Documentaries

I'm finally at the finish line of this whole moving and renovating adventure and trying to get back into my regular Sunday posting routine. And today that means sharing a couple of must watch documentaries with you.

Mommy Dead and Dearest (HBO)

The thing that shocked me the most about this case was that I had never heard about it. Everything about it sounds too crazy too be true, but nope it actually happened. Mommy Dead and Dearest documents an extreme case of Munchhausen by Proxy. A mom tricked the whole world into believing that her daughter had every ailment one could imagine, until the daughter had enough and murdered her mother. It's as weird as it gets, but a must watch if you're a fan of true crime documentaries that are on the crazier side. 

Casting JonBenet (Netflix)

I've seen countless documentaries about this case (really, who hasn't?), but this one really stood out. Instead of a classic documentary, this is basically a casting session for a documentary where all the actors share their theories. It's definitely a fresh and unique approach and adds new interest to an old case.

American Epic (PBS) 

This three part event is the untold story of how the ordinary people of America gort to record music for the first time. Narrated by Robert Redford, and featuring performances from the likes of Willie Nelson, Elton John, and Jack White and T Bone Burnett who also lead theses truly epic recording sessions this series is an experience that every music lover will enjoy. And you're gonna want to buy the recordings right after. Trust me.  

Peace, Love and Lobster
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 

Farewell, Nashville

I'm usually not one to dwell over the cancellation of TV shows.  It was fun while it lasted, time to move on, circle of life and all that jazz …but Nashville,  Nashville was special.

It wasn't something I had been watching for years (on that note: RIP Castle), or something that makes each day it's on feel like Christmas morning (thank God Lucifer is still with us…literally), but it was that one show I watched almost every sunday afternoon with my best friend. Coffee, tea, cake (lemon meringue pie for premieres and finales) and the shenanigans of Rayna, Deacon, Juliette and co. So it doesn't only mean the end of a show, but also of a  really fun tradition. 

The cancellation didn't come as a surprise, the writing was on the wall for a while, still with all these stories that probably won't get proper closure now, I was still hoping for a miracle.  But to ease the pain at least a little bit, ABC just released a series of special performances that can be experienced in 360° view. It's almost like being at the Bluebird Cafe, which is pretty neat (especially if you're like me and the music was your favorite part of the show): 

Chick here for more

And there's still two episodes left. So who knows, maybe the writers had some sense and we'll get a somewhat happy ending after all.  Here's to hoping.

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

6 February Things

Maybe it's because of the extra leap year day,  but I just couldn't narrow it down to 5 things this month…

TV Workouts:

Buzzfeed presents, 43 workouts that allow you to watch an ungodly amount of television. Yes, you read that right workouts that include watching TV. This list has been around for a while but I just came across it recently, and  it's definitely a fun way to get a little extra workout time in while binge watching your favorite show, no matter if it's Boy Meets World or Game of Thrones.

Margot vs. Lily:

Talking of workouts, Nike Women  just launched a brilliant new web series.  Their advertising is always on point, but the series about two very competitive sisters might just be the best idea they ever had.

Topshop scarf:

I was eyeing this Topshop scarf for a while, just waiting for it to go on sale … and it finally did.  It's probably the softest thing I ever owned (I actually wish they'd make a giant blanket version of it), and it's so easy to wear – just throw it on over a navy coat and look like a movie star.  

Jake Bugg:

I  used to listen to Jake on repeat, but then I kinda forgot about him  …until I saw his performance at the Burberry Fall/Winter 2016 show ...needless to say, he made it back to the top of my personal charts (and I can't wait for his new album!)  

Even&Odd

Even and Odd Sunglasses:

Whenever fall in love with a pair of expensive sunglasses, I usually buy a cheap version to "test-drive" them, but these Even and Odd sunglasses are so great that I don't even want the Dior ones that inspired them anymore (my bank account loves them too).

via: Sarah Michelle Gellar Instagram 

Sarah Michelle Gellar returning to Cruel Intentions:
In the best news I've heard all week: Sarah Michelle Gellar is reprising her role as Manhattan's original Queen Bee Kathryn Merteuil  in the Cruel Intentions TV reboot.  She announced the news via Instagram, and I'm over the moon that I get to see my favorite teenage sociopath all grown up.

What was your favorite february thing?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

5 January Things

I have to say that January has been a pretty awesome month,  

…filled with many awesome things:

Nike Air Max "Thea" 

I really didn't need new trainers, but I saw these on sale and just couldn't resist.

What can I say, charcoal leopard ...I never stood a chance. 

Young Sherlock Holmes :

I rediscovered this recently, and fell in love with it all over again. It might not be the best movie (and yeah some parts are a tiny bit over the top) but it's just one of those awesome 1980s Spielberg movies that's a pleasure from beginning to end.

Ciaté "Prima Ballerina": 

This is one of the shades that came with the Ciaté advent calendar, and while it didn't look like much it seemed perfect for that "I'm so over sparkly reds and gold" after Christmas manicure. The shade is a nude-ish mink, goes with pretty much anything, and might even replace Essie's Sand Tropez as my go-to toe-color.

Lucifer:

It's nothing we haven't seen before, it's predictable as hell (no pun intended), but it's exactly the type of fun procedural I've been missing ever since Forever was cancelled. And Tom Ellis is a joy to watch.  

Sundays:

You may have noticed a pattern lately…  I slipped into a sunday morning posting routine that has been working rather well.  Now, I'm not saying, that I will only post on sundays from now on (as you never know when something post-worthy might happen), but I think blogs and lazy sundays are a winning combination.

What are your favorite January things?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura  

5 November Things

It's that time of the month again, time for my November favorites:

80s Movie Soundtracks

I have a new obsession: buying the soundtracks of all my favorite 80s soundtracks on vinyl (Still looking for the "Dream a Little Dream" one …just in case Santa's taking notes).

Turtlenecks

I've always preferred  scarves over turtlenecks, but lately I can't get enough of them. This one's from H&M.

The Middle (ABC)

Two Words: Charlie McDermott. I'm kidding, sort of… Yes, he's dreamy but definitely not the only  reason why I always find myself binge watching the hilarious ABC comedy this time of year, I simply can't resist a Heck Holiday episode.

Maybelline Perfect Cream Mascara

I'm a huge fan of Maybelline's Great Lash Mascara, no matter which other mascaras I tried I always went right back to the tacky pink and green tube - but then I was shopping online, and needed an extra three bucks to get free delivery so I decided to give the Perfect Cream Mascara a try. I won't recommend this if you are a fan of the "Falsies" look, but if you prefer a more natural makeup then this is the answer. It has a super silky finish, is a dream to apply, and is a total bargain. Hands down the best drugstore mascara you can get.  

Cloud 9

There's only one thing I love more than a classic DCOM, and that's a classic DCOM set in a winter wonderland.  Technically Cloud 9, doesn't fall into the classic category (it came out last year), but thanks to the lack of musical numbers it certainly felt like one (there's even a remix of Superchick's One Girl Revolution – Cadet Kelly, anyone? – on the soundtrack). My new favorite "snow-com".

What was your favorite November thing?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

Mad for Caps

When I searched the Interwebs to find a specific hat worn on my newest obsession Scream Queens,  I was surprised to find out that the "silly hats" are among the most criticized things about the show…  Don't get me wrong it's my favorite thing on TV right now, but we all know that it has bigger flaws than the characters' accessorizing preferences.

source

But I guess hats are a little bit like the show itself, they're either your thing or not.  And while I couldn't find the blue flat cap Grace (Skyler Samuels) wears on the show, I put together a couple of other fun options, including her (just as awesome) suede cabbie hat. Because I strongly believe that hats make everything better (which might be the result of early childhood brainwashing):

Brixton Gatsby Cap / Étoile Isabel Marant Flat Cap hat 

Ruthy Suede Cabbie Hat / Ivy hat

Barbour Baker Boy Hat  / H&M Hat

Bhode Company News Boy Cap / Stetson Peaked Cap

Which one is your favorite?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura 

5 September Things

September just flew by...  But it was filled with lots of awesome discoveries (and some rediscoveries):

Paige Denim 

I'm usually not one to go crazy for designer jeans. They have their benefits but so far I never really felt like it was worth the splurge, and usually ended up back at H&M ...but then I came across Paige. I had heard great things about the label, so I took a couple of pairs into the changing room, and let's just say I had a really hard time deciding which ones to leave at the store since I couldn't possibly justify buying four pairs of jeans. What I love about them is that even though they are incredible soft and comfortable (seriously they feel like pajama pants), they don't lose their shape and look as good on day five as they did on day one. And don't even get me started on the fit… Best. Jeans. Ever.

Burts Bee's Red Dahlia
I Love Burt's Bees tinted Lipbalm (their pigmentation is amazing for a sheer balm!), and Red Dahlia is the epitome of a great fall color.

Superstar Car Wash
I recently rediscovered this, and have been listening to it on repeat all month. It's actually one of the first albums I ever bought (if I'm not counting all the Disney soundtracks and NOW compilations), and I'm still a fan of the band today, but for me none of their newer albums do even come close to Superstar Car Wash …I only wish it was available on vinyl.

Steve Madden Fringe Booties

Another rediscovery, I bought them back in spring and never wore them much, but they quickly became my favorite early fall shoes.

Scream Queens

Scream Queens might simultaneously be the best and the worst thing on TV right now. The show combines everything I love (campy horror, 80s music, and cool hats), but I also see why people might not enjoy it. Satire – especially if it's this crude – isn't everybody's cup of tea… But I think that goes for all Ryan Murphy shows, you either love them or hate them, and this one's no exception.

What's your favorite September thing?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters
Laura

The Rock Show

I admit was a bit skeptical about Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll, the cast is awesome, the promos looked fun... but comedy is always a slippery slope. But then I watched the pilot, and now I have a new favorite comedy.

The premise is simple, aging "has-never-been" Johnny Rock (Denis Leary), gets a chance to turn his life around when his estranged daughter Gigi (Liz Gillies – I've been a fan of her since her Victorious days, and excited to see her in a "grown up" tole) hires him and his old band mates to kickstart her own career. 

                                       

The characters are hilarious, the guest stars are out of this world (Joan freakin' Jett!),  the soundtrack is awesome, and  don't even get me started on the perfection that is Liz Gillie's wardrobe… 

And you don't even have to be a music freak to enjoy it,  I watched it with a friend who doesn't share my enthusiasm for that aspect of the show and she also loved it.  

Check out Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll Thursdays on FX. 

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

Two shows to binge watch this weekend

I've always been more of a TV than a movie person, especially during the summer when I actually have the time to sit down and watch TV without any distractions. And this year my two favorite summer-shows could not be more different, but both are damn good:

Aquarius (Thursdays on NBC):

Picture: NBC

A cop drama set in Los Angeles during the late 60s?  I was in love with this before I even saw the trailer, and once I did I started counting down the days to the premiere and proceeded to watch the entire season over a weekend (NBC released it all at once, Netflix Style).  But I have to admit that my initial reaction was disappointment, not because it wasn't great but because the promos promised Manson – lots of Manson. While Charles Manson is one aspect of the show, he is not the center of it,  but about four episodes in all that was forgotten, and I could just appreciate the show as the gripping and visually stunning drama that it is.  And then there's the soundtrack, which is flawless in case you were wondering. 

UnReal (Mondays on Lifetime):

Picture: Lifetime

I really did not think I would enjoy this one. While the premise of a drama about the drama behind the scenes of a Bachelor type reality show sounds like an interesting concept, it also sounds like a little too much drama for my taste. And on top of that, I've never seen an episode of the Bachelor (or any dating competition show for that matter), so why should I bother with a fictional look at one?  But I still gave it a chance, and I am so glad I did! Even if you don't like reality shows, or rather especially if you don't like them, you will love UnReal.  It's cynical, snarky, and way darker than I expected – in other words: perfect! You can watch the first 4 episodes online - but be warned it's super addictive.  

What's on your "watch list" this summer?

Peace, Love, and Lobsters

Laura

The Prettiest Season

It's officially fall! And here's what I'm excited about:

1) Forever on ABC

If there is one show that I'm excited to watch this fall it's Forever. I usually need to see a couple of episodes until I'm hooked on a show, but I knew this was great before the opening credits were over.

Maybe it's my crush on Ioan Gruffudd, maybe the intriguing "Sherlock" meets "Unbreakable" premise, but either way I hope that "Forever" stands the test of time. 

2) Fall Colors:

New Balance 410s

I love the sneaker trend, I hate the sneaker trend, seriously my opinion on this changes daily. But this week I'm pretty into it.  Especially because it's a great way to incorporate some color into your fall wardrobe.

3) All the pretty leaves 

This is a no-brainer, but it goes well with the colors. And who doesn't love pretty leaves?

What are you excited about this fall?

Peace, Love, and Lobster

Laura 

Just Another Saturday…

In need of a fun weekend activity? Look no further!

Remember Augustana?  Well, they have a new album out, and (aside from Boston, no one can touch that) I think it's their best work yet. So check it out while you go for a walk…

Life Imitating Life on Spotify

…and pick up the ingredients to make these amazing vegan scones:

You can find the full instructions here, and munch on them while you catch up on NBCs fantastic (trust me, I was skeptical too)  Rosemary's Baby Remake.

picture NBC

You're welcome!

Peace, Love, and Ladybugs

Laura

My Guide To Rosewood

 Pretty Little Liars is back tonight!
I CAN SEE YOU - A

Since this blog has always  been rather Pretty Little Liars heavy,  I figured I'd highlight some of my Rosewood related posts to make the hours until the premiere go by a little faster:

No matter if you are on the hunt for a specific item like Spencer's hats, Aria's leopard coat, Hanna's Mondrian inspired purse or red tweed jacket,  or if you're just looking for a little inspiration from the liars to spice up your favorite summer basic  - you can find it here, in the Pretty Little Liars Tag

Catch the Pretty Little Liars Season 4 premiere tonight at 8/7c on ABC Family

Peace, Love, and Cupcakes
Laura

Seen On: Crumpets and Cloche Hats

How great was the Pretty Liars season finale? So many new questions...  but I'm not here to discuss red coat theories with you, this is all about the Liar's wardrobe. After her little "vacation" Spencer and her impeccable fashion sense are back and better than ever. Although there is, of course, nothing wrong with spending a week in sweats (or a mental institution) every once in a while…

source

Just out of Radley, and already serving tea and crumpets in an lovely Anthropologie cord dress. Oh Spence, how I've missed you...

Anthropologie

And then there was the hat: 

source

I'm so glad to see her reunited with her hats, sadly this particular one seems to be impossible to track down. Anthro does, however, offer a good selection of cute (and spring appropriate) alternatives, like this amazing straw cloche:

Anthropologie

Or  the red cotton version:

Anthropologie

EDIT: Spencer's Cloche is from Anthro as well (just not available in the EU store)

Peace, Love, and Coffee Breaks
Laura

Meta is the Middle Name

Lets face it, which TV fan doesn't use the internet to connect with other like minded fans? This can go from composing a tweet that consists mainly of emoticons to express one's excitement (or frustration) about the latest cliffhanger ending, to participating in role-plays that might appear almost psychotic to people outside the community (the fandom).

The CW's newest show Cult explores this idea of what happens when fiction blurs with reality. The show takes us to the fictional set of the hit TV show Cult, a drama about a young investigator (Alona Tal) trying to take down the leader of a cult who captured her family. So far so good, but then we meet Nate (James Pizzinato), a young screw-up who seeks help from his older brother Jeff (Matthew Davis) because he is convinced that someone is after him -  someone from a TV show.

Jeff writes this off as just another one of his brother's juvenile obsessions, and walks out on him (yeah, I don't blame him either). But when Nate disappears even the skeptical Jeff can't dismiss the signs that point to the show, and teams up with clever production assistant Skye (Jessica Lucas) to find his missing brother.

Technically Cult has two main story lines, the one of the show within the show, and the one surrounding the investigation of that show and it's fanbase, and if you want, a third one about us, the viewers, trying to figure out this  meta-maze of a show.

As for me, I'm hooked, the cast is great, the mystery intriguing, and it has that post modern noir vibe (that's a thing now) I love so much. Let's just say it has the potential to become a cult hit (no pun intended).

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Watch Cult, Series Premiere Tuesday Feb. 19 on the CW

Peace, Love and (Hershey) Kisses (…wow that really does not work today)

Laura