Is It Summer Yet?

How was your weekend, lovelies? Mine was good; lots of chilling out with a movie and take-in dinner (District 9 and sushi), dinner party at a friend's (yummy slow braised beef short ribs papparadelle), and coffee and crepes on Sunday.

I know I just got back from a beach holiday, but I'm already itching to go somewhere hot again. How can I not with all these sizzling hot resort styles tempting me? I've decided that 2010 is the year that I will get a real classic Brazilian bikini, and I've been enticed by some of the hot looks from Look Swimwear. Of course, I also love the Reef swimwear that makes your butt look so good. So, if you're going somewhere hot soon for a mid-winter break, I envy you.

While I was surfing for hot bikinis, Teresa from Senses and Style pointed me to Anna Kosturova, a local Vancouver swimwear designer. Her designs have been featured in Sports Illustrated and Lucky Magazine, and they are sexy yet classy. I wish I had known before I went to Kauai!

Above: Golden crochet cover-up by Anna Kosturova

This Marley bikini by Red Carter brings out my inner rasta girl. A turquoise and pink tunic by Anna Kosturova works as cover-up or a mini dress.

Below: Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent thong sandal and a demure white crochet cover-up by Anna Kosturova.

Loving the bright orange hue for this Marc by Marc Jacobs bandeau bikini and rounded aviators from Ray-Ban (orange is sold out boo!).

For sundown drinks, I might slip on this cotton jersey white tunic by Anna Kosturova as a little dress and carry this colourful hobo by Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent.

I don't care that I'm clashing patterns with this Aztec-inspired Mara Hoffman string bikini and Shoshanna psychedelic cover up.

With jewels like these, who needs accessories (other than arm candy)? Elizabeth and James Jewel Thong Sandal and Red Carter Jeweled Bikini (top sold out now - boo!).

Finally, watching the sun set is a breeze behind these oversized retro Chloe Tilia pink shades. Keep warm with this ombre wrap by Brette Sandler.

So, while everyone is thinking of the 2010 Winter Olympics, happening in my humble town in less than 4 weeks time, I've got beaches and bikinis on the brain.

Images courtesy of Shopbop.com and Anna Kosturova.

Hump Day Hunks - Hockey Edition

Men with sticks. Sweaty, grunting men with sticks. Enough said.

Today's Hump Day Hunks are brought to you by..YOU! The picks are all either handpicked as a special request by you or inspired by you.

Up first, especially for Raul of Hummingbird604 and one of my best friends Lizzie, is angry-cute American, Ryan Kesler, of the Canucks. This man broke a hockey stick over his thighs. I don't know about you, but that kind of hot-blooded passion is steamy.

Above: Ryan Kesler doing his pouty, angry thing
Below: A rare smile from #17 Ryan Kesler as he makes the U.S. Olympic Mens Hockey team

Below: Ryan Kesler getting some, ahem, medical attention.

For my dear friend Alix of Canucks Hockey Blog and Kat of Fat Girl Skinny, I give you Shane O'Brien of the Canucks. Or, as I like to call him, Shane O'Hottie. Boyish good looks and Irish bad-boy charm have Alix and Kat swooning.

And for my friend Niki over at A Haute Mess, there is the smouldering Kevin Bieksa of the Canucks. Poor Kevin is currently sidelined with an injury, so let's show him so love. shall we?


And just for good measure, a group shot of Kevin, blondie defenseman Alex Edler (who in his own right could have made this list), and Shane in their shorts and socks.

Lastly, this one's for @ConnieWChang, who has a love for the shot-blocking hero, Ryan Johnson.

I know i promised other NHL hockey hotties besides my home team Canucks but because there are so many of them, we'll have to just save that for another (rainy) day. Enjoy this one ladies, as the next edition will be in two weeks time.

Pictures courtesy of Canucks.com.

Kauai Krush - Part 1

I gotta say, this first week back was tough. It's been just over a week since I got back from Kauai. I'm poring over my photos and remembering how easy it was to spring out of bed everyday to watch the Hawaiian sun rise. I think my Facebook status on the first morning said it all: "I woke up in paradise". (Please note this is going to be a long post...).

We started our trip with a few days on the south side of the island where we were to spend Christmas. The cottage that we rented did not fall short of expectations: it was an immaculate, dream beach house of white clapboard, rafter ceilings, and double french doors that let in the ocean breeze. We had every comfort of home and no detail was spared. We received a large box of chocolates on our bed upon arrival, and there were hand-made scented candles throughout the house to create a romantic atmosphere. An ipod docking station allowed us to blast Vampire Weekend, Jack Johnson, and Buena Vista Social Club throughout the day. There was a gourmet kitchen with every possible tool a chef would need. A separate laundry room overlooked the lush back garden and a view to the ocean. The garage was full of toys like mountain bikes and snorkeling gear for us to use.

Top picture: Picturesque Kiahuna beach in Poipu
Below: Our cottage bathed in the first light of day

Below: Vaulted ceilings and a dark dining table where I ate many meals

Below: Laundry is so much better with an ocean view

Our days consisted of a morning activity, a late lunch either made at home or takeout at a local hole-in-the-wall, a short siesta on the lanai (deck) to stay out of mid-day sun, and an afternoon activity. A late afternoon swim at nearby Kiahuna beach, right by the Sheraton Hotel, was a ritual. On most nights, hubby grilled delicious fresh fish (mahi mahi, ono, or ahi), chicken or steaks on the BBQ for dinner. We actually only ate dinner out twice (once when we first arrived late that night and once on Christmas eve) because we loved cooking at our cottage so much.

Below: A sanctuary to come home to

Below: Shells adorning our table

Below: The kiddies room, which remained empty of course during our stay

We made fresh OJ from the ripe oranges that came from the backyard tree. There were local avocados as large as half my head that came from the neighour's yard which we happily made into guacamole. After our lazy afternoon swims, we kept busy with eating crisps and drinking the local brew on the lanai while we watched the sun wane.

Below: Hubby foraging for sweet oranges

Below: The pale blue shade of our cottage exterior was very pretty

Below: That same gorgeous view from the laundry room, at sunset and with our neighbour up a ladder

We were smitten with this little dream cottage, and still pine for it...

Up next, highlights of our adventures in the south!

Do It All the Same

I once tried to start an all-girl band with my bestie. We both had Fender stratocasters, and we tried to teach ourselves to play. We were both drummers too so we figured we could definitely rock it out at the next Lollapalooza as riot grrls. Our repertoire consisted of a handful of Hole (Live Through This, especially Doll Parts), Nirvana, Veruca Salt and Smashing Pumpkins songs.

Well, needless to say, we never hit the top 20 but I did make time to drop this random album. "Do it All the Same" by Waipati River.

I confess. I was tagged by both Teresa of Senses and Style and Deanne of Dream Sequins with creating my own, random album cover. And here's how you can do it too (this means I'm tagging you):

Go to “wikipedia.” Hit “random… Read More”
or click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

2 – Go to “Random quotations”
or click http://www.quotationspage.com/random.php3
The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

3 – Go to flickr and click on “explore the last seven days”
or click http://www.flickr.com/explore/interesting/7days
Third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

4 – Use photoshop or similar to put it all together.

So what are you waiting for? Go do a random album cover, blog it, teach others how to do it, and tag everyone you know.

Image for album art courtesy of Hayden Lihou.

PS - I still have that beautiful blue electric guitar somewhere. One of these days, maybe I'll pick it up again.

Hump Day Hunks - Surfer Edition

It's Wednesday! Due to popular demand, Hump Day Hunks is back. My last post, starring my crush from the Vancouver Canucks, Mason Raymond, and team mate Alex Burrows, was thoroughly enjoyed so I'm making it a regular feature. Since I just got back from Hawaii, it's only fitting that today's edition will feature those gorgeous water gods otherwise known as surfers.

And what's not to love? I spied many a cute surfing instructors flexing their stuff on Hanalei Bay where I also just happen to be surfing.

Above: Cape Town entrepreneur, surfer and crowned South Africa's Most Irresistable Man, Dene Botha. Photo credit Bryon Klaumans.

Above: Quiksilver team member Jeremy Flores. He was born in Madagascar and raised on Reunion island. Photo from Quiksilver.

Above: Aussie Adrian "Ace" Buchan. Picture from Surfline.

Above: Aloha, Clay Marzo, of Maui. Picture from Quiksilver.

Above: Mahalo (thank you in Hawaiian) to the surf gods for this guy, Kai Sallas, yet another Hawaiian from Oahu.

Above: Of course, how can we leave you off, Mr. Kelly Slater? Even with no hair, you are still looking fine.

For you hockey girls and guys, the next edition will feature some of your favourite hotties from the Canucks (and others around the NHL - we like to share the love here). I'm also taking requests and tips for future Hunk Day Hunks so please let me know.

Top photo: Jeremy Flores, picture courtesy of Quiksilver.

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