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

FOURTEEN FOREVER FINDS UNDER TWENTY

For those of you who are regulars around here, you're probably like "Um, what the what! It's Tuesday Laura, where's your dang recipes?"

I know, I know.

Today I'm straying from tradition because I took  ZERO pictures of anything I made this weekend. Oops.

If you're feeling deprived then go HERE for a backlog of drink & food recipes :)

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So what AM I going to talk about today? Forever21. 

Like I mentioned yesterday, my new favorite shirt with zebras on it is from there. The fantastic dress I wore to a recent wedding and got tons of compliments on is from there. 

I feel like at one point I might have tried to justify making purchases from there, but quite frankly it's not even worth it. Is Forever21 full of a lot of crap? Yes, but it also has some awesome finds. So if you're a hater and you know I won't convince you, move along & come back tomorrow :)

Here are a few items I think are awesome steals:

1. This faux leather drop sleeve top is sassy and I like it. I mean, $14.80? Done. Pair it with a sparkly necklace and you're good to go.

2. I love the look of wrap bracelets, and this one is only $9. Plus it's basic black, which goes with every outfit.

3. EEP! This ceramic elephant ring holder is so dang cute. Perfect gift for a friend who just got engaged!

4. The mix of neutral tan and pink on this crossbody bag makes it the essential summer bag.

5. This light summery scarf  is just right for chilly evenings outside.

6. Triangles + gold +black = coolest makeup bag ever. 

7. Where else can you get a fun gold cutout necklace for under  $5? Seriously!

8. I grabbed a version of this color pop tee the other day & intend to wear it all summer. Nothing better than  an easy to maintain tee that have a great look to it too.

9.  LOVE this scallop bangle set. It comes in 2 color combos and is under $10. Yes and yes.

10. I totally abuse my purses. I'm convinced when it comes to purses I kind of don't deserve expensive ones. Sigh. This envelope crossbody is exactly right for everyday use, and won't break my heart when I inevitably explode lipstick inside of it.

11. Long. Basic. Gold. Necklace. No other description needed!

12 &13: I am a huge sucker for polka dots, and these $5.80 clutches are right up my alley. 

14. These geo studs are so awesome. I love the gold diamond ones! Under $3, peeps.

Whew. 

So have I convinced you yet? Which of these awesome 14 finds under $20 will you snag?

xo, lp

USA JELLO. AND CHEESEBOARDS. AND DRINKS.

Oh long weekends, you are too good! 

 I hope you all had a fun 4th of July! The weather has been 100% perfect lately, which has made the last week and weekend ridiculously enjoyable.

Wednesday we met up with friends for Concert on the Square- which features the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra right on the Capitol lawn. Other than a few tiny rain drops it was completely comfortable:

Sorry for the boatload of 4th of July photos on Instagram! We had a blast at our friend's house, with a marathon day of yard games, drinking, and eating. SO Amurrrrican.

This was the excuse to bust out every USA themed thing I own...including this USA cheeseboard:

....and my USA jello mold! I used 3 flavors of jello (&vodka) to make a triple layer jello shot. It was huge! We all took turns cutting out states and eating them. Because we're cool like that.

Oh, and the main event for the day? COLORSBEE! A new and improved version of Beersbee, it involved getting really messy with dyed drinks and kiddie pools full of dyed water. Dani even made shirts for us!

We didn't make any other specific plans for the weekend because we knew we'd be packing up our apartment for the upcoming move! We spent time by the pool, played darts with friends, and had a great date night on the Cap Square. If you're in Madison, you've got to try DLUX. I was skeptical-but our meal was excellent. I rarely get cocktails- but the Blvd Buzz with bourbon, blackberries, and turbinado sugar was too good to pass up! 

 (also- you can barely see it, but i'm wearing my new favorite shirt with zebras on it! it looks ridiculous how it's styled online, but i sized up so it's not a freaking belly shirt. highly recommend!)

So that was our weekend. How was yours, friends?

Anyone else eat something in the shape of the USA?

gosh I sure hope so...

xo, lp

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*Psst: if you're an online shopper, you HAVE to use Ebates. Fer real, y'all. Find out more HERE*