EXTRA 40% OFF? TWIST MY ARM.

Hi kids.

I'll be brief today. Ann Taylor is having their Semi Annual sale + an additional 40% off all sale styles.

Dresses, sweaters, skirts, necklaces, scarves, shoes...you name it. If it's on sale, you get 40% more off. 

Just put it in your shopping cart and the price will automatically change for you- no code needed!

My two favorite dresses are from Ann Taylor, and I figured I'd feature some of their accessories and shoes I could pair with them here!

Especially loving that white square necklace, those bold scarves, and the pretty sparkly loafers!

If you're an Ann Taylor fan, today is your day.

Go get it, friends. Let me know the damage you do.

xo, lp

OOEY GOOEY LEMON BARS

I don't even know how to preface this post.

These lemon bars are amazing.

There. That's it. 

The top is extra sweet with a layer of powdered sugar, and cracks slightly when you bite down into it's ooey gooey citrusy center. Just solid enough to eat without a fork, but totally melt in your mouth when you take a bite. 

Enjoy, my friends.

What you'll need:

2/3 cup fresh squeeze lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
zest of said lemons

2 1/4 cup all purpose flour

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs

2 sticks unsalted butter (softened)

Powdered sugar

Pinch of salt

Parchment paper

9x13 pan (I prefer glass)

How to make it happen: 

Step 1: Mix together your butter, 2 cups of flour, and 1/2 cup of granulated sugar into a soft dough. 

Step 2: Spread dough evenly into parchment lined baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes in a 350 degree oven. You'll know it's good to go when it's very lightly browned and bubbling!

Step 3: Mix together your lemon juice and 1 1/2 cups of sugar until dissolved. Add in your eggs, 1/4 cup flour, pinch of salt, and  1 lemon worth of lemon zest.Whisk together until well mixed and frothy!

Step 4: Pour your lemon mixture over your hot crust, being sure to spread it evenly over the whole pan. Throw it back into the 350 degree oven and bake for another 20.

Step 5: Set bars aside and let COOL. Not, really, let them cool people. Don't try and cut them or they will mush everywhere. This will take a while and they will smell awesome, but just let them hang out until the baking dish is cool.
Step 6: About 15 minutes into the cooling process smooth a thin layer of powdered sugar on the bars, which will serve as a protective layer for the final sprinkling of sugar.
Step 7: When cool, cover the bars with a good layer of powdered sugar and sprinkle with lemon zest.
Step 8: Cut into squares and enjoy with a nice cool glass of milk! Keep them in the fridge - they're best cold!

So there you have it folks- hands down the most delicious (and easy) lemon bar recipe there is.
Pin it to your hearts content.
Print it out and save it for later.
Make it for every dang occasion you can.

Looking for some variations? Use orange juice instead- just cut back on the sugar a bit- or use half lemon juice and half lime!

Okay, who is going home to make these tonight?
Bonus points if you take a picture and share it with me!

xo, lp


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PSSSST: Make these bars and want to show them off?
Tag me on Twitter or Instagram (@lpodlich) or on Facebook (Beauty and the Beard) with the picture so I can see how they turned out!!

NO ONE TALK TO ME I'M CRANKY.

Happy Monday, people.

Let's get a few things straight this week:

If you're a SF 49ers fan, don't talk to me. Actually, if you're anyone other than a Packer fan, don't talk to me. Yes I am a sore loser...especially when it comes to football.

Now that I no longer care about what happens in the playoffs, my weekends are now free to drink coffee, read Martha, and get back to posting on this here blog. Cue the excitement from all of you! 

(find me on Instagram here)

Now, so I don't turn into a total Debbie Downer - there are a few good things I have to share this week!

Good thing 1:

I'm back to posting recipes every Tuesday, so get ready for the recipe to my delicious lemon bars tomorrow.  My goal is to find more things to bake that require a powdered sugar topping. Seriously.

Good thing 2:

Michael's aunt got me this cookbook for the holidays and it is absolutely one of the best I own. Now, I have to admit her show "barefoot contessa" is not always the easiest to watch, but damn Ina Garten knows what's  up in the kitchen. This cookbook is full of recipes that are... wait for it... foolproof, and I cannot wait to try some and share them.

(if you're looking to get one for yourself or someone you know, it's on sale HERE!)

Good thing 3:

I got my hair cut yesterday. I realize this is completely useless information for any of you, but I'm pretty happy about not looking like such a split-end scrub.

Good thing 4:

I watched the Golden Globes, and here are my thoughts:

1. JLo. What were you wearing. No.

2. Jessica Alba, you are a freaking perfect. Holy crap. Stunning.

3. Everyone should have an acceptance speech like Adele.

4. Not enough Tina Fey & Amy Poehler.

The End. 

Good thing 5:

I'm gettin' back to real blogging people. I've been here and there lately, but I've got plenty of recipes and DIYs up my sleeve for you pretty folks. In addition to that, I'll have a few posts that are a little bit more about me. Inspired by my girl {av} last week in her post about small victories, I've realized how most of my favorites posts by my favorite bloggers are the ones that serve as a window into their real world. 

Psssssst: Yes, for those of your who read long distance loving , {av}really is as amazing in person as she is on the interwebs. Here we are when I visited Rhode Island this summer- please ignore my pasty legs. Woof. 

What good things do you have to look forward to this week?

Or... for those of you majorly into pop culture: thoughts on the Golden Globes you care to share?

xo, lp