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

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:

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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

LIFE LATELY: BADGER WEEKEND

 Oh my gosh. Blog world! HELLO!

I haven't been posting much lately, which I guess makes me a bad blogger- but I was busy enjoying summer- so...that makes me a better human maybe? I don't know. You decide.

Here's what's been up in the last week!

1. OH MAN. This last weekend. You guuuuyyys. We had a big ol' fashioned college reunion this weekend and it was fabulous. A big group of our former Badgers drove/flew back to Madison to watch the game and celebrate the Wisconsin way! We had epic weather for the game- just look at this view:

2. Clearly I needed to take some artsy pictures. Shocking, I know. 

3. Speaking of not shocking, here's one of the most recent #everythinginrainbow order posts. Jelly Bellies for lyfe.

4. A few of you signed up for Rocksbox this weekend with code "beautyandbeardxoxo" - sending virtual hugs your way- hope you love your new FREE month of jewelry! (code is still active for you ladies on the fence too! ;-) )

5. People this weekend could not get over my phone case this weekend! Details on it HERE. 

That's whats up lately with me- what's new with you all?

Anyone else READY for fall?

xo, lp

psst: for more pictures of what's been up lately, follow me on instagram HERE!

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!)

LIFE LATELY: SUMMER WEDDINGS

Happy Monday you pretty people! 

This weekend was a lovely one- we got to head to Minnesota to celebrate some great friends at their wedding. Sunday meant we were extra sleepy because of it- but it was worth every tired minute on the drive back home.

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Here's what's good lately:

#1: More about the wedding: the ceremony was held at their farm and the storm clouds went away JUST in time for it all to start..look at how perfect this was:

#2: As for wedding attire, I wore a bright floral dress from J.Crew and (of course) sparkles from Rocksbox. And yessss you can still get your first month free by using code "beautyandbeardxoxo"

#3: Going to a bachelorette party this summer? Make sure you don't forget these 5 things!

#4: More candy rainbows. Are you surprised? See more HERE. 

#5: Remember the tie-dye cake I shared last week? Well I've got 4 options for you to top it with it- all super easy DIYs!

Anyone else at a wedding this weekend?

Pleeeease share your fabulous outfits with me!

xo, lp

(pssst: let's be instagram buddies, k?)

IPHONE BACKGROUNDS & LIFE LATELY

Happy Monday you lovely folks!

In case you missed it yesterday, I chatted a little bit about pineapples. You know, completely normal Sunday conversation. Is Pineapple the new Peony? If you don't get that question, it just means you probably don't follow many bloggers on Instagram...which is not a bad thing, just a fact. Anyway, weigh in on that here.

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend! This was our last weekend before Wedding Season starts up for us, so we made sure to keep it low key to keep our minds (and livers) ready for the next few weekends.

Here's what's up lately:

#1:

Oh Anthro, you suck me in with your pretty packaging every time. How perfect are those matches and that candle? Come onnnn you're killin' me here! 

Also- are you all sick of seeing this bracelet yet? It's one of the ones I kept from a recent Rocksbox and I wear it constantly. Speaking of which, stop hemming and hawing- sign up already for your FREE first box (who doesn't like free jewelry?) by going to rocksbox.com and using code "beautyandbeardxoxo" !

#2:

An awesome coworker sent me a link to this article about it being OK to work in the Midwest. I kind of wanted to hug whoever the author is, because they really put into words what I've been thinking for years. Working in the apparel industry for a company based in Wisconsin can be hard sometimes. A lot of people (openly) tease it or look down on it- because the thought is that if you're not in NY or CA that you must just be dyyyyyyyying of boredom in such a lame place. Worth the read!

#3:

I change my phone background constantly. Does anyone else do this? I usually just crop an Instagram picture (mine or someone elses) and use that for my lock screen.

These two images below have been my summery-colorful pictures of choice lately. If you want to grab 'em for your background too just save or download the image to your computer or phone and set as wallpaper :)

(original image here)

(original image here)

#4:

Okay SOMEONE reading this must have some feedback on this-- does anyone own the shop ban.do watermelon cooler? It's adorable, and cheap ($32, free shipping here)- but I'm wondering how practical it is/how much it holds? Answers pleeeeease! Leave it in a comment or email me- beautyandbeard(at)gmail(dot)com.

#5

The MUST FOLLOW instagram account this week is @unbirthdaybakery.

I cannot get over the creativity and sheer talent coming out of Nikki Lee-- here desserts are truly a work of art- check these out!!!:

ALL images from @unbirthdaybakery- follow her HERE!

#6:
Recipe this week will get you ready for 4th of July (it's coming up quickly, people!)
Just WAIT until you see what's inside of it!

What's good with you lately, friends?

Don't forget to shout out if you own that ban.do cooler- looking for honesty here!!

xo, lp

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more images & colorful things HERE

LIFE LATELY: SHOPBOP WINNER!

Happy Tuesday you guys!

Most Mondays I do a little "life lately" round up...sharing what's going on in my life via Instagram.

Most bloggers do it... some people just share images with a short caption, some share recipes (how good does this smoothie look?) or items they think are must-haves for the season (like flats- I mean, am I wrong to love gold glitter flats like these ones?) - but all of them are great little snapshots into their lives!

Anyways- I hope some of you out there like these type of posts as much as I do- because HERE is life lately:

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I've mentioned this before- but when I do recipe posts for the blog, I cook/shoot a bunch of recipes in one day and then edit/post throughout the month. Why do I do this? Well, partially because it's efficient, and partially because I make a MESS when I cook or bake. Like, a reaaaally big mess...so I figure it's better to make all the messes on one day ;-) 

This weekend I shot a handful of AWESOME new recipes, including this drink...which you'll see sometime this month (it's so. dang. good):

 Fresh. Blooms. Errrry. Day. The grocery store by us always stocks the prettiest, cheapest flowers. These bright orange roses were just screaming my name:

I saw multiple women in New York wearing glitter flats (like these) - since WHEN are glitter shoes in? Maybe this just hasn't hit the Midwest yet? Looking for opinions here...

Speaking of New York, can we discuss how awesome Dylan's Candy Bar is? Ermahgerd. So much candy in EVERY COLOR OF THE RAINBOW. My dream of #everythinginrainboworder has come true!

Other than that, in case you missed it, the Shopbop winner was announced...want to see if it was you? go HERE!

What's new with you guys lately?

Tell me something good, people!

xo, lp

LIFE LATELY: JUNE IS HERE!

Happy JUNE everybody!

How is May over already? I ended May by going to a fabulous bachelorette party honoring a lovely friend - which means now wedding season gets to BEGIN!

Here's what's good lately:

These are the two pieces I kept from my last Rocksbox...aren't they great? I wore the bracelet everywhere in New York and this weekend at the bachelorette party...and that necklace is the prettiest summer aqua!

If you haven't signed up for Rocksbox yet- WHAT are you waiting for? Wedding season is the time to try it out- trust me. Much easier to having someone picking out and sending you jewelry than continually shopping on your own! 

Get your first box for FREEE! Just go to Rocksbox.com and use code "beautyandbeardxoxo" :)

 My trip to New York was SO. DANG. GOOD. I'll be posting some pictures from my favorite places we visited...but if you want a sneak peek...go HERE!

If someone just wants to start sending me rock candy on a monthly basis, I wouldn't totally hate it. Here's the latest #everythinginrainboworder: 

 In case you missed it last week, THIS post is all about some great graduation gifts to give (or ask for!):

This week's recipe post is a serious winner. Gahhh. I started making this a couple months ago and have been eating it so much...it's about time to finally share the (super easy) recipe!

What's been good for you lately, friends?

What does June have in store for you?

xo, lp

LIFE LATELY: NEW YORK BOUND!

I've been looking forward to this New York trip for months, and it's FINALLY here.

EEP!

I haven't been to NYC in a reeeeally long time, so I cannot wait to spend a full week enjoying the city. If you're a New Yorker and have any awesome suggestions, please leave them in a comment on Instagram (@lpodlich). 

If you'd like to follow along on my trip, be sure to find me on IG HERE :)

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What's almost as good as New York?

Getting to give one of you fabulous people some $$ to Shopbop! If you missed the giveaway, be sure to enter HERE.

No need to follow a million random accounts you don't care about (like those loop giveaways)- just leave a comment on the blog post and you are ENTERED. BOOM.

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Here's what's good lately:

This was before I cut my hair the other day...got the curl game on lock down lately.

If you want the tutorial, be sure to go HERE!

You're all probably thrilled that tulip season is over, because it mean's I'll stop instagramming them every two minutes...

Rainbow pens. What else is new?

I have been getting the BEST pieces in Rocksbox lately. I just HAD to keep one of these necklaces. SO GOOD.

If you're been on the fence about RocksBox, what are you waiting for? You get to a month FREE to test the waters if you use code "beautyandbeardxoxo". I'm keeping my subscription because I have SIX weddings this summer- and there is no way I'm going to invest a ton of money in jewelry for all of them!

I've had a bunch of people ask me questions via Instagram or Email - so if you are still unsure and want to know anything, don't hesitate to contact me! @lpodlich or beautyandbeard[at]gmail.com.

Alright- that's all I've got folks.

I'll be MIA on the blog while I'm in New York, so I'll see you when I'm back!

Again- if you want to follow along on my travels, I'll be instagramming like a FOOL.

------>@lpodlich

xo, lp

#followfriday: INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS TO KEEP ON YOUR RADAR!

I haven't done a #followfriday in a while, which is a dang shame, because there are some AWESOME people on Instagram to follow!

First things first, if we're not already friends on Instagram, let's make that happen, mmkay?

Find me here ---> @lpodlich

These ladies are insanely creative, colorful, and are great at taking pictures that are extra pleasing on the eyes! Some I've been following for years, some not quiiiite that long- but they're all equally awesome.

Here they are:

@linesacross: FINALLY! Someone who loves #everythinginrainboworder just as much as I do!

@sugarandcloth: If you're still riding on the macaron train, you've got to follow Ashley.

@laurenwager: I recently started following Lauren's feed, and it's every Pantone lovers DREAM.

@cestmaria: This feed is full of pastel goodness, coming all the way from Mexico. She makes some amazing Pantone creations that totally blow me away!

@aurelycerise: Aurelie's pictures from Paris are full of surprise and whimsy- her feed is unlike anyone else's I follow.

@studiofleurette: Flowers. Flowers. Flowers. Gorgeous floral magic. Need I say more?

@fhasselhof: Fran's feed is a peek into the life of the most fashionable Med Student out there. Fuh real.

@domestikateblog: If I ever need help throwing a party, this lady would be first on my list to reach out to for help. Her DIY skills are out of this world!

@gabyburger: Gaby's images belong in a magazine, all day, errryday. Do all Canadians have this much style??

@ali_vinciguerra: I can't decide what I love more about AV's feed- her classy New England style (and new house design!) or her sweet sweet pictures of her new baby boy.

@alongobucco: She works for a magazine, so her taste level is WAY above mine, you've got  to check Alyssa out!

@vickiee_yo: One day it's pineapple donuts, the next it's fruit cookies... Vickie's sweet treats are UNREAL!

@nikkirap: I vicariously live through Nikki's meals. She eats at the best restaurants and cooks the most amazing looking dishes!

@kelleydigioia: Kelley is the best because she keeps it real. She's got mad style and the cutest pups on earth.

@hol_fox: This lady makes Martha Stewart look like a baking scrub. Seriously perfection!

@onefinea: Ashley is the epitome of "live colorfully"! Besides her spot on wardrobe, her babe is insanely cute!

Who do you love following on Instagram?

Leave their handle (or yours!) in the comment section!

xo, lp

(psst find me here --> @lpodlich)

I'M LOOKING FOR >YOUR< ADVICE! (SHOPMYCLOSET)

Happy Monday everyone!

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend- here's what's good lately:

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1. This page from my favorite page-a-day calendar was worthy of a prime spot on my wall at home. If you're a people pleaser- I bet you know alllll too well what it's like to put up with something (or someone) who isn't worth your time or frustration. Remember you deserve all the good things, friends!

 2. Rather than wear just one of the necklace from Rocksbox this weekend, I figured I'd layer 2 up. Aren't they gorgeous?

Remember- if you want to try Rocksbox for 50% off your first month, just go to rocksbox.com and enter code "beautyandbeardxoxo" !

I won't try to hold any suspense over your heads- this week's recipe will be a super tasty one- AND insanely quick and easy. Get ready to get cooking!

Like I mentioned in the title of this post, I'm looking for YOUR advice!

I did a ton of spring cleaning this weekend and I have a ridiculous amount of jewelry and clothes to sell...BUT I live in an apartment, so garage sales are out of the question.

I'm wondering:

Have you ever done and online sale with a shopping website- or a "shop my closet" on Instagram or Facebook?

If you ever have I would REALLY appreciate some advice/help!

If you don't feel like sharing in the comments- PLEASE send me an email:

beautyandbeard(at)gmail.com

I know emailing someone you've never met probably sounds weird, but I promise I'll be forever grateful! :) :)

Thanks in advance for any awesome advice you might have on online sales!

xoxo,

lp

pssssssssssst: let's be instagram friends! i promise to give first dibs info on there when i do sell all mah jewels & clothes!

find me here--> @lpodlich

RAINBOW PEEPS & ENDLESS TULIPS

HAPPY MONDAY!

I actually am fully ready for Monday. Last week was...a lot...so Michael and I totally vegged out this weekend and are feeling really refreshed!

Hopefully you're all feeling the same- and had a great time watching some NCAA basketball (GO BADGERS!!!!!)

Here's what's good lately--and if you don't already, be sure to follow me on Instagram for more snaps (@lpodlich)

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Let's talk about Peeps. 

I happen to love them stale- anyone else with me here?

Of course I had to put them in rainbow, cuz #everythinginrainboworder

If you already follow me on Instagram you're probs ready to yell ENOUGH WITH THE TULIPS ALREADY!!!!

But I can't stop.

They're too pretty.

I decided to try out the nail polish marble trick on eggs for Easter and it TOTALLY worked!

Check out these beauties:

I really don't drink much these days- but if I do, I try to make it a great beer or handmade cocktail...until this weekend.

Mike's Hard Lemonade's seasonal flavor is Blood Orange- and oh my gosh. It tastes like boozy orange pop and it's delicious.

So judge away for my drink choice- but I dare you to try it and not like it!

Rocksbox just keeps getting better and better you guys. 

If you haven't signed up, stop dawdling! If you go to Rocksbox.com and use code "beautyandthebeardxoxo" by April 1st you get your first box FREE!! 

This week's recipe involves these yummy roasted veggies.

GET. READY:

What was wonderful about your weekend, friends?

Tell me something good!

xo, lp

THE ONE WHERE THERE ARE TULIPS EVERYWHERE

I've been watching WAY too much Friends on Netflix - because every time I go to put a title on a blog post, I always accidentally start it with "The One Where....". It's a habit, I tell you.

Here's what's been good lately:

This weekend was phenomenal- the weather was OUTSTANDING! I don't want to jinx it, but it actually feels like Spring. Michael and I took this opportunity to get outside and get some fresh air at a local State Park. We cross country skied on some trails we had never been on..aaaand got lost. Yup. 

Miles and miles later, after we finally made our way back to the car we walked around the park a bit and watched the sunset (and threw snowballs, duh).

You guys I've found a new love. I mean, other than Michael (sorry Michael!). 

I'll be doing a full review this week, but in the meantime- if you have already heard of RocksBox and have been on the fence about doing it- GO FOR IT. Seriously fun- this bracelet came in my last box and it was so hard to send it back!

(if you're going to sign up, be sure to use beautyandbeardxoxo to get your first box for FREE!)

So as for the title of this post- TULIPS.

I grabbed a bunch of bouquets for $5 each the other day and they've been making recurring appearances on my Instagram feed. #sorrynotsorry

This week's recipe on the blog is so delicious: 

How did you guys spend your weekend?

Fingers crossed there were tulips involved!

xo, lp

*psssssssst: let's be friends on Instagram, mmmmkay? find me here --> @lpodlich *