigh.  (image via)

4. This DIY stump table is fantastic! So is the couch. (image via)

5. Will someone please give me some globes?! We have one. Consider the collection starting! (image via)

6. That pattern rug! That simple colorful art! That pop yellow lamp! All of it! (image via)

7. Oh, map wall. Someday I'll have you in my space. I'll save my pennies for you. For now, some other cool map art will have to do! (image via) 

Do you have a "home" Pinterest board? 

Share a link in the comments so I can scope out your style!

xo, lp

55 DEGREES? THAT'S SHORTS WEATHER!

Oh geez. 

Do you ever have one of those weekends that REALLY feels like a weekend? You weren't rushed, or working from home. You weren't too busy or bogged down with chores. Come Sunday night you feel refreshed and ready for the week ahead.

That was this weekend for me. It was the perfect balance of time with friends, family, and Michael. I even went to the gym twice. Boom. Champion.

Here's what's been up lately:

Word on the street is the weather is going to turn nasty again, so I'm getting in springy clothes while I can!

I came home from work the other day and Michael had gotten home early and cleaned the apartment & bought a bouquet of gorgeous flowers. He's a keeper, folks:

This weekend we did one of my favorite things: blow up the air mattress and put it in the living room with all of our blankets. Saturday night we watched a movie and Sunday afternoon we took cat naps and watched some hockey. Best. Idea. Ever.

In Michael's cleaning escapade he cleaned off our coffee table, which is usually overly cluttered with mail, books, cups, and other random things. I took the time to put out some of my favorite items to spruce it up. I give it about 2 days to stay this nice looking...

Sunday was GORGEOUS. We decided to walk around downtown Madison and a local tea shop had this sign outside:

It's true! There were people wearing shorts! 

We also walked around UW Madison campus (where we met-cue the "awww!")- and man I appreciate how gorgeous the buildings are so much more now that I'm not racing to class. 

 Finally, we had dinner at a restaurant I used to work at off the capitol square...and took the obligatory iPhone panorama of the empty square!

How was your weekend?

If you didn't camp out in your living room, I highly recommend it! 

xo, lp

** also- i'll be sharing my new favorite quinoa recipe tomorrow! quinoa is one of the worst looking, best tasting super foods- be sure to check back tomorrow! **

psssssssst: let's be instagram friends, shall we?

i'm @lpodlich- find me here!

HOMETOWN LOVE

Sometimes, no matter what age you are, you just need to go home and recharge. 

This weekend Michael and I headed back to Minnesota to see my parents and celebrate my dad's recent retirement from work.  Other than a scary snowstorm on our drive in , it was the perfect weekend. 

This Monday I thought I'd show ya a little bit what it's like to go home for me!

I grew up on a lake, and waking up to the view of the trees & water just never gets old:

 Another perk of being home? Finding RIDICULOUS pictures of yourself as a kid. Especially ones in sailor outfits. Proof I loved nautical things before they were trendy...

 My hometown is a little strange because it's around 27,000 people and a suburb of the Twin Cities...but feels much, much smaller than that. While there are plenty of new developments and shops, there are still a handful of old, old buildings with small family owned businesses. I mean, how many places can you still find a barbershop with the spinny blue/red/white thingy out front?!? 

 Naturally we went and got brunch & malts...

After a lazy walk around town and a lazy afternoon on the couch (back off! I had a long week at work!) my lovely talented sister came over and we did a quick photoshoot out in the snow. Maybe if you're all nice I'll show you a few more of the photos...ones that actually show my face...

(photo cred: Louisa Marion Photography)

Dinner was epic. My sister and her boyfriend made us all fresh veggie tempura. Ermahgerd people. We all sat around the counter with little plates and ginger soy dipping sauce while they brought us different veggies to try. For the record, my favorites once tempura-ed in order:

sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, peppers, and green beans.

(oh and we tempura-ed string cheese. this is the midwest...it's what we do)

I have to say it was one of the best meals I've ever had. The food was delicious, but besides that it was so good to be with the ones I love, laughing uncontrollably. Really. I was in tears a few times. My family is absolutely hilarious. Especially after a few glasses of wine...! 

 My parents are both now retired and it makes my heart swell to see them so relaxed and enjoying life. They deserve it. 

After a final breakfast with the fam and some friends on Sunday Michael and I headed back to Madison. This time the sky was insanely blue, and the roads weren't snow covered (thank goodness)! I know I shared this on Instagram, but for the blog readers that haven't seen it, this is a common thing in Wisconsin. If you're from an urban setting, you just don't see tractor crossing signs too often. now do you?

There you have it. A weekend in the life of Laura at home.

No green beer, no partying in the streets, and no glamourous outfits (I spent all of Sunday in fleece snowflake pjs). 

Mom & Dad, thanks for putting up for 25 years and being the most kick ass parents ever.

(sorry for swearing mom!)

What do you love about going home?

Tell me something good about your family. Do it.

xo, lp

Find me on Instagram HERE

Find my sister's lovely pictures HERE and her latest photography endeavor HERE