Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays

Can you believe it's already Christmas Eve? I hope that you're all having  amazing holidays, and that you find something special under your tree. But since we still have a few hours to kill until Santa arrives, why not spend it with sharing our favorite things about Christmas? Here's the Christmas tag:

What's your favorite holiday movie?

I have to cheat and pick two. Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life will always have a special place in my heart, but it´s simply not Christmas without joining the Griswold's for their Christmas Vacation.

PJs or Dressing up?

PJs, this year I'm loving these Cath Kidston bottoms:

If you could only buy one present this year, who would get it?

My mom (cheesy but true)

Do you open your presents on Christmas Eve or Morning?

Christmas Eve.

Did you ever build a ginger bread house?

I grew up in a household full of architects, and consider myself the Frank Lloyd Wright of ginger bread houses. 

Any Christmas wishes?

Another cheesy answer, but all I really want is health and happiness for my loved ones.

Favorite Christmas smell? 

The Scent of fresh snow (and let's add a white Christmas to the previous question).

Favorite Christmas treat or meal?

Candy Cane tea, (I'm obsessed) and smoked salmon, which is a Christmas staple at my house.

It's your turn!

And  don't forget to check Norad's Santa Tracker!

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights

Laura

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

I love Christmas songs, and with less than 36 hours until Christmas Eve it is officially time to play nothing but Christmas songs.  And this year this means Punk Goes Christmas:

Listen To Me

 I used to be a huge fan of the "Punk Goes" series, but I  wasn't that into their last few compilations (and their lack of punk) and my expectations for the Christmas album were rather low. 

But then I listened to the preview, and the first song by New Found Glory turned out to be amazing, as did the second by All Time Low, and …you see where this is going. So definitely check out Punk Goes Christmas if you're looking for something to rock out to this season,

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights

Laura

Christmas Wrapping

The holidays, too many parties not enough outfits. But don't worry, just put on that little black dress from last night and dress it up with some festive D.I.Y. accessories:

All you need is a a bag with a removable strap, a pair of flats or heels, and a Christmas tree you can raid. Then just replace the strap of your bag with a bow or a piece or garland, and start decorating  your shoes.

I find it easiest to use a shoe with a strap, because then you can just tie your trimmings on, but if you only have a classic pump or ballet flat you can use fashion tape to secure the trimmings.

A candy cane look for a tacky Christmas sweater party:

  Or gold for a more glamorous affair:

Have fun! And tweet me pictures if you try it!

And for those of you who still have some shopping to do check out my  last minute gift ideas.

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights

Laura

 

Oh Christmas Tree...

Happy Saturday!

I just put up my very tiny tree. I really wanted a Hobbit themed Christmas tree this year, all gold with a dragon on top, but I just couldn't find a dragon, so I went with the classics:

Did you already put up your tree?

  Tweet me pictures!

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights
Laura

Tea Time

My mom got me a  tea advent calendar from The English Tea Shop, and I loved every single flavor so much that one cup a day just wasn't enough... 

Ok, I have a problem (but enough candy cane tea to get me trough 2014).

The Christmas selections come in many festive forms, but I especially love the sets that have small individually wrapped packages inside. These small packages do not only make amazing stocking stuffers, they also look adorable on top of bigger presents, and are a little more special than the typical candy-cane.

see more at The English Tea Shop

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights
Laura

Christmas Vacation

Between family emergencies, dealing with a big disappointment, and way too many papers and projects that had to be turned in before Christmas break, I did not even have time to put up the Christmas decorations...  But all that stress is over now, and I can finally focus on the fun type of stress, which is exactly what I did this weekend.

On Saturday, I woke up all bright and early  to finally got some Christmas shopping done, and actually found something for everyone, even myself...

I found these Ralph Lauren boots in my favorite thrift shop, and I had no idea how much  I wanted leopard riding boots until I tried them on. (And they would go so well with that other thing I want for Christmas, so get on that Santa…)

The rest of the day was spend with present wrapping (I love this wrapping paper I found at TK Maxx), and catching up on Nashville (can you believe that cliffhanger?).

Sunday was much quieter, but we did go to see the Hobbit  Part II at night, which was the perfect way to kick off  my Christmas break.

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights

Laura

Rudolph the Red Toes Reindeer

Red nails are always in style, but in December they are always a little brighter, shinier, and most importantly sparklier:

find us

The Spy Who Loved Me (OPI), Toggle to the Top (Essie), Ruby Pumps (China Glaze), Scarlett O'Hara (Essie).

What's the name of your favorite festive red?

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights

Laura

Gift Guide: Cold Feet

Socks have a really bad reputation  when it comes to Christmas presents. But why is that? I for one love me a pair of funky (ok I mean preppy) overknee socks:

Find Us

Or look at these adorable ASOS Christmas Cracker socks:

ASOS

You don't even have to wrap them anymore!

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights
Laura

Gift Guide: Home Sweet Home

I always feel that my place looks rather empty after the holidays, which is why home decor related gifts are some my favorite things to give and receive:

Gift Guide: Home 

H&M shower curtain / Anthropologie Plates / Picture Frame / Throw pillow / Vase / Throw pillow / Bulldog Door Stopper / Tealight

There's a simple rule to make sure that your present is a hit: the bigger the present, the better you should know the person you're buying it for.  Don't buy a set of throw pillows or a big vase if you have no idea how the the receiver's house is decorated. A tealight or novelty picture frame is, however, always a safe idea.

This is a submission for IFB

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights

Laura

Hump Day Homework: Countdown to Christmas

It's been a while since the last Hump Day Homework, and to make up for it I give you a month's worth of movies:

HALLMARK CHANNEL

ABC Family used to be the place for cheesy made for TV Christmas movies, but even classics like Christmas every Day can't beat Hallmark's 24/7 holiday lineup. Family, Romance, Drama, Comedy... there's one for everyone. And maybe it's just my Christmas spirit, but I have yet to find a bad one.

So follow this link, make some hot chocolate, and pick a movie (or three).

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights

Laura

Gift Guide: Fashionista

No matter if you want to treat yourself, your best friend, your girlfriend or your wife, you can't go wrong with these fashionable picks: 

Gift Guide: Fashionista

Zara Sequin Sweater / Gap Fur Trimmed Parka / J.Crew Leather Skirt / Zara Ballet Flats / Marc by Marc Jacobs Purse / J.Crew Necklace  / Hunter Rain Boots

1) J. Crew statement necklaces are a great gift for any fashion lover,  especially because there are so many different styles to chsose from.
Tip: Try Etsy for a wallet friendly alternative.

2) Who doesn't love a sparkly sweater?

3) This leather skirt might not be for everyone, but that's what makes it perfect for some.

4) Everybody needs a warm parka, and this Gap one comes in two adorable designs.

5) A little black bag is a great staple, a little black Marc Jacobs bag is the way to any Fashionista's heart.

6) These Zara flats are cute, comfy, and on sale.

Happy shopping!

Peace, Love, and Twinkly Lights
Laura