Happy Feet

Spring always means new shoes, and as much as I tried to talk myself into liking the running shoe trend, it just isn't for me. I love it on other people, but I just don't feel like myself if I'm wearing running shoes when I am not actually working out.

…But that doesn't mean that I'm opposed to sneakers all together, especially considering recent improvements:

Vans  /Converse / Keds

I used to own a pair of gray Vans with a flamingo print, that were rather questionable, but I love the sleek look of the new leather versions.  They're understated enough to go with almost everything,  but still  kind of edgy – which is always a plus.  

I've never been a fan of girly Converse styles (those ballet flats are the worst!), they just never look right, but the "Shoreline" might be their best invention yet!  They look exactly like  the classic ones, but the shorter tongue prevents that clown-shoe look, and the scrunched back ensures a perfect fit. 

Keds, Keds, Keds, I'm not ashamed to admit that I own more than one of the designs from the Taylor Swift collection, which has less to do with my love for Taylor, and more with my love for stripes and anchors. While Vans and Converse can easily slip into juvenile territory if they have crazy prints, the classic nature of Keds is a little more forgiving, and I love how a cute printed shoe can add a little something extra to an otherwise plain outfit.  

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Penmanship 2.0

This is officially the longest time I've ever gone without blogging, but I do have a good reason, a Master's thesis that  required my undivided attention.  But now that's done and to celebrate I made my own font (nerd alert).  

Between my dad and me, there are at least four of those handwriting tablets floating around. But why go through the trouble of setting up an extra device when you can just save your own handwriting  as a font? That's right, you can save your own handwriting on your computer, and it is super easy, too:

Go to My Script Font, download and print the template, fill it out, scan it in (Don't have a scanner? Just use this),  name your font, and download it. That's it!  

You might need a few tries to get it to look just right (make sure to really follow the guidelines or the spacing will look wonky), and be sure to try out different pens to see what works best for your handwriting. 

Have fun!  

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Happy Valentine's Day!

Many hugs and kisses from me to you!

“We’re all a little weird. And life is weird. And when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall into mutually satisfying weirdness—and call it love—true love.” - Dr. Seuss

 ...and check out the Valentine's Day Tag for all things  heart and chocolate  related.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Stay Tuned

I'll admit, if it wasn't for The Middle I would have no idea that today is "World Radio Day", and even after learning about it on the show I didn't really care, until I decided to look it up.

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World Radio Day  is about celebrating  the importance of radio.  Personally, I was never much of a radio-listener. I sometimes listen to college stations, or the occasional tennis match  but that's pretty much it,  which is sad because it is such a diverse and important medium:  It offers millions of programs, reaches more people in more places than any other medium. And is a bridge of communication for remote communities, that often don't have other connections to the outside world. Yet, many still think of it as "boring" – but World Radio Day is doing its best to change that:  

Click here to find out how to celebrate World Radio Day. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Juxtaposition

I love a good T- Shirt and Pencil Skirt combo, and this sporty but "businessy" look from Banana Republic is more than just good:

 

Shirt,  Skirt, Jacket  

But it doesn't stop with the shirt/skirt combo, the parka is what really makes this. Just like pairing the other two pieces  it shouldn't work  – but it does, and it's awesome.

And the best? the entire spring collection is 30% off today.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Blue Cat Blues

Leopard print is my favorite neutral, and I strongly believe that almost every outfit is better with a touch of leopard.  That being said, I'm not the biggest fan of colored leopard, as it can easily slip into juvenile or tacky territory.  But there's always an exception, and after seeing this picture of Emma Stone I feel like I might change my stance on the topic:

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Emma's Scarf is from Louis Vuitton (Yes, it's the blue version of that famous piece of fabric that Alison Mosshart used to wear all the time),  but you don't have to splurge to get the look: 

 Whistles / Hallhuber / Maison Scotch / Pieces 

Who says wildcats can't be blue?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Declutter

Personally I love cleaning out my closet. It's always fun to make room for new things, and maybe rediscover some old things you forgot about… But sometimes we are just a little too attached to these old things, so Vogue put together the ultimate "Do you really need this?" tool:

Check it out on Vogue.com

It's a keep, store, or donate flowchart that really gets into detail (Does it fit?  When did you last wear it? Does it have sentimental value? Would you rather wear it or look at it?). It's brilliant, and will really make you reconsider keeping that bedazzled denim skirt, you haven't worn in 10 years.

And while we're on the topic of decluttering, you might want to check out this wallpaper:

Desktop Organizer

The idea itself is super simple, it's a wallpaper that has a designated space for everything on your desktop (no more clutter!). While I am pretty good at keeping my desktop organized, things tend to pile up quickly whenever I'm working on a project, and this makes it so much easier to keep track of everything.  

You can download the chalkboard and other designs  here,  or simply create your own if you're photoshop savvy.

Happy decluttering! 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Focus!

I don't know about you, but I absolutely cannot work or study  in silence (seriously libraries drive me insane). The problem is that playing music is not really an option either, because as soon as there are lyrics involved I'm singing along. Classical would be an idea, but since I'm not really into classical music I usually pick a Vitamin String Quartett number...  and well, at some point I will recognize the song and try to remember the lyrics which is even more distracting than just singing along. Sometimes mindless TV can also be a good alternative, but my desk isn't anywhere near a TV. I could go and work in a coffee shop... but then I'd have to pack up all my books, and notes, and my laptop, and …nope.

So what's a girl to do? Download Coffitivity, that's what! 

Coffitivity is a website and app that plays endless loops of indistinctive chatter,  clanking cups, and  other coffee shop noises. Basically, you get the coffee shop experience without having to pack up your entire desk. It's the perfect stimulant for those of us who can't work in silence, and speaking for someone who's currently writing her Master's thesis: Thank you, smart people at Coffitivity! 

Visit Coffitivity or download the App.

And if you're interested in the research side of it all, check out this article.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura