let's all take a moment to read.

okay everyone.

i found this article yesterday and it was good enough that i wanted to share it with you.

what's it about?

getting #engaged. yes, the hashtag is part of it. 

(image via)

i won't go on an on about it in this post, because i think plagiarizing is pretty lame, so i'll let you just follow the link and enjoy!

i will say that this was the most eyeopening part for me:

"Out of my 11 close friends who have gotten married in the past three years, 10 of them attended meetings with their wedding coordinators,to ensure their wedding day would be flawless. Only one of those friends attended pre-marriage counseling."

so, go ready this awesome article. stat. 

After you read it, come back and let me know what you think!

xo, lp

THE LAND WHERE PEOPLE WAVE AT TRAINS...

A long ride on a two carriage train that crosses over a river on a small rickety bridge, goes through mountain tunnels and then emerges into breathtaking scenery to hug the coastline. From the window on one side: slate, sheep grazing on hills and masses of blue and purple hydrangeas spilling down mountains - fields sectioned by miles of dry stone walls. On the

MAN, YOU'VE GOT STYLE.

We've actually started decorating our apartment.

 2 months in. 

We're doin' it, folks. Being adults and covering up the blank walls.

When we first moved in I had a collection of apartment pictures that I thought would fit in our place...but I've revamped that with what we really want, now that we've lived in our space for a bit!

Here's what's on our radar:

images via: a beautiful mess // sf girl by bay // design sponge // a beautiful mess // emily henderson 

1. This recent lighting fixture from ABM is amazing. I love the look of the bare lightbulbs-- and while we might not go totally literal here with bulbs, there will definitely be some type of glass or chandelier in our lofted ceilings!

2. Light, bright bedroom with minimal art & simple monograms. Need I say more?

3. I am in LOVE with this green wood stain. I mean, so much more chic than just painting a dresser with solid paint. Our dresser needs a major makeover, and I'll be using this as inspiration for sure.

4. I have the most awesome 365 day calendar printed on my instagram photos from Social Print Studios, and while it won't be an entire wall of wallpaper photos, I think 365 will make a pretty good impact!

5. My gallery wall in our last place wasn't too much of a success, so this time around mismatching frames more is my goal. 

What's something you really love about your space?

For more of my favorites, go here!

xo, lp

TAKE A SIP: RASPBERRY BOURBON FIZZ

Summer is officially done, which means this will probably be one of the last fruity-refreshing drinks I get to share on here for a while. Sad day!

-----

A while back on a good old fashioned date night with Michael, I ordered the most delicious blackberry bourbon drink. It was the perfect combination of sweet, sour, and bitter- with a hint of lemon and seltzer in it.

I didn't have blackberries on hand, but I did my best to recreate it with some raspberries:

What you'll need to make it happen:

- Handful of raspberries

- 2 ounces bourbon (I love Bulleit)

- 1/2 ounce of triple sec

- ginger ale

- ice & cute straws

How to make it happen:

Step 1: Pour your bourbon over your raspberries in the bottom of the glass you're choosing to use & mash 'em up.

Step 2: Add your ice and triple sec & stir!

Step 3: Fill glass with ginger ale, garnish with raspberries, and sip through a lovely straw.

I mean, easy, right?

This drink is both cool & refreshing and warming (thanks to the bourbon) - making it the perfect beginning of Fall/End of summer drink!

What drink are you sipping on these days?

If raspberry is your jam - try these too!

xo, lp

Friday's Fancies #69: Fall Must-haves!

GAHHHHHHH Fall is HERE! Picture me doing flips around the house and running around unearthing all of my favorite sweaters. Because that's what I'm doing. Because Fall.Is.Here. 

Here are my top 8 fall must-haves:

1. Waxed Cotton Parka: More than just your average military jacket, this parka is something special for sure. The price tag is steep, so if y'all wanna chip in to help me get it, that'd be great.

2.  Herringbone Loafers: As far as I'm concerned, these are THE shoes of fall. Anything herringbone is good in my book, and these are complete perfection.

3. Basic Infinity Scarf: Nothing is better than a basic scarf that's easy to throw on with any and every outfit, right? This one is soft, silky, and sweetly priced!

4. BareMinerals Eye Shadow Palette:  I'm not usually much of a eyeshadow girl, but I think this fall I'm going to give it a go with these gorgeous dark & dusty shades of shadow from BareMinerals.

5. Brown Leather Bag: I've said it before and I'll say it again - this bag is the bees knees. Cognac. Tassel. Love.

6. Camo Sweater: I have been fighting the camo trend for the last year but dangit if it isn't growing on me! 

7. Leopard Pointy Flats: Leopard just won't die, and I'm totally okay with that. Pointy flats are my favorite because they help my short lil legs seem a little longer, so these are awesome.

8. Crystal Necklace: Target did a pretty solid job copying the classic J.Crew Venus Flytrap necklace. I already have the J.Crew one but I got the Target one too to layer 'em up!

What's on your Fall must-have list?

Tell me those herringbone loafers aren't perfection!

xo, lp

The Blogger Buzz, vol. 3

It's that time again! This volume of Blogger Buzz is all about our must-have beauty buys...

1.      1. // Ashley Fine of One Fine Day

 I love The Beauty Blender: This bright pink makeup sponge lives up to the hype. Believe me, I hate gimmicks! Since I started using it earlier this year, I've received so many compliments regarding my complexion. I've never considered myself to be someone who has nice skin, so this was a huge coup! The application is foolproof and foundation looks airbrushed. What's not to love?

2.     2. // Samantha Peterson of The Brunette One

 I can't live without my Urban Decay Naked Palette! While the price is a bit steep, it is worth the investment. Easily go from day to night with the multitude of neutral shades offered! A huge plus? It makes packing my make-up a breeze. If you want something a bit smaller, try out the Naked Basics Palette.

3.      3. // Lauren Felix of La Petite Fashionista

 I've been trying to convert over to more natural + chemical free beauty products and was SO thrilled when my mom introduced me to The Honest Company- founded by Jessica Alba. The Lavender Mint flavor of this Honest Company Organic Lip Balm is my favorite- it's ultra-moisturizing and will be a total lifesaver this winter!

4.     4. // Laura Podlich of Beauty and the Beard

 My one beauty buy I can't live without is One Love Organics- Skin Savior. This stuff is seriously magic. It makes your skin softer than you could ever imagine as a moisturizer, and doubles as a waterless balm to remove makeup without irritation. PLUS it smells heavenly!

5.     5. // Katherine Nolden of The Duchess of Plumewood

I use this Clarisonic Mia every single night! I love how deeply it cleans my skin; I swear my skin has never looked better since I started using the Mia! Plus, I feel that the other beauty products I use are more effective because they can better penetrate my skin after it’s been cleansed so thoroughly! 

What's your must-have beauty buy?
If you haven't tried Skin Savior you MUST!

xo, lp

EVERYTHING IN YOUR HOME SHOULD BE MADE OF ACRYLIC.

Okay mayyyybe an exaggeration. But I mean, plastic is BACK people. 

Yes, it's just plastic.

I mean, some stores try to pretend it's fancy and call it lucite- and charge a ridiculous amount for it...but it's really just plastic. No matter what you call it, it makes for some fun accessories, right?

The Container Store has an awesome selection of fun acrylic pieces, and at super fair prices. I already have the bracelet stand, and am going to be adding a few more of these pieces to my collection soon:

1. We just got a new desk in the apartment and I love this general organizer. Perfect for pens, stamps, or any random knick-knacks that need a home.

2. I REALLY need to get some business cards for this here blog...mainly so I can justify buying this card holder!

3.  Scotch tape has never looked so chic! This tape dispenser is $10 and worth every penny.

4. This tray is SUCH an awesome hostess gift, right? Or just a "I moved into a new apartment so this is my housewarming gift to myself" gift. 

5. These racks are excellent for organizing your necklaces and bracelets. Plus it makes for a pretty display!

6. This organizer is perfection for the lipstick lover. All the individual sections keep your collection from turning into a total mess!

7. I mean, if you have to have Qtips out, you might as well have a cute case to put them in...

8. Same goes for your make up brushes, or mascara/eyeliner- might as well keep it tidy in this slender case!

9. The catchall tray is necessary. Toss your jewelry off at the end of the day into it, or have it at the ready for keys and stray bobby pins. What's best is they stack, so for $6 a piece you can have some seriously good looking and affordable storage!

Which of these acrylic pieces would you use to organize your space?

I'm loving them all, but that tray is #1 on my list!

xo, lp