8 LOVELY LITTLE THINGS

Yesterday I somehow got locked out of the blog. Not quiiiite sure how that happened, but I did not appreciate it. To make me happy, I've come up with a few lovely things to share with you. I'm a big fan of "just because" gifts, and I think just about every one of these would be pretty great to give (or get!):

1. Clearly I love baking, and I think these heart measuring cups ($8) would make me love it even more. Not even intending the pun there, but hey...I'll take it when I can.

2. I don't care if summer is over, my love for nautical things is year round. These nautical coasters ($14) would be great on a table, or framed for a funky art piece!

3. This colorblock bag ($49) kind of rocks. It reminds me a little of the Celine bags out there...except it is a fraction of the price. Like a tiny, tiny fraction.

4. Ceramic. Owl. ($14) Come on, I don't need to go into much more details, do I?

5. How sweet is this Carpe Diem Journal ($14)? If all else fails, thoughtful books and journals are always a win.

6. I seriously need to get a little card holder like this neon woven one ($29). I only have a huge, grandma-like wallet that doesn't fit into any small purses/clutches, which only leads to loose cards and IDs. Fail.

7. The perfect amount of sparkle can be found in these sparkly ball earrings. A little disco-esque, no?

8. Maybe getting shoes for someone isn't always an easy thing to do, so heck, buy these teal tassel loafers ($32)  for yourself, why don't you?

What's your go-to "just because" gift? 

If you don't have one, go with one of these! If you feel like sending one of them to me, just let me know...

xo, lp

Lemon Garlic Gnocchi

Today I'm going to share the recipe for this:

It's insanely simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:

- 1 package gnocchi (I swear by Trader Joe's)

- 1 clove garlic (minced)

- 1 Tbsp olive oil

- 1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice

- 1 tsp lemon zest

- 1-2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

-  black pepper and salt to taste (I use about 1/4 tsp of each)

- 3-4 basil leaves (chiffonade)

HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN:

Step 1: Put your gnocchi into boiling water and cook as directed (usually cook until they rise to the surface, then 2 minutes after that)

Step 2: While gnocchi are cooking, whisk all the rest of your ingredients together in a large bowl

Step 3: When gnocchi are done cooking, scoop them out using a slotted spoon and put them into the bowl. This method takes an extra minute, but throwing them all into a colander and draining them makes them get all smushed up (yes, official cooking term there, smushed)

Step 4: Thoroughly mix your lemon garlic deliciousness with your gnocchi, and serve it up family style, finishing it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and basil leaves to garnish.

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So easy

close up action.

getting hungry yet?

.

aaaaand, finished.

Like I said, insanely easy. It's the perfect summer pasta dish because while it's filling- the lemon keeps it bright and lively! 

What's your go to summer dish?

If you have a recipe to share, email it to me, I'd love to try it!
beautyandbeard@gmail.com


xo,lp

Pot O' Gold

  Other than my weekly partaking in the Friday's Fancies fun, I don't usually post about fashion-related things. Mainly because I spend my days in work clothes or flannel. No, really. I'm literally wearing a flannel as I'm typing this (from Target, may I add- extra fancy). I won't lie, I'm a closet fashion lover- if I could be paid to just be a personal shopper/styler/etc that'd be amazing-  but currently in my day to day- it ain't happenin'. One thing I do love is gold jewelry. I never liked it growing up, but year by year it's crept into my life. In honor of St. Patrick's Day, I thought I'd do a round up of some pretty gold jewels I'd like to find at the end of a rainbow.... (oooo, look at that cheesy line, did you like it kids?)

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Love this gold bar necklace from DevinMichaels. Only $17.50- Man I love when  I find a good, affordable Etsy shop. There are tons of simple necklaces in her shop, check them out here.

I've been eyeing this GORGEOUS brown and gold number from Mae Badiyan's shop. Madly in love here, folks...her whole shop is creative and lovely. You rock, Mae.

No one does chains like DERNG. Fact. I'll take this gold necklace any day, Emily....

Jodie at Hibiscus Days is just lovely. I have one of the tiny gold lockets from her shop, and it's perfect. This simple gold ring bracelet is next on my list: 

This gold spine collar necklace from ASOS is under $15 bucks. Ridiculous!

Forget Me Knot earrings by Juliet & Company at ShopBop. Not bad, not bad at all.

I absolutely have jumped on the BaubleBar monogram necklace bandwagon. I honestly don't know if I could wait 5 weeks to wait for it to come, it's too pretty!

What Pot O' Gold items would YOU want?

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oh, and psst, here's proof I really am wearing flannel. the minnesota thing isn't an act!

(wearing my new gifts from a few lovely blogging ladies:  

Gorjana necklace from ShopBop- Thanks Lauren!

Tiny locket from Hibiscus Days- Thanks Sarah!)

xo, lp