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

Easter Basket II

As great as those chocolate bunnies are, I prefer my Easter goodies to be calorie free. From bunny sweaters, over fun phone cases and other tech accessories, to makeup items, like Easter egg colors for your nails,  there's really no limit to what you can put into an Easter basket (except the size maybe, but hey then you'll just have to get a little creative with the hiding place).

Cath Kidston Pencil Case / Topshop Sweater / Topshop socks

Headphone Splitter  / Casetify iPhone Case / Vivienne Westwood Makeup Bag

Essie Silk Watercolor Kit / Zootopia Carrot Recorder Pen

Happy Hunting! 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

25 years of Home Alone

Can you believe it's been 25 five years since Home Alone came out?  The movie will always hold a special place in my heart, not only is it the perfect Christmas movie but it was also my first  introduction to John Hughes  (he wrote and produced it),  which was the beginning of a lifelong obsession. And something this special has to be celebrated!

Home alone 25th Anniversary Edition

If your old VHS tape is slowly dying, it might be time to upgrade to the anniversary box. It includes all the movies on Blue-ray (yes, also the not so great sequels, but we'll look past that) plus some cute gimmicks (that battle plan poster!), and comes in the coolest paint can packaging.  

Punk Goes Christmas Deluxe

The "Punk Goes" Christmas Album is already home to many of my favorite holiday tunes, but the new Deluxe Edition features a rocking cover of the Home Alone Theme, and I've been playing it on repeat all week.

Boohoo Clothing

And nothing says I'm a fan, like owning a sweater with your favorite quote …I know what I'll be wearing on Christmas Day.

And then there's this hilarious article from TIME that explains what the movie would look like if it was made today  …#HomeAlone

Or this in-depth piece by James Hughes (John Hughes' son), in which some of the key cast and crew members reunite to share their memories and some behind the scenes secrets about the movie (a must read for every fan!)

Happy anniversary, ya filthy animals!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

Gift Guide: Best of Christmas

I decided to cut back on the gift guides this year, I just feel like everyone has it covered (and if not, you can always look up my old ones) but I still had to share a couple of my "christmas essentials":

Team Rudolph Shirt / Robots PJ Bottoms / Griswold Phone Case / Philosophy Shower Gel & Bubble Bath / Coca-Cola Teddy  / "The Truth about Santa" Book / A Charlie Brown Christmas Deluxe 50th Anniversary Edition  / A Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack / Paper Straws

I don't know about you,  but I feel like it's not Christmas without the silly presents. Makeup and tech stuff is nice and all, but there always needs to be a cute teddy or a funny book under the tree. I also love little things that make the holidays even more festive, like fun straws for drinking hot cocoa or a cookie scented shower gel. And we can't forget a pair of awesome PJs (preferably one that's festive but still works after Christmas).

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
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

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

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

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 2: Gift Guide: For The Magpie

Here's the first of many gift guides, and this one is for those who like to sparkle during the holidays...and the rest of the year.

                               Source: laurafaiss.polyvore.com via Laura on Pinterest

My personal favorite is the Ciaté Caviar Mini Bar, not only is the packaging absolutely adorable, but the unique polish is a must for any nail polish addict.The set comes with 4 classic polishes, and 4 bottles of the famous caviar pearls. Yum. 

And the best? All these goodies are available via ASOS (yay worldwide free shipping!), and under 40 bucks (ok, the Disney Couture bracelet is a tiny bit over the budget, but it's so cute!)

Peace, Love, and Mistletoe

Laura