The Life Beautiful Project

Look who's back!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 06 Aug 2012 12:29:00 +0000

Hello The Life Beautiful Project - I've missed you!    Decided to be-friend you again to show the world that I'm really not a sloth, and that I can get my ass moving (sometimes :)).   Ha-just kidding of course.

But what did get me thinking was a recent renovation (a purrrrdy one, not a hold-the-roof up/down kind) and well, like every other Blogger out there, wanted to capture the hard work, the ideas, and the transformation.

Oh, and that goes for the 'bod' too - am also on a body transformation (also the purddy kind, but keeping the roof would be good too :P)     So will share that as well.   Part of "the mission" is living wheat/gluten free - it should be an interesting journey, but pretty easy so far.   Thank the stars for Quinoa pasta, that's all I gotta say.   More on this later.

If you haven't been here before - you will soon realize that everything I do is a project.

OK, so first off - we have transformed our kitchen.    We have been working on it for over a week, and well we are (almost) done - all but the caulking at the countertop.

Here's a quick snapshot (albeit taken with my blackberry) just to give you an idea.     You can ignore the coffee pot - it's my attempt at being a creative photographer :P

And my fav light from Restoration Hardware:

Stay tuned for the complete viewing - hopefully later today. God I hope it's today.

Thanks for dropping in......

Happy Canadian long weekend.

Suze

More on the living room front

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:59:00 +0000

living room by essandjae on Polyvore.com

Working on my living do-over. And of course loving Polyvore. Am trying to get a pop of colour without being colourful if that makes sense.

Hope you like it!

ikea KARLSTAD
$1,148 - ikea.com

Ikea Ektorp
$239 - ikea.com

Zinnia Blossom Pillows
$149 - roomandboard.com

Poppy Citron Pillow
$129 - roomandboard.com

Thomas Paul Seahorse Outdoor Pillow at Velocity Art And Design
$80 - velocityartanddesign.com

Nordstrom Chunky Knit Decorative Pillow Rose Sharon One Size
$32 - nordstrom.com

Damask Coral Pillow | Overstock.com
$20 - overstock.com

COCOCOZY: COCO'S Flower Cotton Pillows

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:17:00 +0000

COCOCOZY: COCO'S Flower Cotton Pillows (clipped to polyvore.com)

COCOCOZY: Quatrefoil Pillow

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:16:00 +0000

COCOCOZY: Quatrefoil Pillow (clipped to polyvore.com)

COCOCOZY: COCOCOZY Logo Pillow

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 14:15:00 +0000

COCOCOZY: COCOCOZY Logo Pillow (clipped to polyvore.com)

Polyvore Experimentation

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 13:54:00 +0000

It would seem my experimenting with Polyvore is directly linked to my blog. Well there y'a go. Who knew.

So, these are some of the items I'm stalking right now - I am re-doing our living room, and am trying to capture all my loves in one place.

You really should check out this site - it's amazing! I'm officially addicted.

Happy Long Weekend!

living room

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:55:00 +0000

living room by essandjae on Polyvore.com

ikea KARLSTAD
$1,148 - ikea.com

Ikea Ektorp
$239 - ikea.com

Love / Gray and Citron Yellow Stylized Floral Print Pillow Cover 18x18

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:53:00 +0000

Love / Gray and Citron Yellow Stylized Floral Print Pillow Cover 18x18 (clipped to polyvore.com)

Love / Plain Tin Slate Wool Hooked Rug

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:50:00 +0000

Love / Plain Tin Slate Wool Hooked Rug (clipped to polyvore.com)

Love / Surya Jill Rosenwald Fallon FAL100 Brown Rug | Contemporary...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:49:00 +0000

Love / Surya Jill Rosenwald Fallon FAL100 Brown Rug | Contemporary... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Inspiring Spaces / A Little Bite of Everything | An Ikea Rug Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:47:00 +0000

Inspiring Spaces / A Little Bite of Everything | An Ikea Rug Makeover (clipped to polyvore.com)

Inspiring Spaces / Google Image Result for...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:45:00 +0000

Inspiring Spaces / Google Image Result for... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Inspiring Spaces / Google Image Result for...

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:45:00 +0000

Inspiring Spaces / Google Image Result for... (clipped to polyvore.com)

Ikea Ektorp

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:43:00 +0000

Ikea Ektorp (clipped to polyvore.com)

ikea KARLSTAD

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 01:42:00 +0000

ikea KARLSTAD (clipped to polyvore.com)

Stella and Dot

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:02:00 +0000

Well hello there,

Ahh, it's been a long time - sorry about that. Busy times it seems. But did I tell you that I'm having a Stella and Dot party??? Well I am. I'm having a Stella and Dot party on September 22nd.

So exciting - and I think my "event planner" is going to try out a new caterer on all my ladies.

In the meantime, here are some of my fav's - ooooooo can't wait!!

Stella and Dot by essandjae on Polyvore.com

If you'd like to come (it's in Ottawa, Ontario) please let me know, I'll add you to the "A List" :) Or have a visit to the site, and place an order if you would like:
http://www.stelladot.com/sites/emma

Tell me, what's your fav?

Upcoming......

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 17:12:00 +0000

Quick post here today as we're on the fly.

So, I'm currently on vacation from my work for 2 weeks.    Spent the first 5 days up at the family cottage with my husband's four brothers and the wives - total blast - lots of good laughs and good bonding time for the boys (and the girls).

However, now it's time for house projects.    Something has woken up inside me, and I'm on a mission, to say the least.    Here are a couple of projects that we have in mind for next week:

1. I have blogged about this staircase in the past, and am still swooning over it.      We decided today we are going to do it next week.   We currently have berber up our stairs, but it's comin' off baby!!   Check out this post from Centsational Girl - Kate's taste is right up my alley.

2. I am salavating, swooning, dizzy over this kitchen. Next week, our kitchen will look like this (minus the dark floors), with some paint, tile and a little marble for our island (if we can find a deal [will likely buy it anyway :)])

via

Now, I would also like your opinion on wainscoting - too formal, or classy and timeless? If you know us at all, we are not formal! Classy, yes :) Formal, no. I am thinking of doing this in our living room and dining room (or maybe just one of the rooms, not sure yet). Looks fairly simple to do - check out this post from Kate from Centsational Girl

So what do yo think? Do you think my hub and I can pull this off in a week?

The Dreaded Shopping Trip

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 01:59:00 +0000

OK, we all know how hard it is to find good jeans that fit just right, tuck and lift where they're supposed to, and yet still move.    But lets talk about bathing suits shall we.

I have been having this conversation with my big sis this week - the dredded bathing suit shopping trip.   So, I've been looking online at some suits, and am thinking about changing things up a little.    At "my age", do I really need to be in a bikini?   I don't think sooooooo!   (God, has the time come where I"m actually accepting these kinds of things???)

Can a one-piece be cool, and not frumpy?    Is there such a thing?   What about the retro two piece with the high waste.    I think they are kinda neat.     How about tankini's?        And then there's cover ups.    I want a cool, easy going, non-foofy cover up.    Maybe a bit bohemian - I've always liked the hippy look.

OK, so here it goes - what do you think of these?

I like this one-shoulder suit with the ties up the side - think that is a nice touch and added feature.   Great colour too!

source

I think I love the colour of this one more than anything about it. Likely hide flaws too. (what flaws, right?)

source

Well it would seem this year, I have a thing for all things nautical. I do love this suit. Love everything about it.

source

Think this one is cute too - again nautical. Love the navy and white stripes.

source

For some reason, I've always loved red bathing suits. I love the simple lines of this suit.

source

So, I'm quite digging this retro look. I love the colour, the halter top tie strings, and all the pleats. Yup, like this one alot.

source

Like this one, don't love it, but like it. Polka dots so big this year.

source

Can't explain it but there is something I love about this suit and the print. I see it with flowy cover-up pants. How fun is that?

source

Speaking of cover ups - love this one. Not sure I'd get used to long sleeves in the summer. Bloody hot around here these days!

source

Loving this one too - Confirmed: I'm a hippy at heart.

source

Simple white cotton dress works too. Simple and pretty.

source

So, what do you think? Can I be a cool 40-something and wear a one piece, or a retro two piece? Leave me a comment and tell me: which one would you buy?

Summer Arrives with July 1st

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 02:02:00 +0000

We are coming very close to the July 1st long weekend here in Canada. And so summer begins. School is out, and many are headed to cottages, camping trips, pools, or just the backyard.

I have such fond memories of our cottage summers - we were so fortunate to grow up in this kind of setting. Summer brings fond, fond memories for my family and I - so I think "cottaging" should be added to my list.

While we are not cottaging this weekend (by choice), we will be taking in all the things 'summer'.

source

And this is my little rendition of summer-time. What does summer mean to you?

There's a bug goin' around - the "Design Bug" and I have it!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 13:41:00 +0000

Well, if I'm not swooning over girly things, I'm swooning over thrift shop DIY furniture pieces. OK, I do read A. LOT. of decorating and design blogs, and I gotta say, they make me crazy. Crazy to redesign and redecorate my entire house.

That said, when we moved into our house a year ago, I did nothing to put my own touches on the house. It was summer, it was hot, and we had just finished renovating a ski chalet, so had no energy to Sue-ify anything, considering nothing was offensive.

Now a year later, I have a major hankerin'!!! Here are some of the things I found on Craigslist yesterday that if they're still available I might just need to buy.

OK, these two pieces together are only $240!! That's not to say that's what I'd pay for them. Imagine them recovered in grey linen and with white piping - Ooooooo, swooning.

This sofa is only $75 (ditto, see above). Yes, it's hideous as is, but re-upholstered in great fabric would be nice - love the swirl of the arms.

This set is only $100 for both!!!! I NEED (yes NEED) to find a good (and cheap) upholsterer. These settee's are all the rage these days.

This coffee table is $20!! Imagine it spray painted in a wonderful colour. Kinda like this project from Centsational Girl

Same with this piece for $65.00. Too much $$ for this piece, but perhaps $40 would do it. Oooo, spray painted white or yellow - LOVE.

And finally, I LOVE LOVE LOVE these - check out the detail on them. Gorg, I say!!! Again spray painted white, or cream. Price tag: $70 bukeroos.

So, as you can see, I 've been busy. My house - well, is instore for an overhaul, me thinks. But a DIY overhall. Keep y'all posted how I make out. Going to check and see if any of these pieces are still available, and just may go and snap 'em up. Now to find a decent (and cheap, I think I mentioned that) upholsterer.

I'm swooning for.........(alert: girl post)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:42:00 +0000

Something happened over the last couple of months - I seemed to have turned into a girly-girl.    Now, I don't know how this happened or exactly when it happened, it just did.      Strange but true, I have fallen in love with all things feminine and pretty, and ruffley and pink (and white), flowers, dresses(!), and curls.

It's a mystery really, but "whateves" as they say on............some show.    Thought I'd share with you, all of the delicious things/looks I'm swooning over.

I have a new found love for nail polish.   NEVER in my life have I worn nail polish. OK maybe an occasional pedicure which is complete and utter tortune for me, but it just wasn't my thing.   You see, "I" was an athlete. And very few athletes wear nail polish, don't you know.     Guess I'm not an athlete any more (oh well). I just LOVE this colour - and will be heading on over to Holt Renfrew to pick it up for my my next "weekly" (yes weekly!) manicure and pedicure.    OK, I'm addicted.   Speaking of addicted - who does not love Godiva!!??? (never mind, the Benz keys :)

via Made By Girl blog

Now, for those of you who have known me for awhile - I do have a bit of thing with my hair. Nothing to fancy, just colour and volume type thing as I was lucky enough to be born with my mother's hair. Now she is the sweetest thing that ever walked the face of the earth besides Mother T, but hair..........it ain't her greatest asset. So, I bought one of these!! It's Instyle Magazine's 2011 Editor's Choice Best Buy. So when I was in the US last week my seester, I bought one. And let me tell YOU!!!! You want beach waves, this thing practically transports you right to the beach.

It's the Remington Ceramic Styling Want. That's right!!!

source

Also got this while in the US - Lip Stain - how smart is that? No more greesy, gooey, sticky, sloppy lip goop. Who ever believes that your lips look like lipstick anyway? Seriously. All stain baby!

source

I seem to have found a shoe fetish this season. While I always loved shoes, I swung to the accessory side more, meaning scarves, belts, jewellery. But, noooooo, this season it's shoes, to go with all the pretty dresses. Excuse me??? Where am I, and what have I done with myself????? (of course these babies are Valentino, regular $695). Oh there I am! :) [sorry for blurry pic, must let Mr. V know)

source

Now let's talk about dresses! My goodness - it would seem it's a "dress summer". They are everywhere, and they are "gawg-e-ous".

source

And the final thing, white, blue and red - the famous Nautical look. I didn't even know I had this, but when I arrived home home from the US with my purchases, it would seems that most things were either white, blue or red. In fact, as I write this, I have a navy and white gingam (sp?) dress on with red shoes and a red bag. Look at that!

Alright fashion Queens (and Kings) [my husband may read this, and he is my Fashion assistant {not kidding}], what are some of your favourite things these days? Anything this girly-girl should know about? God knows, my budget doesn't need to know about it, but I'm a genious at DIY outfits.

Happy hotness! (I mean you dahlings, not the weather) (Ok I'm mostly happy about the weather) (did you see my gardens?????)

Mother Nature - you make me look goooooooood 2.0

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:05:00 +0000

The heat is upon us after all the rain, and well, it would seem the gardens like it too. This is the first spring in our new house, so we didn't get a chance to experience it's spring-time awakening.

While I always put a disclaimer out there that I don't like gardening, I'm quiet enjoying our front yard gardens. It's just miraculous how they just sprung up and turned into beautiful fleurrrrs.

Check this out:

Anyway, all to say, isn't spring a miracle?? I'm just mezmerized by it this year. Must be these miracle fleurrrrs doin' their thing in my front yard.

And 20+ years later....we're 20 again

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 31 May 2011 00:15:00 +0000

This past weekend in Ottawa, Canada was the National Capital Marathon weekend.     People come from all over the world to run either the Marathon, the 1/2 Marathon, the 10K, 5K or 2K.    We get the Kenyan's, the Ethiopian's and all the elite runner's from around the world.     Pretty facinating to watch these amazing athletes.    The time they run a marathon in, I'd be lucky to get a 10K done :-p (OK I did do a sub-60min 10K once but that was a year ago - and I'm sick right now, so I feel like I'm draggin' my ass around).

The best part of the weekend was that and old and dear friend of mine who I used to live with when we were around 21 came to Ottawa to run the 10K on Saturday night.     I had a chance to cheer her on at the start line and congratulate her at the finish line.    And better yet, we had the chance to have dinner, drink wine, reminice, and just "be" like old times with another one of our friends who I've mentioned here before, Lou Lou (aka Louise).     Only we drank a whole lot less, and went to bed a whole lot earlier :)

I realized in spending time with them, that old friends stay with you forever, and that even after decades, the time spent together feels like "home".     So easy, so comfortable, full of joy and laughter - just all good for the soul.

So, you two, if you are reading this - I love you both- and cherish our past, current and future times together.    Please let's make it sooner than later.    Because if we wait another 20 years we'll be..........................49!   (ha. ha.)

Joy, part 2 - "A Good Day"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 16 May 2011 23:13:00 +0000

I saw this clip on Facebook tonight, and thought it was just so beautiful. It felt like meditation as I was watched it. I've never meditated, but it just felt so peaceful. And like I said yesterday, a peaceful soul brings me joy.
I had to share it here, as part 2, to yesterday's post. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

So, what brings on Joy?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 15 May 2011 23:41:00 +0000

For those readers who knew me way back, I've gone through phases in my life where I've asked this question to myself, to my friends, family, and even to crazy beer drinking swillers in bars (my friend Louise would remember this). Good times! :) :)

But seriously, if you can't asnwer this question for yourself, how will you ever know if you have joy, or how to get joy, or even what to attract to bring you joy?     Or maybe......the things that bring you joy, are already in your life, but you aren't "seeing" them.

Well you guessed it - it's that time again, where thankfully, I, with full gratitude, am not "asking" what brings me joy, but rather am grateful for all that does.     Maybe it's this 40's decade that Oprah says is so awesome.     Or maybe it's the grain of sand and the pearl scenerio:

"An oyster creates a pearl out of a grain of sand.   The grain of sand is an irritant to the oyster. In reponse to the discomfort, the oyster creates a smooth, protective coaching that encases the sand and provides relief. The result is a beautiful pearl."

So, in all my gratitude, I thought I would list some of the things that come to mind (you gotta know, I'm going to ask you what brings you joy at the end of this post):

1.    2 extra degrees on the thermostat on a cold rainy day
2.    a cozy blanket easily reached on the couch
3.    a big bold, jammy glass of red wine (or two)
4.    a great nights sleep, so that when you wake up in the morning you feel amazing
5.    coffee made perfectly
6.    an empty agenda on the weekend
7.    freshly painted nails and toes
8.    a great deal
9.    unconditional love from your pet
10.  a full fridge of yummy and healthy groceries
11. icecream in the freezer
12. hot brownies fresh out of the oven
13. detachment
13.  genuine people
14. spring
15. cozy socks
16.  pants with elastic waist bands
17. great scents
18. zit free skin
19. a wonderul long hot shower
20. a pretty new outfit
21.  sisters
22. people you can trust
23. good food
24.  good food shared with good people
25. unconditional love
26. knowing you've helped someone
27. knowing you've make a difference
28.  loving back
29. friendship
30.  did I say wine yet?
31.  backyard time
32. gardens in the spring, when you don't have a clue what you're doing and they rise up anyway
33. pretty front doors
34. a healthy mind
35. a healthy body
36. a peaceful soul
37. sharing
38. being excited
39. a good book
40. being passionate about something or someone
41. walking barefoot on a beach
42. sunsets - especially on a beach
42. afternoon naps (and you can still sleep at night)
43. smelly bath balms
44. beautiful perfume
45. freshly washed hair that smells so fresh
46. brushing your teeth
47. eating your favourite food
48. being hungry
49. being full and satisfied
50. tulips
and one for good luck
51. the first swim of the summer

via

sisters

So, now I turn it to you. What brings you joy? Hopefully I've sparked your thoughts. Know what brings you joy - otherwise, how will you know you have it?

Happy Sunday.