Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays…

It's officially Christmas morning! And just like every year, I want to take a minute to thank you for hanging out in my little corner of the Internet and wish you a Merry Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

And since it's Christmas, here are some major holiday throwbacks:  

See you in 2017!

Peace, Love, and Lobster

Laura

Merry Ex–Mas

There are times when you just finished a great book and just can't figure out what to read next, so you go with the first thing Amazon recommends. In some cases you'll end up with something that makes you question the sanity of those Amazon elves, but in others you want to run to the kitchen, bake a fresh batch of cinnamon buns, and personally deliver them to those elves to thank them.

Kate Brian's Ex-Mas was such a cinnamon bun situation.  If you've been reading this blog for a while you know that romance isn't exactly my thing unless there's a mystery element to it — yet, I finished this book in two nights.  

Ex-Mas 

For 17-year-old Lila Beckwith popularity is everything, but when her plans to throw the biggest party of the season are ruined by her kid brother, Cooper, her revenge backfires in a way that puts more than just her social life into perspective. After Lila shows Cooper an article about global warming, the Christmas-obsessed kid and his best friend Tyler head up North to save Santa and the North Pole – which means they jump on a train to Seattle. And of course, Tyler just happens to be the younger brother of Lila's antisocial ex Beau. And so, the two exes are forced to embark on road trip to bring their brothers home before Lila's parents get back on Christmas Eve. Bah Humbug.  

There are a couple of reasons why I enjoyed this book as much as I did. For once I do love road trip stories, especially holiday road trip stories. And Brian captured that feeling so well that I almost felt like I was in the car with Lila and Beau. Then there was the Santa element with the runaway boys, that gave it that DCOM feel, I adore. And finally, something that would usually be considered a bad thing: the story's predictability.  I knew how this was going to play out after reading the summary, but it still kept my interest. Which also works well with the road trip theme, because sometimes it really is about the journey and not just the destination.  

So no matter if you're looking for something to read in front of the fireplace, or if you need something to get you through a long car or plane ride, Ex-Mas won't disappoint. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Christmas Program

Since our little romcom discussion was so much fun, I asked Samantha to talk Christmas movies with me. 'Tis the season and all…

LAURA: All time favorite Christmas movie? Don’t think about it.

SAM: Ah, right off the bat, huh? I think 12 Dates of Christmas. Back in the olden days before Freeform when ABC Family still made originals.

LAURA: Oh, that's a good one, Mark-Paul Gosselaar! As much as I love all the silly Christmas movies we get from Hallmark these days, the ABC Family ones were better. One of my all time favorites is actually an old ABC Family one, too: Christmas Every Day, the 1996 version with Erik von Detten – I could watch that one every day.

SAM: For sure! And agree, as epic as Hallmark ones are, they tend to be a bit repetitive. Christmas in Boston with Patrick J. Adams is another great one. Pen pals for years destined to meet under the moon...just the right amount of cheesy.

LAURA: You're making me miss ABC Family. Hallmark movies come with one plot, polar opposites are supposed to work together, and whoever is the bigger Grinch finds their Christmas spirit by the time the credits roll. Still they’re the perfect background entertainment for baking cookies, or wrapping presents.

SAM: Or for unwinding after your hard day of shopping. And as a bonus, you can always count on the trademark actors or actresses that make the rounds. It's a safe bet that Lori Loughlin, Melissa Joan Hart or Marla Sokoloff will be standing under some mistletoe at least once every year.

LAURA: Is there one you'd consider part of your Christmas routine?

SAM: I think Desperately Seeking Santa makes the cut. I mean - shirtless hot guys in Santa hats? That one's a must.

LAURA: That’s a very good reason. I’m all about the classics in that department. I actually can’t remember a Christmas when my family didn’t watch Christmas Vacation.

SAM: Yet, I don't think I ever seen it. Does Serendipity count? 'Cause that one as we've discussed is amazing.

LAURA: I'm shocked! I’ve already caught it twice on TV this year alone. I half watch it at least three or four times each year, and then there’s always one time I actually sit down to watch it with friends and family, even though everyone knows every line backwards by now. And sure we can let it count. Even though only about 20 minutes actually take place around Christmas. But It’sa Wonderful Life is the most played Christmas movie each year (not A Christmas Story, as most people are surprised to find out), and the Christmas percentage of that one is pretty low, too.

SAM: We mentioned the similarity between a lot of them. Do you have a favorite trope?

LAURA: When it comes to Christmas movies, I definitely prefer family over romance. But the ones that I do love, Christmas Every Day, Christmas Vacation, and yes I’m also pretty big on a Christmas Story (even that ridiculous sequel) all have that theme of expectations, and Christmas blowing up in your face – but in the end it’s exactly that chaos that brings everyone together under the burning Christmas tree. And as over the top as all these comedies are, they're very real and relatable in that aspect.

SAM: Oh for sure – I think one that strikes me as a really awesome blend is The Holiday. The romance definitely drives is, but there's a sweet family component in there too. But you know I'm all about the romcoms. The more bickering the better.

LAURA: That is a very sweet one! It’s also very cozy, gives you that fireplace feeling even if you don’t have one.

SAM: Yes! And a must for 99 percent of them –cute kids.

LAURA: That and the right weather. I’m definitely more inclined to love them if there is snow. I have a soft spot for the Black Christmas remake, because it’s basically set in a snow-globe. A snow-globe with a serial killer in it, but still a snow-globe.

SAM: A white Christmas makes everything better – in real life too.

LAURA: Is there one you can’t stand at all? Or do the Christmas trappings make everything watchable?

SAM: Good question. Not any in particular I can think of. But in that vain the influx of hallmark ones haven't given me that fuzzy feeling this year. I guess there's s reason the classics are classics.

LAURA: Or, maybe they’re just saving the good ones for last this year. Gotta put something under the tree. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura (and Sam)

Holiday Spirit

It's that time of year again, the time when we don't change the channel whenever the commercials come on, because these Christmas ads are just too good:

Sainsbury's:

This captures the christmas spirit in the most hilarious way possible. And it should be a full length movie.  

M&S:

Because we all knew that Mrs. Claus is the real hero of the North pole.

Aldi:

I always had a strict no reindeer meat rule, but I guess we'll have to add carrots to the list of foods that shouldn't be consumed on Christmas.

Heathrow Airport:

Airports are probably the last thing I think of when it comes to heartwarming Christmas ads. But this one wins. Everything.  

Mercedes Benz:

It's so cheesy, and I'm a Volvo person... but what can I say? It's Christmas.

What is your favorite Christmas ad of 2016?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Ugly Never was This Cute

We are approaching December, and with that Christmas parties, and what do we need for Christmas parties?  Christmas sweaters. Duh.  

And this year Forever 21 is really knocking it out of the park:

    

The snowman one is so cute, and the chimney one is hilarious.

    

The fair isle sweater is almost too pretty to be consiered ugly, and plaid + sequins? come to me!  

    

One for the cool kids, and an ugly Christmas sweatshirt!

Click here for more

And the best? They are all under 30. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Dino-mite

Maybe it's my inner six year old, but I am loving the current dinosaur trend! #RexyTheCoachDino has taken my heart (and the top position on my Christmas list) by storm and I just can't get enough of the little guy and his friends.  But since Rexy falls into the luxory category of gifts, I also included a couple of alternatives that won't break the bank: 

Coach Sweater / Coach Purse / Necklace / Coach iPad Sleeve

Phone Case / Coach Coaster Set / Dinosaur Lamp / Coach Large Rexy

ASOS Cufflinks / Toy T-Rex / ASOS Dinosaur Socks

How do you feel about this prehistoric trend? 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

November is for Romcoms

Instead of a regular “things to watch” post in list format, I'm trying this new thing were my friend Samantha and I discuss things. And today it's romcoms, because in November we watch romcoms (we'll explain why).

LAURA: It’s November. Or “romcom appreciation month” as we like to call it.

SAM: Yes! Putting a pause on the scary of last month, and gearing up for the holiday movies of next.

LAURA: Do you remember which movie started our tradition to have romcom marathons in November?

SAM: Serendipity? I think? That’s like the ultimate holiday romcom. That one your fave?

LAURA: It really is the ultimate holiday romcom. A chance meeting during Christmas shopping in New York City, then ice skating? It doesn’t get much better than than that. But I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s my favorite (even though it’s close), what about you?

SAM: I have so many that are all pretty much on the same level… A few of them involving Jennifer Garner and/or Reese Witherspoon, and both with Mark Ruffalo. 13 Going on 30 and Sweet Home Alabama are definitely up there. Oddly enough, I just realized, both involve the “childhood friends” trope. Go figure.

LAURA: Mark, why did I know he’d make an appearance? Sweet Home Alabama is a good one! I think that was the first one I saw where both guys were equally great. Usually one is always on the jerkier side (even though I am with you on the childhood friends thing, so Josh Lucas still had a small advantage over Patrick Dempsey).

SAM: You know me too well. And yes, it makes things feel more…real? Because chances are if you liked the guy in the first place… he wouldn’t be completely awful. The other guy being an actual decent option makes it better!

LAURA: Do you sometimes feel bad for the other guy? Getting dumped a week before the wedding just because his fiancée fell for the wedding planer, florist, chef or basically any random guy involved in the wedding? Not cool.

SAM: So much! Especially when their only flaw is being boring. I’d always wanted a movie from that person’s POV, picking up right after they get dumped at the altar or something.

LAURA: Forgetting Sarah Marshall kinda fits that description, or HighFidelity. But neither really has that classic romcom feel.

SAM: That brings up a good point. Nowadays, I feel like the “classic” romcom, is basically dead. There are movies with that element–and there always will be–but in terms of straight up romance, everything needs to be “edgier” now. Starting with The UglyTruth and What’s Your Number? Then all the way to Train Wreck now. Or action ones–like the hitman one with Anna Kendrick.

LAURA: Mr. Right, I loved that one! But with the level of gore that movie had, we might as well go ahead and call Zombieland a romcom (the subplot with Emma Stone and Jesse Eisenberg is actually very “romcomy”). But I agree, another thing I miss are those late 90s teen romcoms. I caught Whatever It Takes on TV the other night. I had not seen it in ages but it’s such a fun movie (complete with the childhood friends trope we love so much). I feel like – and that goes for many of the movies of that time – if it had come out 10 years earlier it would probably be considered a cult classic now. A lot of these can totally hold up to some of the 80s classics but kinda fell through the cracks.

SAM: And the closest we get now is a shirtless Zac Efron with /insert co-lead here/ acting pretty ridiculous (though hilarious) until they get together in the end. The frat-boy humor along with a few ensemble ones (Pitch Perfect, Bridesmaid) have the love interest story, but not the standard romcom formula like the ones you mentioned. Whatever It Takes is one of the few DVDs I still own…so fabulous. “Oh, the things I do for you…”

LAURA: Today we either get comedy (which is fun every once in a while, I'm already looking forward to Why Him?), the sappy kind (I'm looking at you Nicholas Sparks) which is just not my cup of tea, or the edgy kind. There is however one newer movie that combines all of this, and it’s very high up on my list . Care to guess which one I mean?

SAM: Do I get a hint?

LAURA: I like to refer to it as “Crazy Stupid Love: Unplugged”

SAM: Oh! I forgot the name, the one about the writer and his family! That one was pretty great.

LAURA: Stuck in Love. Perfect cast, perfect amount of dark material, and a Stephen King cameo (just a phone call but still). It is probably more of a drama than a romcom but it's still one of these feel good movies, despite the darker topics and all. But my favorite thing about it is that it really doesn’t have a big story, just relationships. No assassins, zombies, or other distractions.

SAM: Exactly, and just the right amount of heart without being sappy. Though I do have to say I'm with you on missing the "typical" formulaic boy meets girl film. Yeah, they're predicable as hell, but no one sees them with the intention of figuring out the end anyway.

LAURA: That’s why watching a Hallmark movie (even a brand-new one) is basically like watching your favorite movie, you can probably quote the whole thing backwards but you still enjoy it every single time.

SAM: Yes! That's why they have such a market for them now–since they're not mainstream anymore. So the bickering enemies forced to work together, the best friends who are too stupid to realize they're meant for each other, or the colleagues who pretend to date for a school reunion/family gathering/dying grandma come to life on TV instead of the big screen.

LAURA: And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Basically we're getting a free movie almost every week– two a week around the holidays. And who knows maybe there will be a big romcom renaissance in a few years. But until then we can stream Whatever It Takes on Netflix.

SAM: Or, there's always writing one ourselves.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura (and Sam) 

Into The Woods

Suffering from post Halloween Depression? Then you came to the right place.

There are two types of scary scenarios that can occur in the woods: The first being anything involving witches, trolls, or other fairy tale villains, and the second being chased around by a chainsaw or (or machete) wielding killer. And whichever you prefer (or scares you more) I've got the perfect book for you:

Once Upon a Scream Edited by Dan Shaurette

This fairy tale anthology isn't for kids. Some of the creepy tales are new takes on old favorites (Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, Pinocchio, and even the Tooth Fairy) and others are original stories, but all of them are great. Ranging from humorous to downright disturbing, some will make you smirk and others will you shiver, and if you enjoy horror with a fantasy twist then you don't want to miss out on this collection.

SlasherCamp For Nerd Dorks by Christoph Paul

Jason Vorheesberg is your typical young adult  underdog hero: awkward, dorky, bad with girls, and suffering from a crippling case of slasher anxiety …wait what? Slasher Camp for Nerd Dorks is set in a dystopian society where the population is divided into “Slashers” and “Finals”, and Jason–a slasher–needs a little help. So his mom sends him to slasher camp where losers become killers. The book is as ridiculous as it sounds, but it's witty satire at it's best. It might not be for everyone but if you enjoy shows like Scream Queens, or the movie the Final Girls then you will love this clever story.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters 

Laura  

Happy Halloween

Happy Halloween from me to you,

I hope you're all having a fun, safe and of course scary weekend!

...and yes, of course the dinosaur trend translated to my decorations.

Happy haunting!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Last Minute Costumes

…that aren't Eleven from Stranger Things (although I'm definitely not against it).

TV or Movie characters always make good last minute costumes, because most looks can be recreated with things you already own. But it is still important to pick a character with a very distinctive look. Because no matter how perfect a recreation is, there's always that risk of looking like you forgot to put on a costume (especially to people who don't know that you don't dress like Rory Gilmore on a daily basis). So here are three easy and foolproof ideas:

Angie Tribeca 

Get a pantsuit that's just a little too big, a police officer set from the toy store, and most importantly bangs! If you're not a brunette I'd go with a cheap wig, but if you are then clip on ones (or scissors) will do the job just fine. Bonus points if you find a friend with an orange jump suit and a fancy belt who can go as Diane Duran. Oh, and if you're not watching the funniest show on TV, then you need to drop everything and fix that right now.

Chanel #3

I love her to pieces, and there are so many options for this. Sorority Girl #3, Med Student #3, or my personal favorite (and probably the easiest costume) Mental Patient #3. You need grey sweats (1&2), slippers, and a hospital gown, and of course the iconic earmuffs. Comfiest costume ever.

Corey from Empire Records 

I've always wanted to do this, and someday I definitely will.  Liv Tyler's iconic outfit is one of the easiest, but most recognizable looks ever.  Fuzzy sweater (over a red bra if you're a perfectionist), plaid skirt, worker boots, and done. Now all that's missing is your empire records employee badge and maybe a Rex Manning record if you wanna go the extra mile and get a little crafty.

Happy Halloween!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

picture sources 1, 2, 3 

Pumpkin Perfect

Orange is a tricky color to pull off. Reminiscent of pumpkins and falling leaves it should be the ultimate fall color, but it also is so bright and summery that it just tends to look a little wrong with fall clothes …or worse like you're trying a little too hard to look like an extra on Halloweentown.

But "Playing Koi" from Essie's fall collection is the answer to this conundrum:

Not bright but dark and rusty, Playing Koi is the perfect way to to incorporate some orange into your fall-style without looking like you forgot to adjust your manicure to the season.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura   

Murder Mystery

If there's one thing I love more than fictional mysteries, it's a good true crime story. Scratch that,  it doesn't even have to be good. Any low budget "mockumentary" will entertain me for hours (I promise i'm not a sociopath). So it doesn't come as a surprise that this fascination would draw me to the one thing I could never get into: Podcasts.  

It's not that I don't like the concept, I'm just not good at listening to them (the same goes for audio books). Unless I'm listening to them while doing a mindless activity like painting my nails I will either get distracted and wander off or just fall asleep.  

My Favorite Murder by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark changed that:  

Two best friends discussing notorious murders as casually as their favorite nail polish.  It's brilliant, a little scary, hilarious without being tasteless, and oh so familiar because it's pretty much how conversations with my friends tend to go.  What really makes these fascinating are, however, not the famous pop culture mysteries, but the "hometown stories" from friends and fans – as these twisted tales often don't make it past the local paper. Maybe it's the familiarity, maybe the subject matter, or maybe the unique way it's done – but suddenly I have no problem listening to a 90 minute episode without getting distracted halfway through. More please. 

That said, I know that talking about "favorite murders" might not sound quite right. So it is important to remember that "favorite" in this context is used to express fascination and curiosity and not approval.  

Check out My Favorite Murder on iTunes,  

and follow them Twitter for updates.

Peace, Love and Lobsters
Laura

ALL CAPS

I am loving the baseball cap trend right now. I mean, it's always been a go-to accessory for me, but the fact that it's actually in style means that there's a much bigger selection to choose from. From wool, tweed and velvet, over suede to satin… There's one for everyone and (almost) every occasion. I  think I'll need one of each: 

River Island Wool Hat  / Rag & Bone Tweed Hat

H&M Velvet Hat / New Look Velvet Hat

 Rag & Bone Suede Hat / ASOS Satin Hat

Which style is your favorite? 

Peace, Love and Lobsters 

Laura

Slasher Girls & Monster Boys

October is just around the corner, which means it's only a couple of weeks until Halloween, and since it is never too early to get into the spirit it's the perfect time to get a head start on that Halloween reading list. And when it comes to horror, nothing beats a good anthology.

Slasher Girls and Monster Boys features 14 stories that all draw inspiration from a classic book, film, or song – not necessarily from the horror world – and use it to create something new …and terrifying. 

Even though I am a huge horror fan, I trend to be rather picky about the kind of horror I enjoy. So most anthologies end up being really hit or miss, but with this one I can honestly say that there wasn't one story that I felt like skipping. Every single one–even those with themes I usually don't care for–was so well written that it kept me interested (and chilled) throughout. Plus, my favorite part of it was probably to identify what each story is based on. Here are a couple of my personal highlights:

The Birds of Azalea Street by Nova Ren Suma

The first story of the collection, is about teenage girls, a creepy neighbor and birds (lots of birds). On the eerie instead of the scary side, it's perfectly situated at the beginning of the book, as it sets the mood without being too much.

Verse Chorus Verse by Leigh Bardugo

This one takes place in a rehab facility and deals with the pressures and sacrifices that come with being a teen idol. The theme definitely makes this one stand out a little, and without spoiling anything I have to say that the inspiration for this story is right up my alley.

The Flicker, The Fingers, The Beat, The Sight by April Genevieve Tucholke

Tucholke is the only one of the authors I was actually familiar with, so I expected to like this one. And I wasn't disappointed. The story mixes one of my all time favorite books with a famous urban legend. That said, it isn't anything new, but sometimes a feeling of familiarity can make things scarier than they actually are. So in a way this works in the story's favor.

Stitches by A.G. Howard

This might be the goriest out of the stories. The imagery is nothing for the faint hearted, but if you're not turned off by a little blood (and severed limbs) it's an excellent read with a very classic horror feel.

All in all, I was really impressed with this anthology and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good scare.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Old School

No matter if you are actually in school or just feeling a little nostalgic for the good old days, there's just something about a fun high school comedy that appeals to almost everyone 

…especially if it's set (or made) in the 80s:

Freaks and Geeks:

Even though the show that ran from 1999-2000 is a cult classic, it took me until now to actually watch it.  I've never seen anything so relatable, touching but also just plain hilarious. The stellar cast (young James Franco!) is just the cherry on top of this masterpiece of a show. And the best, it's available on both Netflix and Amazon Prime. If you check out just one thing from this list, make it this one.

License to Drive:

“An innocent girl, a harmless drive, what could possibly go wrong?” This movie is pretty much the Superbad of the 80s. A hilarious ride (pun intended) from the opening sequence to end, that perfectly captures teenage recklessness in the funniest way possible.

Everybody Wants Some:

Set during the last week before College, Everybody Wants Some is technically not a high school comedy but I just had to put it on the list. I've seen a lot of people calling the movie aimless, but to me that's part of its charm, as it is about that last chance to actually be aimless before it's back to the classroom (or the real world) on Monday.  

What is your favorite high school (or college) comedy?  

Peace, Love, and Lobsters 

Laura  

Libraries & Poe-Ka Dots

Just when I though Out of Print already had everything a book lover could want, they put something new on the shelf. And their new collection of leighweight cotton and silk blend scarves might be my favorite addition yet:

I'm in love with the Pride and Prejudice design (and I'm not even a fan of the book).  You can't really tell that it is a book cover unless you unfold it, and a bit of mystery is always a plus …as are brilliant  puns "Poe-ka Dots" anyone?  I can't wait to see this collection grow (Nancy Drew scarf, please).

Which cover would you like to see on a scarf?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Loafers For Fall

A little less bulky than boots and a little more substantial than ballet flats, loafers are the perfect fall shoe. And this year the preppy staple is back in full force.  

They are comfortable, versatile, and make every outfit look a little more put together. But the best is that even something so classic can have a lot of personality: From the elegant patent version to sporty white soles and trendy platforms (= extra warmth for colder days!), there really is a style for everyone
…and every budget:

KG Kurt Geiger Suede Loafers / Madewell Leather Loafers 

Tamaris Slipper / Dune Fringed Loafers

 Tommy Hilfiger Platform Loafers /Stuart Weitzman Loafers

Nancy Drew would approve.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Endless Summer

This may be my final book summer post, but judging by the titles that are hitting the bookshelves this fall we get to hold on to that summer feeling a little longer:

   

The Cabin by Natasha Preston // September 6 

Teens, cabin, murder… yes you probably heard this a 100 times. But there's a reason the trope is so popular: it's fun! The Cabin centers around Mackenzie, a high school senior, who just wants to spend the weekend with her friends in a remote cabin. What could possibly go wrong?  The friends' first night at the cabin ends in tragedy when two of the teens are found dead. And since there are no signs of a forced entry or struggle, suspicion turns to the survivors…  The Cabin is escapist horror fun at it's best: a fast paced, easy read that'll keep you guessing – and sometimes that is all a good book needs to be.

For fans of: Gretchen McNeil's Ten; Fear Street

Pasadena by Sherri L. Smith // September 13

Some call it an accident, others believe it's a suicide, but only Jude knows that there is more to it when her best friend Maggie is found dead in a swimming pool …so she starts digging to get to the truth. But the closer she gets, the more she discovers about herself, as Maggie's friends and family are  not the only ones with buried secrets. The contrast between the sunny and glamorous southern California setting, and the gritty tone and dark nature of the story make it so much more than just another young adult mystery.  Pasadena is a brilliant  homage to the great noir stories of Los Angeles, and an equally stylish, chilling, and honest story that you won't regret picking up.

For fans of: Veronica Mars

The Atlas of Cursed Places: Skeleton Tower by Vanessa Acton // October 1

When Jason's family moves to a historic lighthouse, it doesn't take long until strange things begin to happen. The sudden disappearance of the former caretakers, accidents that might not be so accidental,  and the discovery of a weird diary, all lead to the same conclusion: The lighthouse is cursed! At only a 104 pages, it isn't the most intricate story, but much like The Cabin it's simply fun. There is also a nostalgia factor to it, as the style is quite reminiscent of The Hardy Boys mysteries with some Goosebumps thrown in, and you can't really go wrong with that. 

For fans of: The Hardy Boys; Goosebumps

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Advanced review copies provided by Net Galley