LIFE LATELY: AUGUST

You guys.

Remember when I used to do "Life Lately" posts every week?

HOW DID I HAVE THE TIME FOR THAT?!

Oy.

Since I've been useless at blogging lately on stuff other than the wedding, I figured I'd share a little bit of what's going on around here!

#1: Wedding related stuff:

1. You can read previous wedding posts here. They won't disappoint!

2. I got a dress! WOOT. More on that later. 

3. We've started booking stuff for our actual wedding in Greece and it's so exciting I might explode. 

4. Michael's aunts are throwing me a bridal shower this weekend and I am SO excited to spend time with all of them. PLUS I get to see my sister Louisa, so that's just the cherry on top! 

5.I stupidly gave people a REALLY long time to RSVP to our reception when we come back from Europe and it drives me crazy that I can't fill in my OCD Excel spreadsheet with all the info of people attending. That being said, getting texts/snaps of people getting RSVPs makes me just as excited as actually getting them somehow. So there's that. 

#2: Outdoor stuff

I really couldn't think of a better name for this section, so whatevs. It's 9:42 on a Sunday, give me a break. Point is, summer rules.

1. Terrace Time. The Memorial Union Terrace at UW-Madison is one of my favorite places on earth, and we've been going to enjoy plenty of sunsets (and beer).

2. Wine! Wollershiem Winery is a little over 30 minutes from us, and we recently ventured there for the first time. It was so fricking scenic I even surprised myself by only Instagramming one picture. #maturity.

3. Trips back to my parents' house for family time and time at the lake. Not only do I get to see my parents, but I also get to take basic photos like the one you'll see if you scroll down!

 #3 FRANDS.

Most of the pictures I've taken from recent friend hangouts will not be posted on the blog, because then my friends would probably stop being my friends. So I'll just post a couple of pictures from my friend Lauren's luau themed bachelorette party. She's quite possibly the sweetest bride-to-be on the planet!

 #4: Writing half a blog post and then quitting

I mean, if I'm going to fully encompass what's going on in life, that's a big part of it. I have 3 more #BBWeddingSeries posts half done, plus 1 photo editing post and 1 Rocksbox post with pictures...but no words yet. Le Sigh. 

I'll post the wedding ones soon, and in the meantime, if you want free jewelry delivered to you for a month with free shipping/returns, then go to Rocksbox.com and use code "Laurabff462" 

#yas.

Other than those things, we're just getting ready for a bunch of busy weekends in a row, including a handful of weddings we are SO SO excited for!

What's new with you friends?

If you're sick of waiting 3 months at a time for one of these post, just find me on Instagram (@lpodlich) or Snapchat (lpod216) for a look at daily life :)

xo, lp

LIFE LATELY: A WHOLE MONTH OFF

I didn't really mean to take a whole month off blogging...it just kind of happened.

I figured to start the new year I would try and take the time I usually spend blogging and read more, get outside more, and connect with family and friends more...and then a month later...I was still doing just that.

I still read other blogs daily, and recently I realized how much I missed sharing life updates, recipes, and other fun things on the blog- so I'm back, friends. Whether you like it or not (hopefully you like it?) I'm back.  

February is my favorite month, so it'll be a good month to start B&B back up! 

Here's what's been good lately:

1. Skiing!

 To start the year out, Michael and I took a few days to cross country ski at Wisconsin State Parks. If you're a Wisco skiier you MUST go to High Cliff State Park in Appleton- they have great trails! We recently got some fresh powder, and plan to make it out and about skiing more this month

2. Books on books on books!All the candy!

I was lucky enough to get a ton of books from family and friends for gifts over the holidays - which means I've been reading a lot more lately. I'm going to start doing book reviews on the blog (YAY NEW THINGZ), so look for them coming soon on People I Want to Punch in the Throat and Crazy Rich Asians!I 

3. All the candy!

have zero intention to stop doing rainbow order posts or posts with candy in 2016. They're my absolutely favorite to do, and I already have a few under my belt for the year. Best find? Sweethearts released a bag of their original flavors since it's their 150th anniversary and they are SO much better than the new flavors. I definitely went through the bag and picked out all the white Wintergreen flavored ones. #favorite

4. The Bachelor, and other TV things

Hey, I never said I was ditching TV to only read books! I have a group of women I watch the Bachelor with...although it usually ends up being half watching and half just talking to each other. For the record: Olivia is the worst, Jojo is adorable, and Lauren B is totally winning. Other than watching high-IQ shows like the Bachelor, I of course watched Making a Murder (do you guys think he's guilty?!), finally finished New Girl, and have been re-watching Parks & Recreation.

What's new with you?

To catch up on 2016 so far, go here!

xo, lp 

(instagram is the bomb.com. you can find me here ---> @lpodlich)

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

LIFE LATELY: LISTY LISTS

I love lists. I love numbered lists. I'm so Type A it hurts sometimes.

Thus, I give you the new listy-list version of Life Lately posts:

1. PERSONAL LIFE:

1. The Packers lost for the second week in a row. If you need Michael or me, we're crying into our PBRs.

2. I helped my sister with my niece's 6th birthday party this weekend, which meant 13 six year old running around yelling and popping balloons. #nothavingkidsforawhile 

3.  Michael passed a big exam for work recently and we celebrated by drinking good beer and watching 2 Harry Potter movies. Yes we're old. No, IDGAF if you think that's lame.

2. GREAT LINKS:

1. This must follow Instagram account (Rich Dogs of Instagram)

2.  Always my favorite:  Jimmy Kimmel having parents tell their kids they ate all the Halloween candy

3. The latest Matt Bellassai Video: The Worst Types of People on Airplanes

- Food Flags!

3. FAVORITE POSTS:

These were my favorite 4 posts in the blog-world in the last couple weeks:

1. The BEST Friendsgiving background from A Beautiful Mess (Image by Collin DuPree)

2. Way cool homemade Cosmic Brownie Poptarts by Studio DIY (Image by Jeff Mindell)

3. A gorgeous November computer background by Oana Befort

4. The rainbow Christmas tree of my dreams by Lines Across

4. SUPER IMPORTANT HOLIDAYS!

You know what, I'm all for those fake-National holidays. Yup. National Candy Day? SOLD.

5. SALES!

The sale you MUST shop right now is on Back Country-  30% off select Marmot & Patagonia outerwear for Men's & Women's (which is about the best deal you can get for non-clearance colors). Included in the sale is my faaavorite Women's Down Sweater Jacket (which I own in orange) along with about 10 other things I want. If anyone feels like buying me some Patagonia outerwear, just let me know. (shop the sale here)

What's good with you, folks?

Seriously, feel free to buy me a new jacket.

xo, lp

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Let's be friends on Instagram.

Because I like you.

And because you made it this far in the post, I assume you like me too.

Find me here: @lpodlich

LIFE LATELY: I'M BAAAAAAAAAAACK

Oy. Worst blogger award goes to....ME. Partially for ignoring you all for a while, partially for missing my own blogiversary. OOPS. How have I been blogging for 4 years? I'll get a nostalgic post up on here soon about the last 4 years (blah blah blah) but for now, here's what I've been up to:

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1. Fall camping! Last weekend Michael and I went up to camp in Door County, and then went to the Packers vs Rams game at Lambeau. Camping was ridiculously awesome, and the game was just as great. If you're headed to Door County in the near future and are looking for recommendations, shoot me an email (beautyandbeard (at) gmail (dot) com)- I'd love to send some ideas your way!

2. Sparkly Jewels: I've still got my Rocksbox subscription going on- and it has been awesome to see how many of you have been trying it out as well. (For free with code beautyandbeardxoxo!). If you still have questions, I'm always happy to answer how the service works- there's no need to feel dumb to ask- I'm a little wary of subscription services myself, so I totally don't blame you. Just shoot an email to the address mentioned above! If you are ready to try your first month FO FREE, just go to rocksbox.com and use code "beautyandbeardxoxo" 

3. #LPWallCrawl: I love following Studio DIY on her wall crawl series, so I decided to start my own series on Instagram-- follow along here: #LPWallCrawl

4. The Shopbop Friends & Family sale is my JAM. Shopbop rarely does sales, and this one only comes around twice a year. 25% off almost everything! Winning.

5. Four Fall Recipes: Fall means it's time for some recipes that make you feel extra cozy and warm. Some of my favorite repeats are: Ranch Pumpkin Seeds // Quinoa Stuffed Red Peppers // Aged White Cheddar Mac & Cheese // Spicy Red Pepper Pasta

What has been new with you my dears?

Tell me what's been going on!

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!

BEST BITES: CURRANT + LEMON MUFFINS

Today's recipe includes an AWESOME ingredient I've actually never baked with before, but have always loved: CURRANTS!

Growing up in Minnesota, we had wild currants grow on bushes near our house. My sister and I would pick them and eat them right on the spot. I was so excited when I found them at the farmer's market recently! They're tart and tangy and pop when you bit into them- kind of like a hybrid between and cranberry and a pomegranate seed:

I decided they'd be perfect to bake with, so I threw them into one of my usual muffin recipes with lemon and they turned out EXCELLENT. Half the batter was in mini muffin tins, half was in regular- both were eaten equally between family and friends :)

Here's what you need to make it happen:

- 1 1/2 cup fresh currants- washed, and destemmed! If I had had more I would have put even more in!

- 1 lemon: both zest and juice

- 1 cup skim milk

- 2 large eggs

- 1/2 cup vegetable or canola oil

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 4 teaspoons baking powder

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 3 cups all-purpose flour

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 and line your muffin tins with liners. 

Step 2: Combine your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Step 3: Mix together your eggs, milk, and oil, and add to the dry mixture

Step 4: Stir in your lemon juice and zest, and gently mix all together with a spatula. I don't like using a mixer for muffins, they always end up kind of tough!

Step 5: Fold in your currants carefully so they don't all burst open!

Step 6: Fill your muffin cups 2/3 full if you want them to have a slight cap, or a little more full if you want the dramatic muffin top look (yes, I said muffin top!).

Step 7: For mini muffins, bake for 20 minutes- for regular muffins, bake for 25-30 (until lightly golden brown)

Step 8: Serve to your family/friends and enjoy!

 Personally, since the fruit is smaller, I think these were a lot better in a mini muffin form- each bite evenly guarantees some currant in it!

Have any of you ever baked with currants before? 

Tell me what you've made, I'd love to try the recipe!

xo, lp

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For more recipes, go HERE!

RAINBOW DRESSES FOR SUMMER

Commercials may be telling us it's back to school season, but weather.com keeps telling me it's still SUMMER!

The forecast this week is mid-80s, which means there's still plenty of time left for summer dresses- and the best part? Retailers are bring out new fall goods, so most of them are on sale!

So whether you're someone looking for a bright yellow dress or a slightly calmer navy dress- this guide is 100% for you. Pin it or share it with a friend- shopping (even virtually) is better that way, isn't it?

SHOP ORANGE DRESSES  //   SHOP YELLOW DRESSES

SHOP GREEN DRESSES //  SHOP BLUE DRESSES

SHOP NAVY DRESSES //  SHOP PURPLE DRESSES 

SHOP PINK DRESSES //  SHOP CORAL DRESSES

Okay, now tell me which of these dresses you love!

I'm all about Row 3, 2nd from the left!

xo, lp

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for more things in rainbow order, go here!

LIFE LATELY: BACHELORETTE PARTIES & SPOON REFLECTIONS

This weekend was PERFECT.

There. I said it.

Michael and I drove back to MN so I could be at my friend's bachelorette fiesta. We've been friends since kindergarten, so there was no way I was going to miss it! We spent the whole time at her family's cabin at the lake- enjoying drinks and sunshine and a ridiculous amount of "remember when...??" storytelling. It was perfect weather, perfect company- just right for the soul :)

Here's what's good lately:

#1: Like I said, perfect weather! Look at that blue sky!

#2: It wasn't too shabby at sunset, either....

#4: I'm still deciding what I'm going to wear to her wedding (at the end of August)- and I've been eyeing these gorgeous Yumi Kim dresses. The floral patterns on these are just beyond!

#5: Another day, another awesome jewelry find. I actually had my first Rocksbox ever that I DIDN'T love. It had 2 necklaces in it that weren't me at ALL, which was a pretty big bummer since the last box I got was so good I kept all 3 pieces! Luckily the 3rd one in this box was one I loved- this delicate Gorjana gold long necklace below. I shipped the box back right away, and the new one will already be here today :) I know I normally gush about RB, but thought I'd keep it really by saying that they don't always hit it out of the park- but everyone is allowed an off-day, right?

(if you're still curious, you can get a free month trial with free shipping by using "beautyandbeardxoxo" as a code at checkout!)

#6: Tomorrow's recipe is SO. GOOD.  I noticed, however, while I was editing these images- that I foolishly had captured myself in the reflection of the spoons! AH! Thank goodness I was wearin' clothes, y'all. Oy. 

So what's new, people?

Anyone have a vote on which Yumi Kim dress I should get?

xo, lp

(i share on instagram A LOT, so if you're lookin' for more B&B, go here!)

LIFE LATELY: FARMERS MARKETS + PINA COLADA STARBURST

 Howwww is Monday here already? 

If I could take just 1 more day and get a few solid naps in that would be great. By the way, isn't one of the best things about being a grownup taking names on the weekend? I can't believe I ever fought them as a kid, seriously.

Here's what's good lately:

#1: Ooooh it is prime Farmer's Market season, my friends. Michael and I wandered around the Square and picked up so many great things- including these currants (which will be featured in a recipe post soon!):

 #2: Other than all the produce we bought (like zucchinis the size of a toddler), we also got some gorgeous flowers. How perfect are these?

#3: If there's a candy out there, I'll put it in rainbow order. I recently found out there are pina colada Starburst. 

My first question is: WHY!?!

My second questions is: Does anyone actually like them!?

Because..EW. 

 #4: This week's recipe is a treat, my friends. If you like grapefruit, this is SO for you!

Okay, I care about your weekend and all, but I REALLY want to know if anyone out there actually likes pina colada Starburst...

FESS UP, PEOPLE.

xo, lp

For more of a look into the weekend, go HERE!

HELLO, SUMMER!

Oh you guys. I know it's technically been summer since the end of June, but this weekend reeeeeeeally felt like summer. Lots of sun, pool time, and campfires. Everything I own now smells like bonfire smoke, but it was soooo worth it. 

Here's what's good lately:

#1: Taking Instagram snaps and turning them into summer iPhone backgrounds like it's my JOB y'all:

#2: Um, Kate Spade fruit earrings for the win (shop them here). Pineapples or Bananas?

#3: Latest Rocksbox necklace is faaaabulous. I've never been a purple person- but this one is growing on me.  (free month of rocksbox with code beautyandbeardxoxo)

#4: Let's chat about backpacks. I've wanted one of these Fjallraven backpacks for a while (this yellow one is so cute!) but I can't decide on a color. Help a girl out- which one is the best?! :

#5: This week's recipe is so dang easy, and requires less than 5 ingredients. YAS.

What summery-good things did you do this weekend?

Follow along on more summer adventures HERE!

xo, lp