6 GILDED GIFTS TO GET YOURSELF!

Hi friends!

Today is all about YOU! Yup. Today is all about treating yo'self- today specifically with some gilded goodies.

Some of these gifts are just around $20- and I KNOW each and every one of you drop more than that on an average trip to Target...so no BS about "not having enough spare cash" mmmkay?

Here's what I've chosen for myself....er. YOU!

GIFT BOUTIQUE

Fortune Cookie Box: Sometimes the perfect gift to give yourself is one that can hold all the trinkets & treasures you've treated yourself to in the past. And have you ever seen one that's cuter than this cookie?

Gold Lipstick Mug: If you're more of a practical self-gift-giver like I am - this mug is not only useful, but cheeky and perfectly ladylike.

KATE SPADE

Devil is in the Details Notebook: Anyone else out there a Type-A list maker? If so, why not at least write to do lists in style?

C.WONDER

Chevron Round Box: Okay, so maybe you're not into the Fortune Cookie Box- then go for this one instead. Perfect to hold rings on your dresser or earrings on your bedside table!

Golden Chevron Glasses: While we're on a chevron kick here, let's talk about these glasses. If you have a barcart and are looking to add some shine to it- these are your best bet!

Gold Monogram or Animal Wine Stopper: Got glasses for your barcart? Then these wine/bottle stoppers might be just for you. Plus, if you REALLY love yourself, one's a monogram, so you can just stare at the first letter of your first (or last) name all day erryday.

-----

If you're still refusing to buy yourself something, then buy one of these and send it my way, okay?

I'll take those Chevron Glasses, please and thank you!

xo, lp

*let's be instagram friends, because i heart you.

find me here --> @lpodlich

it's my party and i'll cry if i want to.

It's my birthday in a few weeks, and I am fully on the "treat yo'self" train nowadays. 

I don't think there's anything wrong with getting yourself something shiny and new on your big day, so here's what's in the running for a good old gift to myself:

1. New Printstagram Prints from Social Print Studio: These guys & gals are just the best. I have prints, a calendar, heck- even stickers from SPS. I haven't ordered anything in a while, and I think some new prints with new Instagram shots I've taken recently might just be what the doctor ordered.

2. The First Snow has the most gorgeous prints. I have one in my bedroom and this beautiful quote about The Compass would make a great addition!

3. Michael is pretty spot on when it comes to buying me jewelry, but that doesn't mean I can't still grab something for myself- like this ladylike bracelet!

4. I'm a bowl hoarder, I've turned into my mother. But I mean, these West Elm bowls are pretty fantastic, right?

5. DUDES. Have you seen Gap's new line of shoes? Just yes yes yes and yes all over again. I think these would be some pretty nice birthday kicks.

6. When I lived in Peru I read Pablo Neruda's Love Poems over and over in Spanish. They are poetic perfection and I don't own the full book...so this is currently the front runner in my "treat yo'self" birthday gift. I love (hah. punny) how Anthropologie made the cover of this book- just as romantic as what is inside!

7. I love the Pine Sophia studs I got for Christmas, and the Coral version are just as lovely. Loren Hope-you do good work, lady! 

If you feel like sending me something off this list, you just let me know and I'll send ya my new address. Kidding. But seriously.

So tell me: if you were to treat yo'self on your birthday- what would you get yourself?
I expect some fabulous answers here, friends!

xo, lp

IF IT'S NOT A MANO I DON'T WANT IT!

A month ago I shared my sister's kick ass boutique, A MANO.

In case you're new to the party- my sister curates an online boutique once a month that features handmade goods from artists across the country. Each month features new items, new artists, new point of view.

This month's blows last month's outta the water. There. I said it. 

Bright, light, delicate pieces with hints of gold and summery colors. Earrings made of crystals and clay- or old pencil shavings (!). Handmade pottery with intricate patterns & simple lines. Airy scarves and romantic prints. Perfect little pieces to showcase on your coffee table or shelves...or give as gifts!

I already own 3 pieces from this month's collection...and I'd own more if half of it hadn't sold out by the SECOND day it was online. Yeah. Unfair. I mean, I'm related - don't  I get some pull?

Above are a few of my favorite items- How gorgeous is the gold cylinder vase & the sequin clutch? Eep!

The print shown here I purchased- it reads "If he calls looking for me, tell him that I'm out looking for him".

I don't know if it's the hopeless romantic in me or what, but I think it is absolutely perfect.

SO.
I know you're thinking since I'm a sister of the shop I must have a discount for you or something, right?
Well, you're right! You lucky people!

For the next 3 days, use code BEAUTYANDTHEBEARD at checkout for $5 off a purchase of $30 or more!

Friends, loyal awesome readers of this tiny blog- do me a favor:

Stop by A MANO and let me know what your favorite item is!

and heck, if you like it, treat yo'self to a think or two - or pin your favorite items for friends to see.

xo, lp

NOT THE CUTE KIND OF SICK

WHOA.

Evidently it's 2013.

I'm definitely the person that will still date checks and things with 2012 for the next 5 months or so (yes I still write checks/no i'm not 80).

I have zero exciting things to report for New Year's Eve, because both Michael and I have been sick for the past few days.

No, really sick. Not the cute kind of sick where you Instagram a picture of you drinking tea to get pity from everyone. The laying-in-the-fetal-position-on-the-bathroom-floor kind of sick. Bleh. Needless to say we called it a night quite early...and then were woken up by the sounds of our neighbors blaring mariachi music AND their toddlers screaming. #apartmentlivingjoys

The best part of being sick? Sleeping, watching a ton of the Office & Breaking Bad, and playing Sorry:

------

To get all my complaining out at once, the Badgers lost the 3rd Rose Bowl in a row on New Year's Day. 

I wore the shoes I made for our 2011 Rose Bowl trip, and now I'm kind of convinced they're bad luck.

Despite the loss, I was lucky enough to watch the game with some of my favorite friends from college, which is rare since everyone is busy being all grown up with real jobs or in med/law school all across the country. 

On a more positive note, it was completely gorgeous in Wisconsin today. Cold, but gorgeous. Bright blue skies, sunshine, sparkly snow. This was my view when I got to work this morning: 

Not bad, right?

Oh shoot, is everyone done talking about their Christmas vacation? Damn, missed the boat on that one. Well I will be late and share these, since they're winter-y in general. Michael and I took a little time to walk around out on my lake back home in MN. Are all my Southern readers freaking out right now!? Solid ice, my friends.

And now, since everyone is gettin' their brag on about their holiday gifts on Instagram and such, I figured I would brag too. Check out what my 3 year old niece Lyddie made me:

BOOM. I think everyone in my office is jealous, and clearly you should be too. 

Besides the most gorgeous mug known to man, I was beyond amazed at the sweet, thoughtful, and ridiculously generous gifts this holiday season from coworkers and family. Somehow it always shocks me at how well people know me by the gifts they give, and it just makes me that much more grateful of how lucky I am to have such kick butt people in my life. 

----

Any awesome gifts on your end?

Or, anyone else miss the ball drop because they were sleeping?

xo, lp

psssssssst: find me on Instagram HERE 

$15 PANTONE HOLIDAY

This post is part about gift giving, and part about proof of how well my sister can read my mind.

warning: i say Pantone a ton. i didn't get paid for it...but if you feel like taking a drink every time you see the word "Pantone"...go for it.

The other day at work, my coworker Emily was talking about getting a Pantone iPhone case, and I went into  my usual snit of whining about there not being any cool Pantone cases for Android. Wop-wop.

4 days later I went home for Thanksgiving and my sister gave me my Hanukkah gift early: a set of Pantone Postcards!!! Yep. I may have freaked.

So friends, if you have design/fashion/creative friends who love Pantone, here are some gifts for you:

1. I love the Pantone mugs, and someday when I win the lottery I'm buying every dang one. $15, and  a perfectly colorful way to start the morning.

2. The famed Pantone iPhone case ($35) I spoke of. Emily: if you're reading this, just send your loved ones to this post to get you all things Pantone. 

3. These Pantone ornaments are kind of my dream. You can buy them individually for $15 or as a whole set for a discounted price. If anyone has one of these pretty things on their tree, share a picture of it! 

4. Um. Pantone Socks ($14). Need I say more?

5. I feel like these Pantone notecards ($15) are almost too pretty to write on and give out...

6. If you aren't sick of Pantone by now, check out this sweet laptop case ($31)!

Have anyone on your list that is as Pantone obsessed as I am?

...and anyone else amazed those ornaments are only $15?!?

xo, lp

8 LOVELY LITTLE THINGS v2

Last week I shared 8 Lovely Little things: fun gifts to give to that hard to shop for (or fun to shop for) person on your list. It was meant to be a "just because" list for someone else or even yourself...and I got a lot of great feedback from all you lovely people, so this is the second installment! 

Enjoy!

1. These dalmatian Spot flats from Old Navy are beyond awesome, and might have to be mine soon. The green sueded ones I got there the other week are so comfy...I highly recommend them!

2. These cushion studs from Bauble Bar remind me a lot of the Kate Spade ones, and are an awesome price. How easy (and fun) would it be to get these in different colors for all of your favorite female friends this year?

3. Getting beauty products for people can be tricky, but getting a high end, classic lip balm is a no-brainer. This Bobbi Brown lip balm makes your lips so dang soft, and isn't sticky/fruity/smelly. Win-win.

4. Purses & clutches are another item that can be pretty difficult to shop for, but at $13, this metal bar clutch from ASOS is a pretty safe bet, right?

5. Okay, this one may be a "just because" gift for everyone you know including yourself. ASOS- $14, really? I think this guy has a J.Crew feel with a fraction of the cost! (Plus ASOS has free shipping. Yup.)

6. Oh come on, everyone has a friend that loves owls. Way to go Target, this owl pillow rocks.

7. I follow enough fashion blogs and interior design blogs to know that cute coffee table books are a must-have, and this Christian Dior book kills two birds with one stone. Under $20, folks! 

8. I know I said clutches/purses can be a hard thing to buy, but I know I have a few funky friends who would absolutely love this fun patterned clutch from ASOS.

Are there any items from this volume of Lovely Little Things that would fit someone you know?

Or yourself....?

xo, lp

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