Party Like it's 1922

How are you going to ring in the new year? No idea? Well how about something 1920's, or more specifically Gatsby, inspired:

H&M:

                                                            

Anthropologie:

Modcloth:

Vintage: 

                                               

Spending New year's at home? Do it in Style by throwing on this super cozy sweatshirt from G4tsby Tees (it comes in 6 colors, and is only 24 US Dollars...quite the steal):

                       

Peace, Love and Sparkles
Laura

(click on the pics for sources)

Day 25: Merry Christmas!

I hope you are all having a wonderful day, that's filled with family, friends, music, and of course cookies...lots of cookies.

 Merry Christmas from me to you, and many hugs to thank you for the ongoing support!

Peace, Love, and Mistletoe

Laura

Day 24: The Night Before Christmas

'T was the night before Christmas, when all through the house 

not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

The stockings were hung by the Chimney with care, 

In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there…

Looks like we made it, the night of all nights is finally here. I hope that my posts kept you entertained, and helped to make this time of year even more special than it already is.  For now  there's only one more thing I want to share with you: The official NORAD Santa Tracker!

I'm sure most of you already know about this amazing project that was launched by the North American Aerospace Defense Command in the early 1950's  - but it has come a long way since then: from the tweets to the videos that show a CGI Santa flying over famous landmarks (occasionally  narrated by surprise guests such as  Ringo Starr back in 2003) the tracker is not only a treat for children. So stop by to see if Santa's on his way to you: NORAD tracks Santa

He sprang to his sleight, to his team gave a whistle,

And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But i heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,

 "Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Peace, Love and Mistletoe
Laura

Day 23: Christmas Dress

It's almost here! And with all presents wrapped, cards sent, and trees trimmed there's only one question left unanswered: What to wear on the big day?

While doing some last minute Christmas shopping at Benetton (yes I admit it, I was looking for the GLEE sweater), I stumbled across a gorgeous dress. A dress that happens to be perfect for Christmas Eve: 

In old Benetton fashion it comes in many colors, and here are 3 very cute ways to wear it: 

                              Source: laurafaiss.polyvore.com via Laura on Pinterest

What is your fave? Sporty, girly or cozy? I'd definitely go for look number 3, those Westwood tights  are to die for.

Peace, Love and Mistletoe
Laura

Day 22: Gift Guide: Don't Panic!

48 hours until Christmas, you check your lists, you're ready to put on your Santa hat and spread joy and pretty boxes among your... Oh no!  What's that? You forgot someone!

Now you have 3 options: A) Panic and run over a reindeer on your trip to the Mall, B) Go on a last minute vacation to avoid Christmas alltogether, or C) Grab a latte, sit back, relax,  and read this:

1) Sign them up! 

Be it for their favorite magazine, or one of the many monthly boxes (there's even one that hooks you up with a cool pair of socks every month) - signing your friend up for a subscription is the gift that keeps on giving.

2) Pamper them!

Need something for your best friend? Find a cute card, and make it a “gift certificate“ for an after Christmas manicure or facial.

3) Hit the kitchen!

Try out this fun recipe and  surprise your friends with your very own hot chocolate mix.

4) Print their Pics!

Put together a photo album of all those Instagram moments (before we all delete our accounts in January)

5) Write about them!  

Ok, I admit that this might not be for everyone - but some of the best  and most personal presents I have received over the years were stories that were dedicated to me, or even stared me (how very Dan Humphrey of my friends).

6) If there's really no time:

If you did not realize your mistake until 5 minutes before the party, your safest option is probably a gift certificate. From ASOS to iTunes, there's something for everyone and buying and printing it will still leave you with enough time to put it into a pretty gift bag with some of your Christmas candy.

Peace, Love and Mistletoe
Laura

Day 21: Welcome to Whoville

If the Grinch taught me one thing it is that there are really no limits when it comes to festive hairstyles. And here are a couple of ideas that I am loving:

source

Just kidding! But if you have long hair like Cindy-Lou you should give this adorable 3 minute up-do a try. Use a fun printed ribbon for a more casual affair, or maybe something gold or silver for a night out.

Got a pixie cut, like yours truly? Just find an art deco head band (try Ebay and second hand stores for vintage pieces!), or highlight a few strands with shimmer gel (the body glitter you can find at Claire's works better than any high end product), and you'll be the cutest Who at any party.

ASOS

Peace, Love and Mistletoe
Laura

Day 20: Cookie Cutting

These mini danish (ok, they are cookies, but "mini danish" sounds so much more impressive), are extremely delicious, and only take about 10 minutes to make  - so what are you waiting for?

You need:

 puff pastry dough

cinnamon

1 egg

milk

a frozen fruit mix of your choice 

(I used berries and tangerines)

Roll out the dough (you can buy it pre-made at any supermarket), cut it into the shapes you want,  mix the egg-white with a little bit of milk and cinnamon, and brush the mixture over your cookies. Then add the frozen fruit, and bake your creations until they have a golden glow.  That's it! Bon appétit!

Peace, Love and Mistletoe
Laura

Day 19: Hump Day Homework: The Richest Man in Town

I'm gonna do this a little differently this week,  there will be no “Read“ and "Listen to", because the movie I want you to watch is too special to share the spotlight:

Watch: It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

There are many good Christmas movies, but only few are as great as Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life. Some of my earliest Christmas memories include this movie. For years I was convinced that Santa wouldn't come until Jimmy Stewart realized what a lucky man he really was, and even though I know every line by heart I still make sure to watch it at least once every year. And unlike other “classics“ like Christmas Vacation or Home Alone, it isn't something that I play in the background while trimming the tree, no, this one always means full on "phone off, lights out, movie night".  

And  Capra's masterpiece also happens to be the first film to use a special type of foam instead  of white cornflakes  to make it snow in Hollywood.  That's petty cool, right?

Do you have that one special Christmas movie you make sure to watch every year? Let me know, comment below!

Peace, Love and Mistletoe
Laura