Spring will soon be here and it was time for me to lighten up...shed some heavy clothes and some heavy hair in exchange for some fresh layers and highlights to carry me into summer. I am pretty lucky to have a stylist I love close by. Courtnie is talented, fun and gets my need for months between salon visits..she actually supports it with clever cuts that last and grow out graciously.
Today I had a couple images that were sort of my inspiration for layers and lightness for spring.
I love everything about this image...LOVE the gray tank and undies, her hair colour and soft waves. Obviously I don't have that sweet bod or face but I have a small chance of growing a less full version of that hair...that is maybe I have a chance if I would stop getting my locks stuck in my jacket zipper and having to rip them out ruthlessly!
I can't do those long bangs though...they don't work well with yoga and chasing kids and gardening and every other practical aspect of my life. So I am sticking to my regular shorter side swept bangs with a fringe that Courtnie whips off. Sort of like these...
While Courtnie worked today on my hair I worked on her social media launch.
It's been a while friends. So all you have to do is visit her facebook page and give her a like or follow her Pinterst boards, or both for two entries! Once you have done that leave a comment letting me know and I will check up on ya. The comments area is just at the bottom of the post, it's not hard to do.
Enter away and on the weekend we will do a draw and the winner will win a $35 gift certificate to visit Courtnie at Square1 Salon. If you aren't local she will send that special winner a treat by way of a product specially picked for their hair type.
As for my final hair today...I love it. It feels fresh and healthy again and ready for spring break in Mexico. We spent so much time playing on Pinterest and chatting that I had to rush to pick up the kids and left after a quick blow dry and no fancy styling but after the mask she gave me and styling products it's so silky and light again I am thrilled to keep it simple.
All I have to offer is a silly phone selfie but you get the idea...it's layered well and shaped. Best still, it is just a quick blow dry or even an air dry ready away from being ready to fly out the door....easy, peasy Mom hair thanks to Courtnie's talented way with the scissors.
Good luck in the contest friends, enter away, your hair will thank- you!
Get your pink shirt ready for tomorrow folks. Not sure what it is all about?
Bullying is a major problem in our schools, workplaces, homes, and over the Internet. Over the next few weeks on CKNW we will be helping raise awareness on these issues and the guests will hopefully give us all the tools needed to stand up against bullies and step in when we see it happening. Then on February 26, 2014 we encourage all of you to wear something pink to symbolize that we as a society will not tolerate bullying anywhere. We wish we could take credit for this idea but it comes from two incredible Nova Scotia high school students. Here is a snippet of the Globe & Mail article which inspired us: “David Shepherd, Travis Price and their teenage friends organized a high-school protest to wear pink in sympathy with a Grade 9 boy who was being bullied [for wearing a pink shirt]…[They] took a stand against bullying when they protested against the harassment of a new Grade 9 student by distributing pink T-shirts to all the boys in their school. ‘I learned that two people can come up with an idea, run with it, and it can do wonders,’ says Mr. Price, 17, who organized the pink protest. ‘Finally, someone stood up for a weaker kid.’ So Mr. Shepherd and some other headed off to a discount store and bought 50 pink tank tops. They sent out message to schoolmates that night, and the next morning they hauled the shirts to school in a plastic bag. As they stood in the foyer handing out the shirts, the bullied boy walked in. His face spoke volumes. ‘It looked like a huge weight was lifted off his shoulders,’ Mr. Price recalled. The bullies were never heard from again.” - See more at: http://www.pinkshirtday.ca/about/#sthash.tEhJY9cc.dpuf
Hope to see you all Pretty in Pink tomorrow ...my boys wear their pink anti-bullying shirts year round with pride.
Last October I collaborated on a little project with some very talented local artists and it was an amazing experience. As a photographer, I stepped out of my comfort zone behind the camera and stepped in front of it. I modelled for a styled shoot to feel what a client does and learn.
You might recall my post then with a little preview?
I love being a photographer and never want to stop learning. Being able to pose and make clients comfortable is a must have skill. Kids are fun and playful and easy for me to work with but often it's more difficult to put an adult at ease as we are self conscious and have so many inhibitions.
As Father's Day and wedding season is quickly approaching I thought it was a perfect time to share the experience. A little boudoir/glamour shoot peek book is a great gift for a loved one and having beautiful images done of yourself is a present every woman should give themselves at least once in their lifetime.
Amanda Huston from the Huston Spot was the lead of this project...it was her vision. She picked my look...my hair, my makeup, and outfits. She also did all the shooting and editing and was amazing to work with. To see her work visit the Huston Spot button on my left sidebar to get to her site. Right away she said she wanted to shoot me in an Old Hollywood style. As most of the images we took needed to be something I was willing to share publicly here we went more glam than boudoir in terms of outfits and posing.
The day of the shoot we started early and everyone was full of chatter and ideas. I was so nervous and not used to being the subject of attention. Coffee and baileys and Mimosas helped with that a lot.
Courtnie LaFontaine from square1one Salon did my hair which is no easy task as it doesn't hold curl well. She has been my stylist for a few years an I adore her...she gives me cuts and highlights that last for at least four months as I am a horrible procrastinator. We are currently working on her social media launch so for now I have a sponsor button for her services on my left sidebar, or you can like her new facebook page. She works from the salon downtown or on location.
Amy Gervais, the artist behind Alustria Makeup Artistry did my makeup. She works quickly with precision and a soft touch and went with an Old Hollywood look for me that I could wear comfortably. I knew I would not have been able to pull off the red lips and black eyeliner look, she respected that and worked with Amanda to pick a pink alternative. Both of these artists skillfully primped me into what Amanda imagined and then we were ready to shoot.
I am by no means a model and not very photogenic so I sort of thought of the whole thing as playing dress up and tried to focus on Amanda's fun but effective coaching to help me relax and look somewhat normal. Don't even ask how many times she had to say "part your lips a bit" "look here" "relax" etc. It also was kinda hilarious walking around my house and yard in lingerie and super high heels so we had lots of laughs while she patiently took hundreds of images. By the end I was getting pretty comfortable. When I saw the final proofs I can definitely pick out the images where I was relaxed vs the ones where I felt awkward in what I was wearing or how I was standing etc. A good photographer Iike Amanda is able to find your best side, your best smile, your best look and shoot to accent your features.
So, keep in mind she did take hundreds of images and I do have three sons I don't want to embarrass so I had to be selective about the photos I am sharing publicly. Glamour and boudoir photography is not at all about being vain or thinking you are hot stuff. Ask any woman who has had the experience...it is about being pampered and honoring yourself as a woman. It is about having special images you feel good about to share with your loved ones and to have later in life and look at with fond memories.
For me this day and this styled shoot was an amazing growing opportunity as a photographer, a treat as a busy Mom and a special memento, as most of the images my boys will have later in life will be of me in complete Mom mode taken on a lousy phone. The appropriate images from this shoot will maybe be something to show them what I was like as a person in general. I don't know, I hope so. I plan on picking a nice fully clothed one and printing three small copies to put in their memory boxes so they can show their Grandkids one day. So that being said here are some of the final images Amanda presented me from the styled shoot she envisioned and we made finally made happen...
A million thanks to Yuriko Lawson from Vintage Origami in Kelowna for picking the props like the chair and fur wrap and crates of other perfect finds to create what Amanda planned. She has an a huge selections of props and furniture and vintage treasures to rent for shoots and weddings or other big events.
I got to pull out my riding gear from when I was fourteen years old for one location which was amazing till the wild horses started being really agressive. I love horses and don't fear them but when they start pushing me and snapping at my clothing I can run and jump a fence rather quickly.
Lastly she did a variety of colour and black and white images and each has quite a different look.
So there you have it folks...that is all I am sharing.
Just a smattering, but enough to document the experience and talent of the team of amazing artists that took me, just an ordinary forty one year old Mom, and gave me a day of pampering, learning and self esteem boosting fun.
Photography is a luxury item but really should be a necessity. The days pass slowly but the years pass quickly... especially as you get older. Find time and budget to have special images created of your loved ones and you because one day you will look back and smile and be so glad you did.
Thank-you from the bottom of my heart to Amanda, Courtnie, Amy and Yuriko for your creative energy and dedication to this project...I feel blessed to have such artistic souls to call my friends.
Living frugally is not something I am ashamed of...I wear my good deals with pride. I don't think I am a cheapskate as I give generously but I always shop mindfully and try desperately to stay within our means.
I do LOVE pretty things though. My pretty isn't ever girly. I live in a house with nine males...five are not human but their testosterone still affects me to my core. My only allies are an aloof cat and one leopard gecko and neither are very supportive.
So when it comes to seasonal decor my look and style isn't easy to achieve. I look for good quality stuff at blow out prices that is a perfect mix of timeless appeal, charm and a certain masculine type of pretty that there is no word for. I thought I would share a couple of my fave finds and tricks in case there are any others out there with the same decorating dilemmas.
Collecting treasures that transition from Christmas to Valentine's Day is key if you want easy peasy, versatile and great deals. Almost all of my Valentine's Day decor staples are actually stuff I bought apres Christmas at 70% off or more. You will find this type of markdown from January into February.
Winners/Homesense and other home decor retailers are where to watch. I have had this red candle holder for a few years. Regular retail was $30 as it's really nice and heavy and well laquered. It was marked down to $12 and I actually got it on an additional 50% off...so $6 was the final output. It works well for Christmas as it's really tall and makes a nice statement behind things and it stays out well into February. Generally I am not a red lover so I tuck it away after that in favour of dark pink accents. My eldest made that blue paper dove when he was little so it's special to me and I keep it tied on to the candleholder. The candle was a Beaver Canoe find from Target a couple weeks ago...regular retail when I first swooned over them at Christmas was $15 which is fair for a unique, good quality pillar candle but four markdowns later I picked it and another up for $3.59. It's a creamy cable knit look so it's great for all winter holidays.
Here is another new thing this year. I always like the style of stuff made by Creative Co-Op. This wood and paper strip wreath was a Christmas item but it works fab for Valentine's Day. Regular retail $24.99...picked it up in the clearance section in Winners for $3. The red wooden dove is a holiday ornament too I added on for the picture but actually don't love with the wreath now that I look at it. Got it for 90% off at Chapters...$2.
We are prepared this year and got Ry's cards done on the weekend. They are waiting in this tin bucket I use so much from the Land of Nod, normally I have a sponsor button from them on my sidebar but I haven't updated. I sometimes write for their blog Honest To Nod. Now is the time to hit the clearance sections for holiday decor at higher end shops like that and Pottery Barn and Restoration Hardware...buy things you adore that you can afford now and tuck them away till next Christmas.
Be creative and have fun with it. Look around your house and find stuff that works you already have. Here is a mish mash of other finds I threw together to share. I use bakers twine for everything...grab it on sale and use it again and again for gifts. Another Beaver Canoe candle from Target $3.49. Heart ornament bought on half price at Chapters $3.50. Nice grosgrain ribbon from Chapters as well...$1 for the spool, regular $4. A holiday frame from Winners $2...I love that picture even though it's very Christmasy so I left it. Vintage book in red. Holiday kraft wrap with red dots, and a snowman ornament from my collection with a cute heart sweater.
Stay true to your style though...don't just buy stuff as it's cheap. Then you will smile every December as you unpack the holiday stuff and love it for years to come.
For more last minute Valentine's ideas and inspirations check out my Valentine's Day Love Pinterest page...it's chock full of gems.
Find past years of Valentine's fun from Snicks here...
If you are really brave or bored hit my archives for other Valentine's Day shares all the way back to Feb 2008. Just go into the Feb month each year and scroll around.
After years of trying to decide what I wanted and prioritizing other things above art I went for it on a whim. I had oodles of ones I loved on Pinterest on my ink love board but we didn't even go there...I just sort of told him things I liked and he did a quick sketch and I went for it which is so unlike me but what the hell!
For me a skeleton key symbolism indicates opening or discovering that which is hidden or secret. Because skeleton keys usually can open more than one lock, they are often considered a powerful symbol. I had mine placed on my liver area, the third chakra, as the liver holds emotions as well and over the years I have had tenderness and strong stitch like pain flare ups in that area.
THE THIRD CHAKRA represents the development of your personality, self-esteem, and ego. Organs associated with the Third Chakra include the area of your solar plexus: your abdomen, upper intestines, liver, gall bladder, stomach, kidney, pancreas, spleen, adrenal system, and middle spine. Spiritual and emotional issues that can block energy in the Third Chakra are challenges with self-confidence, self-respect, competence and skills in the outer world, substance abuse, aggression, defensiveness, making decisions, and competitiveness.
taken from Dr. Christiane Northrup's page as I have loved her work and wisdom since seeing her on Oprah years and years ago...her books are fantastic.
There is lots of symbolism of keys in popular culture as well...
The symbolism of keys is present in both ancient and modern culture. A visiting celebrity or lauded individual might be given a "key to the city," an honor that implies power. The phrase "key to my heart" refers to intimacy and the "unlocking" of emotions or tenderness. Keys also connote the ability to uncover secret knowledge, illuminate hidden wisdom and gain entry to fortified areas. Keys can also symbolize initiation and freedom. Common phrases using key symbolism include: "key to my heart," "key to life," "key to wisdom," "under lock and key," "key to success," "key to wisdom," "key phrase" and "keywords." taken from ehow.com with gratitude.
Troy from Little Bird Tattoo here in Vernon came highly recommended so I let him be the artist he is and just do his thing. Already I am thinking of adding to it to make it wrap a bit more...maybe some very light line drawing motifs. Here is a close up so you can see his artwork well...
I had only seen a line drawing before I gave him the go ahead and let him work away till it was done without seeing so I have to admit I was very suprised by how dark and solid it was with shading...for some reason I expected it to look exactly like the sketch but that is my own ignorance and impulsiveness and I have gotten used to it and am so grateful to have gone with such an experienced and gifted artist. I will go back to Troy for more work for sure. Follow his work on facebook as well on the Little Bird page and give them a like.
As for my original plan...it was this on my forearm with my boys names of course but I have been warned by two artists that writing warps over the years and they wouldn't do it that small.
Another thing I was loving was vintage arrows and wanted three, one to represent each of my boys. I loved the symbolism as arrows always move forward.
Anything with straight lines is also tricky for placement as well and wouldn't work well on my hip or waist like I hoped. Not ruling out somewhere else later though as I still love this looks and idea.
I won't lie it hurt a little bit at times, especially when the darker outline lines were done but after having babies it didn't seem painful at all.
Thanks to my photog pal Amanda Huston from the Huston Spot for snapping these images for me during our coffee meet up this morning. See her work from my left sponsor button, she is rather amazing if you ask me.
So it only took me a couple months but I finally shared my first bit of ink...not bad since it took years of procrastinating to finally take the plunge.
Do something, anything. Do anything that is the opposite of what you are doing right now.
Get uneasy, get scared, become a beginner again. If you think you know it all, find something you know nothing about, and learn it well. -Rebecca Lammerson
I have a great pal who is partner in being spontaneous lately. We had both chatted a while back about a concert we would love to see but we just couldn't pull it off. Two days before things changed in our schedules and all of a sudden the concert was a possibility again...we jumped on board and it was surprisingly easy to pull off our little last minute city getaway.
So the night before the concert we hopped online and grabbed tickets. The morning of the concert we got up early, got the kids organized and hit the road for Vancouver...wooo hooo!
A quick latte, gas stop and then we just kept going all the way to Ikea! When you live several hours from Ikea it's not an easy place to drive by as I rarely make the trip. I got off lightly with some new grey knitted throw pillows with wooden buttons.
Next stop our hotel. Staying at Four Seasons Vancouver was an easy pick for convenience. When staying in the city there is beauty in being central and parking and not having to drive anywhere at all.
Christmas in the city is pretty special. Be sure if you find yourself in Vancouver you stop by Four Seasons Vancouver and check out the Festival Of Trees, it runs till January 2. It is a tradition they have hosted for 27 years! The lobby has been transformed into a forst of gorgeous trees all decorated in themes by different sponsors in support of the BC Children's Hospital. Stroll around and vote for you favourite one.
Marnie and I both agreed we like the playful Despicable Me tree the best...
Up to our room we went for a quick freshen up...
Marnie was a doll and did her thing while I did some token room review shots once we got up there.
A perfect size for three gal pals to spend a night in the city.
Two beds and a sofa bed so we all got our own cozy sleeping spot. The sofa was also awesome for some relaxing and chatting when we could on our quick trip.
I have been having fun playing with angles lots lately, hope you don't get dizzy. I love the soft watery palatte at Four Seasons Vancouver and the art and the non showy elegance that makes you feel at home and able to relax.
So, as much as I needed a shower there was no time to waste. We quickly cleaned up and took advantage of one of the hugest benefits of staying at Four Seasons Vancouver...the shopping. An elevator to the lobby and an escalator to the lower lobby and out one door and you are right in Pacific Center Mall! We hit a couple stores then got lost in the deals and overwhelming selection of inexpensive and hip stuff at H&M. I got myself four dresses, a long sleeve t, and Ryan four pairs of skinny jeans and four organic cotton shirts and a cute crocheted beanie all for the $200 I had tucked aside from a job for spending money...walked out with a gigantic bag of wardrobe staples to freshen up my sad closet.
Stay tuned for the main event later that evening...Pearl Jam!
Early tomorrow I hit the road for a very last minute girls getaway. Off to Vancouver to see a band I love, Pearl Jam at GM Place. My dear friend that I never get to see, Marnie, will be my co-pilot. Once in Vancouver we have another friend I see too little of, Amy, joining us for a night of luxury at the Four Seasons Vancouver, the perfect spot for a girls getaway.
It's so central and they have everything you need in house...not to mention Pacific Center Mall being attached to the lobby. No need to drive anywhere once you get settled, you can walk or grab a train or cab easily to most of the city hot spots.
We have a room with two beds and a sofa bed so everyone can be cozy and cuddle in their own bed. I am looking forward to some food and drinks at Yew, the hotel restaurant. It's where we plan to nourish ourselves and have some cocktails before the concert.
So I will share our adventure as it happens with Instagram and on facebook as much as I can and I will also be sure to share a full post when we return.
Last winter we had a family trip to the Four Seasons Vancouver and it was fabulous. I wrote a Take Me TOO Vancouver feature on our stay as it's a spot I would highly recommend.
We are well into November, also known by many as Movember. In honor of a great cause men everywhere grow a mustache with pride. There are so many fun ways to celebrate Movember and encourage people to give back, I have a Pinterest board where I share some of my favorite finds called movember love...
Take a boo, get inspired. The Movember page, Movember.com is so well done and explains everything you ever wanted to know, allows you to sign up and fund raise or just support the cause in general. It's hip and fun and you won't want to miss out. Here are some of the goals from their page...
Campaign Strategy & Goals: We will get men to grow moustaches and the community to support them by creating an innovative, fun and engaging annual Movember campaign that results in: • Funds for men's health program investment • Conversations about men's health that lead to: - Greater awareness and understanding of the health risks men face - Men taking action to remain well - When men are sick they know what to do and take action
Program Goals: Living with and Beyond Cancer Men living with prostate or testicular cancer have the care needed to be physically and mentally well.
Staying Mentally Healthy, Living with and Beyond Mental Illness • Men are mentally healthy and take action to remain well • When men experience mental illness they take action early • Men are not treated differently when they experience a mental illness
Men's Health Research We will fund innovative research that builds powerful, collaborative teams that accelerate: • Improved clinical tests and treatments for prostate and testicular cancer • Improved physical and mental health outcomes for men
-taken from Movember.com
It takes the right sort of fella to sport a mustache well...but when it is for an amazing cause I think they all look damn hawt. Nothing is sexier than a man who cares and isn't afraid to look a tad silly to show it.
This year I haven't been at all inspired as past years where I spent hours taping bats all over our walls and decorated every little corner... but still I have picked out a few things to make and do and added them to my Halloween Love Pinterest board.
Apple cider and warm oatmeal raisin cookies are the perfect Halloween treat so I will definitely be making a couple batches of these...
Ry is being a skeleton and using a costume we had and I am not sure how he will feel about wearing the mask so I love this makeup tutorial as and option...
Last year both my costumes I wore were pulled off last minute with my own clothes and such...they are easy ideas anyone can do I thought I would share...
See the full post of a little Halloween party last year and my mannish goodness here on Snicks...
This year I think as my baby steps lifestyle changes have helped me slim down into my 14 year old riding gear I am going to go as a Show Jumper with some sort of twist...maybe a zombie show jumper or something...I will likely decide my usual half an hour before I need to be somewhere and wing it.
Enjoy your Halloween preparations friends, don't forget to check my Halloween Love Pinterest board if you need some fresh ideas...I would love to see some of the ideas I am too lazy to pull off done by you!
oxo
Also...more Halloween stuff from past years on Snicks:
Whoa...that's a lot of Halloween on Snickerdoodles! lol Just had a good little trip down memory lane seeing the boys way back in 2008...time passes too quickly sometimes.
Let's face it, most of us don't share straight out of bed shots of ourselves on facebook and instagram...we save the selfies for when we are feeling cute.
Today I was part of a big collaboration project that was so out of my comfort zone but ended up being so much fun. I worked with a group of awesome ladies to put together a styled shoot, and I took a turn on the other side of the camera to get a taste of how clients feel.
Now, I have decided I am not a good boudoir photographer. I am a families and babies gal, so I picked the best one around to work with for this project. Amanda Huston from The Huston Spot . She is so talented and fun.
Amanda had a strong vision of how she wanted me to look and decided an Old Hollywood feel would suit me best. Under her direction Courtnie La Fontaine from Square 1 Salon worked magic getting my limp locks full and wavy like a starlet. And Amy Gervais from Alustria Makeup Artistry painted me with the skills of an Old Master to create a look very different from my normal routine.
Yuriko Larson from Vintage Origami brought along a collection of vintage props and frocks for final touches and brilliant inspiration. It was a treat and I enjoyed being their guinea pig while we sipped mimosas and brainstormed ideas.
I told you we would be keeping it real so I am sharing a before & after sneak peek from Amanda.
(and yes, this is basically me straight out of bed and 70% of the time...it used to be 90% but the boys are getting older and I get a bit more time for primping when I leave the house)
Photography is a fine art...lighting, posing and connecting with the client is crucial. Amanda has got it nailed. I am super self conscious and not photogenic but she got me comfortable and studied me to find the poses that worked best with my features. She helped me be calm and made me giggle constantly. Amanda did not comment at all on my dorkiness issues...she patiently reminded me time and time again to look at the camera, not to tilt my head, stop slouching and to stop thinking so much! The done hair and makeup makes a huge difference on subjects, but without a good photographer's eye they are wasted.
Amanda has an extraordinary eye, and a way of making things modestly sexy which is essential for boudoir photography in my opinion.
Let's face it, most forty something Mommas of three are not Playboy material... but we still have pretty parts and should celebrate our femininity.
I was so lucky to collaborate with this team of creative lovelies, I will share more soon friends.
