Monday, December 26, 2011

Christmas in Pictures

Here's the tree, the food, the wrapping paper massacre, and the trying on my presents in the middle of the night picture...enjoy!



My fave ornament: the peacock

Moose shaped chicken...genius

The most beautiful mess of the year

...where's the snow?


Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Friday, December 16, 2011

O.O.T.D: My Favorite Christmas Story...

He met her up in Delaware in 1937, She was wearing red lipstick to match her pretty dress....

I figured it was about time to post an outfit of the day with this dress...'cause I am a little obsessed with it, and would probably wear it everyday if I didn't have to wash it every once in a while....   
product list 
Navy and red have always been my fave colors to wear, and ever since I saw Troian Bellisario wear this dress on Pretty Little Liars I had to have it!  It looks so fabulously effortless and goes with pretty much everything.  I especially love to wear it with my new Tommy Hilfiger boots (an amazing early Christmas present) and  a simple caban jacket - just add some matching cozy accessories and you're good to go Christmas shopping or, you know...whatever...


Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Monday, December 12, 2011

Dear Santa...

Don't we all have that one ultimate Christmas wish  list?  Well here's mine just for fun...but if you wanna get me something from it  that's cool too ;)

Product List

1) Burberry Prorsum Down Coat – Rachel Bilson has this, and while that is usually reason enough to want it,  it's also simply gorgeous...and you all know how I feel about Burberry.

2) Michael Kors Runway Chronograph in Chocolate – as in the color, not made out of chocolate ...althought I wouldn't be opposed to that either.  

3) Tartan Biker Jacket – two words:  plaind cool 

4) Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Live Anthology (Vinyl Box Set) – This would make the best present ever!  ...especially because I would never spend that much on a box set myself when I already have half of the songs on my iPod...but it's so awesome!

5) Nike Air Pegasus+ 28 – I have the 27s, and they are by far the best running shoes I ever owned...so I wouldn't mind an upgrade. 

6) Yee-Haute Necklace from Modcloth – it's just cute.

7) Crosley Keepsake USB Turntable – I've wanted one of these for the longest time, and if I had it I could finally send my beloved record player into a well deserved  retirement.  

8) Nike Monica Yoga bag – I love the color, the design, and how roomy this bag is. It could easily double as a weekender.  

So what are some of your dream Christmas presents?  Let me know, comment below!




Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Stocking Stuffers

It's Christmas all over again... And if you are anything like me, and still trying to find some little presents for your friends then keep on reading:

Product List

1) Do you have friends who like to read? How about giving them their favorite classic in a pretty new look. Are they into books and technology? Then nothing beats a book cover inspired  iPhone case or a book that helps whenever you can't think of the right 140 characters.  

2) A limited edition nail polish? The best mascara ever made? Soda flavored lip balm? - Things that make  every girly-girl happy.

3) Who doesn't like pillows? They are very huggable...and come in so many designs!  Even with horsies!

4) Everyone has their favorite Disney classic - and H&M has  cute and affordable T-shirts with Bambi and co. on them. 

5) Know someone who needs a little warmth in their life? Then those USB handwarmers are perfect ...and they look like toast.

6) A candy cane shaped tea infuser? Does it get more christmassy than that? And tea is served best with fresh cookies - especially the mustache shaped ones your friends can make with their new cookie cutter set.

I hope this could give you a few ideas!  And the best?  It's all available online, so no shopping stress ;)

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Christmas Playlist

Remember my Summer Playlist post?  Well you guys loved it so much that I figured a Christmas song version was due ;) So lets jump right into it....

1) Santa Baby (The Everclear Version): Sure a guy singing Santa Baby is a little weird - but it's also really hot! I kept the  outfit on the wild side with leather leggings and a plaid shirt, but you can't do Santa Baby without some bling and sparkles (Tiffany of course). Finish it off with a cool hat and some badass - but cozy- boots and there's nothing Santa won't do for you.    


2) Baby It's Cold Outside (any version, but GLEE's in particular): The infamous "Date-Rape Christmas Carol" never gets old. I love the look of a party dress under a warm down coat. Just add cozy accessories and  some comfy booties and you won't catch pneumonia if you feel the need to run...


3) Christmas Wrapping (again, big fan of the GLEE Version): From the 80s sound to the fun lyrics there's nothing I don't love about this song - and it shows in the outfit.  Key essentials in any 80s Christmas song outfit?  A down vest  over a reindeer sweater of course!  Have fun with the accessories. Sequined earmuffs?  Yes please!  


So what are your favorite Christmas Songs? Let me know, comment below.

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Thursday, December 1, 2011

In December...

...drinking Horchata (I've waited months to post this)


Drinking Horchata in the snow is kinda awesome (and yes I'm loving it just because of that song), but be sure to bundle up in something warm. I know that it's not the most fashionable combo, but when I'm outside enjoying a sunny snowday I'm the happiest in a down jacket, UGGs, and my newest obsession hooded scarves (aka snoods)  - and if you're anything like me and into cheesy Christmas tees check out the ones at Hollister (pineapple trimming and hot Santas?...I'm in heaven).


And of course this post wouldn't be complete without a Horchata recipe so just follow this link: Horchata Recipe (Food Network) and enjoy.  

            
Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Let's Get Fozzie...

It's that time of the year again...the leaves fall, Christmas decorations slowly start popping up, and OPI releases their Holiday collection!  This year it's inspired by the new  Muppets Movie  (and yes I'm dying to see it!). 

Because I couldn't decide which shade I loved the most I got the mini set (for now):


And every single shade that came with it is a win, but  my personal favorite has to be  "Warm&Fozzie"...it's so pretty that words wouldn't do it justice so see for yourself:

(not my picture)
Now on to the yummy part: this color actually reminded me of a recipe I love: Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips.  It's super easy to make, only takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and is so full of delicious flavor that you won't know what hit you...



You find the full recipe with instructions here: Apple Pie Party Dip W/ Cinnamon Sugar Chips 
I however like to use sugar beet syrup instead of apricot preserves and brown sugar (only because I'm not an apricot fan, so this is simply a matter of taste) …but whatever you decide – Fozzie will approve ;)


Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Monday, November 14, 2011

O.O.T.D: 3-In-One (and pretty pictures!)

It's time for another outfit  of the day, or in this case outfits of the day. I spent the first half of the day in town getting my hair done (I'm finally back to that perfect, not bleached looking, sunkissed blond woo!),  and the afternoon working in the garden (meaning: playing in all the pretty leaves)...without having to change my outfit! I wore a Free People thermal and skinny jeans - an outfit that is not only very comfy but also incredible versatile. 


1) Morning:  I wore a vintage military wool coat, and my wedge booties - a cute and classy look that always works.

2) Afternoon: For the work portion of the day I substituted the coat with a down vest, and the booties with my wellies - and voilà a whole new look...

3) Night (not pictured): If I would decide to go out tonight some black heels, and the right jewelry would do the trick 

 ...but since I'm rather tired I'll probably just go for my fave accessories fuzzy socks and a cup of pumpkin spice latte ;)




Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Will They Or Won't They?

…Catch the bad guy ;)

As most of you know I grew up loving detective shows, but the clever detectives weren't the only thing I loved about them. The shows I adored the most always had a "will they or won't they?" arc going on. 

So… "Hi my name is Laura, and I'm a shipper"


My first detective show ship was Remington Steele's PI duo Remington Steele and Laura Holt. However the "shipping" didn't start until years after I first saw it. I wasn't even born when this show originally aired, and since I was about 5 years old when I saw the first reruns I didn't fully grasp the concept of UST (unresolved sexual tension) yet. But during a little DVD marathon yesterday I realized something: my first TV ship has a lot in common with one of my current ships…in fact they might even be the same people:



Yes I'm talking about Castle's Richard Castle and Kate Beckett. And being named after the (romantic) lead is not the only thing these two shows have in common:

Remington and Castle are both sharp-witted (sometimes cocky) guys, and their partners in crime, Laura and Kate, are the more serious (but nevertheless very flirty) part of the duo. And all four were (or in Castle's case are) too afraid and stubborn to make a move.

RS, however, is the more campy show of the two. With the exception of a few episodes it was a lot more lighthearted than it's modern day counterpart.  There seemed to be less at stake, and the characters shared their first kiss in the third (!) episode. On Castle it took three seasons to get to that particular milestone. Okay, so technically both kisses weren't even real (we know they were, but the characters themselves might deny it), but that is just another thing the couples have in common.

So RS might be ahead in the speed category, but when it comes to continuity I prefer Castle's slow but steady approach. At least we know where the couple stands, and even it is very frustrating at times the big relief will be worth it.  And until then I always have my RS DVDs if I'm in need for some serious fluff.

Another funny tidbit is that Brosnan was actually offered the role of James Bond 10 years before he first played 007, but couldn't take the part because of his commitment to RS. And wasn't it Richard Castle who happily turned down the offer to author the next Bond novels just so he could continue writing about his favorite NYC detective?  Coincidence or not, I leave that up to you…


Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Glitterati

I found  a wonderful (very sparkly) H&M skirt the other day, and while it is perfect for a night out I was looking for a more casual way to wear it.  

...So I asked Castle's costume desinger and fashion genius  Luke Reichle for help, and here's what the master came up with:


...and  my take on it:

I can't wait to rock this look later this week! Thanks Luke!


Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura 

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)


Saturday, November 5, 2011

November Loves

It's November!  So here's what I'm loving...

Product List


1) It's finally coat weather! - I wanted a red wool coat for a while and this red trench from ASOS is just perfect (and it also comes in black and beige if red is not your color).

2) I just bought this Patrizia Pepe leather jacket in black today (for an AMAZING deal!) - so it had to go into this post.  

3) Betsey Johnson tights - I love them so much, especially paired with combat  boots.

4) simple sweater dresses - warm, cozy, comfy...and yet so very cute. It doesn't get much better than this. 

5) Pumpkin Spice Lattes -  The only seasonal coffee drink that I can actually stand (okay I'm totally crazy about it and even bought the maxwell instant mix - which is pretty darn good)

6) Serendipity  - Not only my favorite word but also the perfect November movie!  

7) Grimm (NBC) and American Horror Story (FX) 
-  Grimm, a buddy cop show with magic...enough said! 
- After the initial disappointment about the pilot (not scary enough!)  it took me a few episodes to warm up to AHS, but now I'm loving it. The drama, the craziness the amazing cinematography, Evan Peters all grown up... this show is gold!  

So what are you loving in November?  Let me know, comment below!  

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura  (select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)



Saturday, October 29, 2011

In This Town We Call Home Everyone Hail to the Pumpkin Song...

My fave part about Halloween?  Pumpkin carving!  And here are this year's results...check them out! If you dare ;)








And if you wanna see some really cool decorations: (seriously watch this!)


Still not enough? Well there's always my Psych Halloween fic (pumpkin carving was never this sexy...I mean funny...)

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura  (select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice)

Sunday, October 23, 2011

DIY: TV inspired Halloween Costumes

Last year a silly heat wave ruined my plans of being Penny Lane for Halloween (70s fur coat and  80 degree Weather don't mix...).  So there was only one thing to do: I hit my closet and tried to put together a last minute alternative. One blue sweatshirt, two orange converse, and a bunch of blonde clip in extensions later I was  Chuck's Sarah Walker:


Dressing up as your fave TV character is always an easy and cheap costume idea. In most cases you find everything you need  in your own closet. And even wigs or hair pieces can be found super cheap at Claire's or most drugstores.  

 Here's some inspiration:  


Wanna be Elena from The Vampire Diaries?  All you need are dark skinny jeans, a tank top or cami (either bright red or a darker color, like navy or petrol - no brights!), and of course her trademark KRMA leather jacket (but don't worry Asos, H&M and Forever 21 sell similar styles that look just as cute). And to complete the look with the perfect makeup check out this tutorial

If you're in the mood to dress up as Castle's Kate Beckett, you need a classic trench or peacoat, killer heels and of course her watch and ring. Just borrow your dad's, brother's or guyfriend's watch and find an old ring to wear on a necklace. Not detectivy enough for you? Just hit the next toystore and get a fake gun and police badge.

Feeling extra glamorous? Why not dress up as everyone's favorite Upper East Siders Serena and Blair. There are so many options here, but one look that works particularly well for Halloween is their season one school girl look. Keep it preppy for Blair (bows and headbands, and headbands with bows...), and show your wild side with Serena (short plaid skirt, messy hair, oversized cardigan...). 

...And If you wanna go for something funny, pick a reality TV character. Don't know what to do with those Juicy sweat suits and Ed Hardy tees?  Put them to use by  dressing up as a "Real Housewife" or a Jersey Shore character.  Got an old prom dress and a giant bottle of hairspray?  Be a Toddlers and Tiaras pageant girl! 

I hope this could give you a few ideas.  And if you already know what you're going to be for Halloween  then let me know and comment below!  

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura  (select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice)

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

O.O.T.D: Wild Horses

It may be  October but it's still hot enough to wear super short shorts ...life's good ;) But since I love fall clothing way too much to still wear them with tanktops and flats,  here's a way to rock them in the fall:

Product List

1) High-waisted suede shorts - hands down one of my favorite trends ever!  They are so comfy, super easy to style and look absolutely stunning! ...yeah I'm a little obsessed...

2) I wore  mine with a simple white henley tee (tugged in of course) and an old denim jacket (another favorite trend of mine - I'm so glad they're back!)  

3) Since I spent most of the day running around on the farmer's market I wore these Asos booties, they match the shorts and add a little "fall flair" to an otherwise summery outfit.

4) And of course I wouldn't leave the house without  a scarf...and obviously I went with a horse print one (mine's vintage, but the colors are very similar to the pictured one I found on Asos)  

Is anyone else loving shorts for the fall?  Comment below!  

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura  (select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Sunday, October 9, 2011

October Loves

Since October happens to be my facvorite month of the year, I figured that a post about my favorite october things was due...so here we go:

Product List


1)  Plaid Shirts -  they will always be my number one, and this fall I've been obsessed  with a red/black Maison Scotch shirt, It has adorable leather applications on the sleeves  and has to be the softest shirt I ever owned.

2) Junk Food Batman Tee -  I love my  Junk Food tees (super geek, I know  :P), but this one beats every other one in my collection...I mean Batman, come on...

3) BIG floppy hats -  coolest accessory ever?  I think so.

4) Lace up wedge booties - I just got a pair of gray/greenish Wolfgang Joop booties, and while I have to admit  that I didn't love the look right away, I quickly fell in love with them...and they are sooo comfy!  

5) Nailpolish in all  shades of orange...because of Halloween and all....  ;)

6) Movies: 
Tucker and Dale vs. Evil -  Hands down the funniest Movie I've EVER seen!  I can't get enough of it. 

Trick 'r Treat - If there ever was a movie that captured the true essence of Halloween this is it. It's scary, funny, there's a  little bit of gore (okay maybe a lot),  and has a great message (don't mess with Halloween!) ...in other words:  Greatest scary movie ever made!

7) Songs:
Lately I've been obsessed with Hugo's cover of 99 Problems (Fright Night anyone?), and on a sweeter note Little Miss by Sugarland (I can thank Hart of Dixie for that), check them out! You won't regret it.

8) iPad Crime fighting - yes you read that right, lately I can spend hours playing Clue or the Sherlock Holmes game on my iPad, and  there's of course Psych's  Hashtag Killer. If anyone knows how I can turn this into an actual career please let me know.

So what  are your October faves?  Let me know, comment below!  

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura  (select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Monday, September 26, 2011

Trend Alert: Red Velvet

So  when I hear "red velvet" the first thing that comes to my mind are cupcakes, however  it also is a pretty big fashion trend right now, and I am currently trying to find the perfect  red velvet blazer.  Mainly because  it makes me think of magic shows and movie theaters ... but it also happens to look wicked cool with a vintage tee and oxfords:  

But of course I wouldn't mention cupcakes without sharing my fave recipe with you:

What you need (for 24 servings): 

 2 1/2 cups  flour 
1 1/2 cups sugar 
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp white vinegar
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup  buttermilk
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
red food coloring



Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C. Mix the dry ingredients in a large bowl,  stir the other  ingredients together in another bowl, and add the dry mix. Add the food coloring, and fill the finished  batter into your cupcake forms (fill them only 3/4).  Bake the cupcakes for 20 - 25 minutes, let them cool down and decorate them with your favorite frosting. My favorite way to do it is to mix cream cheese with a tiny dash  of lemon juice and powdered sugar, but the possibilities are endless ;)  



Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Friday, September 23, 2011

I ♥ Dixie

Out  of all the new Fall shows "Hart of Dixie" is the  one I was most excited about  (besides American Horror Story of course) - and the pilot didn't disappoint.  If there ever was a show that had the potential to be my new Everwood this is it!  


Hart of Dixie might be the sweetest show ever, and yes the fact that I had a 4 hour night might have played into  my emotional reaction...but I was teary eyed the entire time. Rachel Bilson is adorable as Zoe, the story is adorable,  and even Burt Reynolds the pet alligator is...you guessed it adorable. 

Since the show didn't premier yet I don't wanna spoil anything, but I can tell you that there's something else that is very adorable (no, I'm not talking about the hot neighbor) - the wardrobe!   

Here is my own spin  on Zoe's look:

Pruduct List

1) Boyfriend chinos and a cute cardigan are always a a great look. But what really stood out in Zoe's version were her sandals, I however live in a colder climate so I went with flats instead.

2) An oversized sweater worn as a dress and paired with rugged boots looks efortlessly cool, and the vintage  necklace adds that NYC glam that makes Zoe stand out in her new home.

3) This is a more casual version of one of Zoe's shorts, blazer, and killer heels combos. I admired this jacket at the mall this morning and it is the first thing I thought of when I put this together...maybe we'll see it on Zoe sometime ;)

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)


Saturday, September 17, 2011

DIY: All Wrapped Up

I love giving people books for their birthdays, but lets be honest even if it is an amazing book it's a boring gift...unless you go an extra mile with the presentation ;)  

What you need: 


1) A present...duh - A friend's birthday is coming up and since she's a horror fan like me, I figured "How to Survive a Horror Movie" would make the perfect present for her.

2) A plate or tray - since I decided to go with a Halloween theme I picked up a cute metal tray with a pumpkin design. 

3) Decorations galore - To "fill the plate" I hit the 99 cent store and got some Halloween decorations, pumpkin scented candles, and fabric leaves.

4) Candy! -  If there's still room fill it up with candy (no sweet tooth? Just go with tea or coffee instead).

5) Cellophane wrap, pipe cleaners, bows and whatever else you need for finishing touches.

...Now on to the fun part: 

Put it all together on your plate/tray. There are no rules rules...just make it look AWESOME!



Would  you like to see more DIY, decorating,  and  crafts related  posts?  Comment below!  (...cause I kinda do this a lot  lol)

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)

Monday, September 12, 2011

O.O.T.D: Cattle&Ghosts

As soon as the leaves start turning just the slightest bit orange my mind goes into Halloween mode, but since it is still a little too early to break out the orange sweaters and funny Halloween tees I need to find some alternatives...   Like the outfit I wore to go shopping today:



1) I found this Boss Orange shirt last week and immediately fell in love with it,  I am usually not a huge fan of the brand (with the exception of shoes/purses) - but this is simply the perfect pre-Halloween shirt.

2) H&M  super soin skinny jeans - While I like to invest in other styles, nothing beats H&M when it comes to super comfortable skinny jeans (Best part:  they are only around 10€!)  

3) Tan Cowboy Boots - You know I love all types of boots, but cowboy boots are probably my number one. My favorite pair is by Sommerkind and slowly falling apart, but that makes them look even cooler.

4) I kept the accessories  rather simple and only wore some small rose earrings and a vintage locket (not pictured).

5) The highlight of the outfit is my mom's vintage Ralph Lauren bag - it's HUGE and  the cow totally goes with  the boots - enough said! 

Make me smile  and  comment below :)

Peace, Love and Sunshine
Laura

(select comment as: Name/URL - and double check to make sure your comment shows up - sometimes you have to try twice!)