Summer Lovin'

If there's one thing I usually try to avoid it's young adult romance. Maybe I'm simply too old to care about teens falling in love–or maybe I just don't really care for romance in general. There are, however, a few exceptions and most of them come in the form of anthologies. 

I wasn't really familiar with most of the authors featured in Summer Days and Summer Nights, but I am a huge fan of Francesca Lia Block's Weetzie Bat (another exception), and seeing ner name on the cover was enough to make me curious.

Summer Daysand Summer Nights on Amazon

I admit, I read Block's story “Sick Pleasure” first, and it definitely is my favorite out of the twelve short stories featured in the collection. Block's autobiographical account is not a big fairy tale, or a thrilling romance. It is a simple story you probably heard a 100 times already, but her equally sweet and gloomy perspective, and the way she threats Los Angeles as a setting, make it stand out in the best way possible.

Others that stood out to me are “Last Stand at the Cinegore” by Libba Bray and “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things” by Lev Grossman. Bray's “Last Stand at the Cinegore” might not be the best out of the stories, but I am a sucker for campy horror, and this tale of a cursed movie was right up my alley. And “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things”, a clever take on Groundhog Day, is just one of those stories that really makes you stop and reminds you to enjoy the little things that make endless summer days so special.

Overall, I really enjoyed the anthology as a whole. There were two or three stories I just skimmed over, but I think that's going to be the case with any anthology–especially if it combines a wide range of styles. So if you haven't read it yet, check out Summer Days and Summer Nights. It's the perfect book for those last few lazy summer days.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Summer Break

I'm taking a tiny blogging break in July, but that doesn't mean that I'm gonna leave you hanging. So here's my "book summer" round-up with every thing you need to keep you entertained until August:

Here's the greatest classic summer reading list,  the best new releases of spring/summer 2016,  and what has to be the funniest book of the year. Then we have my favorite summer snack and a jamming playlist that you can take to the beach or into the woods.  

…But whatever you do: don't forget to keep cool!

See you in August for the final "book summer" month!

Until then…

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Coast to Coast

There's no better summer read than a good mystery series, especially one that's set at the beach. But – much like the detectives that investigate on them – every beach is different, and not every beach is right for everyone.  So I put together a little quiz that will lead you right to the literary beach that's  perfect for you.

Simply pick what's more your style, and buy a plane ticket hit the bookstore:

If you answered mostly A, then the sunny beaches of Neptune, California, are your destination:

As a follow up to the popular TV show The Thousand-Dollar Tan Line brings girl sleuth extraordinaire Veronica Mars from the screen to the page:  A grown up Veronica is back in Neptune, and struggling to keep her father's PI business afloat while she waits for her first big case. But it soon becomes a case of "be careful what you wish for" when a missing person's investigation hits a little too close to home.  Even though the book serves as a continuation of the TV show, you don't have to be familiar with it to enjoy it.  Sure, it might take a little longer to get into it, but once you're there it's "Sunshine Noir" at it's best. And by book 2, it'll be like you've lived in Neptune for years.   

And if you answered mostly B, then it's off to Cape Cod to solve a case with Asey Mayo: 

When author Dale Sanborn is found dead in his Cape Cod refuge, it is up to hobby sleuth Asey Mayo (also known as the "Codfish Sherlock") to find the killer.  A task that's easier said than done – as almost everyone on the island had a bone to pick with the victim.  First published in 1931, full of quirky characters, and oozing with local color and charm, reading  The Cape Cod Mystery is almost like jumping into a time machine and visiting the the Cape yourself …and the actual mystery is pretty great, too.

Markus Lupfer Tee / Sperry Canvas Sneakers 

 Le Specs Sunglasses  / Urban Decay Bronzer 

Enjoy the trip! 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Book Summer

The other day I was brainstorming ideas for new posts, and all of them lead to two things: summer and books  – so why not combine them, make it a series and call it a "Book Summer"?

Now, I'm not saying that my content for the next three months will exclusively consist of "summer read reviews" …but you will find a a book – in one form or another – in every post.

So pack your beach bag, find a quiet spot by the water – and don't forget that sunscreen, because we're gonna be out there until September.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Cami Time

Statement camis are one of my favorite wardrobe staples. They're just so easy to throw on with a pair of jeans, and – depending on the top – you're good for the farmers market or a night out.  

And ASOS is usually my favorite place to shop for them, because where else would you find sequins, leopard, and lace on one top?

…But just in case that's a little too much for you there are, of course, many other options:

        

Tassels,  leopard,

Floral, Grey

& many more

Which one's your favorite?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Attention, Campers!

I've never been one to enjoy camping. I love being outside, but I simply prefer to go home to a nice clean bedroom at the end of the day. Yet, I've always had a thing for summer camp shows and movies: How funny is Wet Hot American Summer? Or Sleepaway Camp – the best bad horror movie ever. And let's not forget everyone's favorite summer camp tale The Parent Trap.

Thanks to Camp Collection, you can now relive those glory days without actually having to spend the night in the woods. "Inspired by the smell of fresh cut grass, color wars, contraband and that cute dude from Cabin 14" their casual and carefree designs are everything you need to make the most out of these last few summer weekends:

Camp Collection

Camp Collection

Varsity Sweater

Wittles Tee

It's not easy to find cute loungewear without tacky slogans or brand names plastered all over it, but these sweaters and tees are classic without being boring. And they make a summer camp movie marathon on a stormy night twice as fun. (You don't even need a camp fire to make S'Mores!)

Camp Collection

…and be sure to check out their Tumblr and Instagram for more camp nostalgia, and exciting giveaways!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

Shop Now, Wear Later

The end of summer sales are hands down the best time to stock up on fall essentials.  Whether you're looking for accessories that you can wear all year round, summer pieces that you can easily transition into fall, or simply a good pair of jeans - be sure to check out the sales before browsing the new collections.

Even though my style is rather classic, I love incorporating boho pieces into my outfits, and the free people sale is the place to get them:

Free People Bucket Bag

Free People Scarf

How great would this look with a navy pea-coat once it gets colder?

Another thing I love are fall appropriate summer dresses, and this little Anthropologie number will look even better with a cardigan and a pair of rugged riding boots than it does with sandals:

Anthropologie Shirt Dress

And let's not forget about Jeans. Why pay full price when these are 75% off?

Anthropologie Flare Jeans

Happy Shopping!

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Summer Survival Roundup

Struggling to cope with the heat?  Don't sweat,  here a few links to make those dog days of summer a little more bearable.  

This fruity drink is guaranteed to keep you cool, while  gluten free mini pizzas,  zucchini fries  or a super quick peach bruschetta are the perfect treats to snack on during a movie night after a long day at the beach, 

… And talking of the beach, here are a couple of items you should bring, even if the closest you get to the water is your bathroom.  

If your summer plans take you to the city,  just bring the beach with you on your nails,  and no matter where you are headed a hat's always in style.

And last but not least, a wearable summer playlist.  

Peace, Love and Lobsters

Laura

Late Summer Playlist

Ok, I admit that this one looks a lot like last year's August playlist,  but it's not August without listening to Boys of Summer on repeat (it's just not!). The rest is the usual eclectic mix of everything from power pop anthems to "reflecting while watching the sunset" ballads.

Enjoy!

Listen to it on Spotify

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Hit The Beach… (or the shower)

Cute beach towels are a must, no matter if you're hitting the beach, the pool, or if your shower's the closest you get to the water this summer…

Grandin Road

J.Crew

John Lewis

Serena & Lily

H&M

So many to choose from… 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Keep Cool

Is anyone else experiencing a heat wave? If the answer is yes, take a clue from Miss Moretz and protect your head with cute straw hat. 

source

Long gone are the days when straw hats were reserved for little boys and gardening grandpas, just pick one in a cool color or design and you're good to play outside (or sit by the pool) all day long.

...ASOS has a fabulous selection, by the way…

Catarzi straw hat / Seafolly floppy hat / Pull&Bear fedora hat

Oysho hat / ASOS fedora

Enjoy the sun! 

Peace, Love, and Cupcakes
Laura