I've Died and Gone to Burberry Heaven

Emma Watson plus new Burberry - can it get any more perfect?

When I first saw the Burberry Spring 2010 line, I was instantly in love. I wanted the entire collection - the new trenches which took new flirty shapes, the ruched mini-dresses, and of course, the bags. Add the brilliant Emma Watson in the mix, and now I need to save up more than ever.

You can see the rest of the campaign images at Marie Claire. Below is the Making Of video of the photoshoot.

Hang Ten for Twenty-Ten

I'm back! Happy new year to all of you lovelies - did you miss me? I hope you all had a wonderful time over the holidays. I took LOTS of photos in Hawaii (some as per your recommendations) so will be sharing with you soon. There was a new adventure everyday - scuba diving, surfing, off-road biking and of course lots of eating. There was even some dancing at a dive bar! I've posted a sneak peak below.

While I was away, I reflected on the past year and also quietly celebrated hubby and I's ten year anniversary (this includes our dating life). Where has the time gone? We rang in the new year in style at the St. Regis Princeville Hotel in Kauai (aka "Castle on the Cliff" by me and "The St. Outrageously Expensive" by hubby) with a 2-night stay. Champers, room service and two movies - it was just perfect.

2010 is going to a milestone year. It's a Beautiful Life will be celebrating a first birthday in the next few weeks and I'll be marking a big birthday. I'm also starting a new project as a lead blogger so more on that to come. It's going to be great!

Meanwhile, a selection of sun, surf and sand below. *sigh* all I can think about is surfing again...

Top picture: Love how the ocean is reflected in my Wayfarers.
Below: Breathtaking Tunnels Beach with the Bali Hai Mountains in the backdrop. This is one of my favourite beaches in the world.

Below: Palm trees in the morning light.

Below: A secluded beach where getting there was half the fun...

Below: Framed sunset at our cottage.

Below: The Grand Canyon of the Pacific Island, the Waimea Canyon.

Below: Old-school Hawaiiana postcards

Bon Voyage

Sitting here at the Seattle airport with a moment to blog before my flight to Hawaii. It's been a hectic few months and I can't tell you how happy and free i feel.

In the past few months, I've been working on inverted (upside down) poses at my anusara yoga class. I was petrified when the instructor told us the first time we were going to do them. There was something about the uncertainty of it, and the fear of falling that I didn't want to confront.

We built up to it slowly. We did lots of push-ups and downward dogs to get strong and deeply rooted down into the earth. We practiced kicking up against the wall to get a feel for being upside down.

When I finally managed it (with the help of a partner - I can't hand stand yet on my own), it was strangely calming and exhilarating at the same time. It was addictive. I loved the feeling of finding stillness in a pose that could be so unstable, and it was as much of a mental challenge as a physical one.

What I take away from it is, well, a lot. I learned that things I told myself I couldn't do, I could do. I learned that in unstable and uncertain situations, one could still find stillness and grounding. I learned that if I came crashing down, I could be ok. I learned to let go and play.

I wish you all a wonderful time over the Christmas holidays and Santa's good to you. I'll try to blog whenever I can in between surfing, eating, sleeping, and all that other goodness life has to offer.

Hump Day Hunks

It's Hump Day and I'm posting this collection of photos of my favourite Canuck Mason Raymond (aka Dimples) for my own selfish viewing pleasures. I know there are a number of my readers who are also girlie Canuck fans so this is for you too. Happy Hump (Hunk) Day!

ps - I had to include some of my #2 go-to guy, Alex Burrows, so for all you Burr fans out there, enjoy!

Above: Mason Raymond arriving at a hotel for the eastern conference roadtrip.
Below: Alex Burrows and Mason having breakfast on the road.

Below: Mason and Alexandre Burrows arriving together at an airport.

Below: Fellow Canuck hottie Kevin Bieksa and Mason at a community event.

Below: From the making of the Canucks Christmas Greeting for Children's Hospital. Mason with Kyle "Charlie Brown" Wellwood.

All pics from Canucks.nhl.com

Sugar Dusted

Remember when I told you about my hunt for the perfect cozy sweater coat?

I didn't find it at The Anthropologie, Holt Renfrew, or even ShopBop.

I found it, of all places, at Abercrombie, after I was inspired by The Anthology's own A&F number.

On clearance too. And it goes perfectly with my tall easy-whip peppermint mocha.

Wearing:
Abercrombie and Fitch multi-colour sweater coat
TNA top, Aritzia
Furla brown suede bag, circa mid 90's
Cream crochet beret, hand-knitted gift from extended family in Northern China
Flat Equestrian Boots, from Hong Kong

What Does One Wear to the Hockey Game?

Happy weekend my friends! Sorry for disappearing on you for over a week; I've been extremely busy so haven't had time to catch up.

I went to the Canucks game last night and enjoyed the view from row EIGHT - that's super close to the ice for those of you who have not been to a hockey game. Close enough to see my crush smile or grimace although certainly not as close as the time that I met him *major heart palpitations* in a pizzeria.

That got me thinking about ideal outfits to wear to a hockey game...

Now wearing your team's hockey jersey or tee in a mini size is perfectly acceptable as long as it's paired with nice fitting jeans (nothing too slouchy and none of those awful pink Canucks jerseys - yuck). However, if you feel like something else, or you're like me and believe your jersey is jinxed, you might want to try some of these cozy sweater/leggings/boot combos.

Above: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Sweater and Vince Jean Leggings
Below: See by Chloe Big Heart Sweater and Ella Moss Zebra Leggings

I'm not a believer of wearing skirts or dresses to games - it's not too handy for walking up and down stairs. Plus the risk of beer spillage, ketchup squirts, and other messy rink foods (from yourself or others) makes it not worth it. Skinny jeans and leggings are the way to go.

Below: Nightcap Equestrian Leggings and Haute Hippie Blanket Poncho

As for my feet, I prefer a flat tall boot (motorcycle or equestrian). A small heel is a good option too, especially if you go with booties. I don't like wearing spiky stilettos or anything too femme fatale, and certainly not open-toed shoes!

Below: Elizabeth and James Snakeskin bootie and See by Chloe Sheep Hat

If the beer doesn't keep you cool enough, try stripping down to a beater tank and this gorgeous cashmere vest. Sexy but not too try-hard.

Below: Belle Siguarson Suede Over-the-Knee Boots and Nightcap Clothing Cashmere Vest

Me, I'm wearing a westcoast Aboriginal print inspired sweater from Aritzia, skinny jeans, white crochet hat, and my brown motorcycle boots from Vincent Park. My camera died on me before the game started so I apologize for not having more pictures.

This weekend I've got lots of catching up to do before I leave for Hawaii, including finishing my Christmas shopping. It's supposed to snow here this weekend so hope to have some pretty snow scenery to post here soon!

All images above from shopbop.com.

Coconuts and Christmas

In just over two weeks, I'll be jetting off to the lovely island of Kauai for some Christmas cheer on the beach. Really, badly need this.

Hubby and I have rented two cottages - one in the north and one in the south side of the island to hedge our bets for best weather and surf.

Above: Living room and bedroom of cottage #1 - Hula-meets-Pottery Barn style

I can't wait to be out there paddling and riding on the waves again.

If you, my readers, have any special requests for what you would like me to cover on this tropical getaway, please comment below. Food reviews, shopping, or just nature photography, let me know!