Wednesday 12 June 2013

Shop your shape: Pear


Shop you shape: Pear

You are a pear shape if you carry your weight around your hips and bottom. You have a beautifully defined waist and narrow shoulders. 


If your hips are your trouble zone - you're not alone. The pear shape is one of the most common body types. There are plenty of stylish suits that will help accentuate your slender upper body.

When shopping for a suit:

- Choose a top that's a lighter colour than the bottom, or has some noticeable, standout feature. 

- Contrary to popular belief, a boy short will only bring attention to a larger booty! Look for a high cut bottom since this will give the illusion of a longer, leaner leg.

- Embellishments such as ruffles or rhinestones, placed on the top half of your swimsuit, will help to balance out pear shaped proportions.  Padded tops are also a good choice for balancing a pear shaped figure.

Halter tops are a great choice to draw attention to your lovely shoulders. 

- If you want to go for fun prints, make sure the print is a good size. If the print is too small, it will make you look large in comparison. Bigger prints do a better job at camouflaging, and tricking the eye.


Pic Glamour Magazine

Pic Miss Posh


Pic Forever 21

Monday 3 June 2013

Shop your shape: Apple

Shop you shape: Apple

You are an apple shape if you carry your weight around your middle have no defined waist but lovely slim legs and arms and narrow hips. Your bust could be large or small.


If your tummy is your trouble-zone, more so than your hips - you're not alone. Thankfully, there are plenty of stylish suits that offer some camouflage & help to create the illusion of a more defined waist. Side-detailing, wrap styles, and ruching all help to make the middle look slimmer.

When shopping for a suit, keep an eye out for:

- Swimwear that provides support for the stomach. Many of today's styles offer some sort of built in tummy control lining that can reduce the appearance of the stomach and help to create a more slender silhouette.

- Ruching or shirring at the sides and middle gives the appearance of definition to the waistline.

- A swim suit with built in bust support is important. These built in bras can either be soft cup or underwire.

- Halter tops and suits with a deep V or plunging neckline are also a great option for an apple shape. They help by creating length and bringing the eye up towards the face and neck.

- Wrap tops are also great options since they not only draw attention to the bust, but help in creating the appearance of definition to the waist.

Next up: Shop your shape - Pear

Thursday 30 May 2013

It's that time again...swimsuit season!

Pic Malia Mills

All right ladies. Let's do this! The weather is finally getting warmer, & summer is right around the corner which means now is the time to get out there and find the perfect suit. Courage my loves - it can be done!

No matter what our size may be, most women have moments of anxiety when exposing so much skin.
Here are my top tips to get yourself prepared to brave the beach in comfort and style.


1. Plan Ahead
Don't just haphazardly walk into a store and decide to buy a swimsuit, and don't leave it to the last minute and buy the first suit you see.  Please, do yourself a favour and don’t buy a suit that is too small and tell yourself you will lose weight by summer. Or conversely, select one that is a size too big and may fall off when splashing around in the water. And if you're one size on top and another on the bottom—like most women—look for stores where they sell separates.

2. Go Alone
I think it is less stressful to go alone when it comes to a buying a swimsuit. What matters is that you feel good in the suit. That trumps everything and everyone else. If you try on a bathing suit, and feel good in it, then go with it. You will no doubt hit the beach with confidence.

3. Ignore the Lighting
I remember standing in a dressing room wearing, what I felt was a great bikini, when I saw dimples on my legs that I had never seen before. I was furious - but I tried to keep my cool.  The suit fit me well. It highlighted my best features and it also fit my personality. Dimples or no dimples, this suit suited me. When I got home, I tried it on again, far away from the harsh unflattering, want to crawl under a rock lighting of the dressing room, and I was happy with what I saw. Phew.

4. Fit & Function
Think about comfort and fit rather than trends. Like when shopping for clothes, pick a suit that is YOU. Some swim suits can be plain and simple while others can be bold & bright, choosing one that highlights your personality will make you feel good all the time. Equally important is function. If you are going to be running around chasing after your kids, the two piece string bikini may be out of the question!  So be sure to pick a style that is appropriate for the setting.

5. Accessorize
Buying a cute cover up, sunglasses, hat, and sandals will make your outfit more complete. Instead of hiding behind an oversized shirt, buy a pretty sarong that will make you feel beautiful and self assured.

6. Own It! 
Once you've made your choice, own it. Wear that new suit confidently.  There is nothing more attractive than confidence, so embrace that beautiful body of yours and have a good time wherever you are.


Do you have your own tips for surviving buying a new swimsuit? If so, please share them!

Next up - Shop your shape. Styles that suit your body type.


Monday 27 May 2013

What makes you, YOU?

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” 
― Dr. SeussHappy Birthday to You!


What inspires you? What makes you laugh? What makes you cry? What moves you? Drives you? Excites you?

If you look at business magazines or motivational books, often you find sections that encourage you to make a list of all the things that make you stand out.  What makes your business or your services better than the competition.  However, I think this is an important exercise that everyone should do.

I was inspired to write and share this post because this exercise helped me to focus on my core values as a person and as a business owner. It also helped me to prepare for my first TV interview on CKWS. The other reason why I am sharing this is because of a conversation I had with a friend this morning.  All too often we let negative thoughts into our heads. It's OK to acknowledge fears, doubts, & insecurities, but it's equally important to push past them. That's how we grow. That's how we build confidence. That how we build trust in ourselves.

Grab a coffee, a pen and paper and take some time to find out more about yourself. You may be surprised with what you find!

Write a list of all of your talents. 

Write down the things that make you a great friend, mother, sister...

Write down a good deed you did for someone and how it made you feel.

Write down at least one thing that you love about yourself.

I am at my best when...

Write down at least one thing that you feel is missing from your life. Brainstorm and jot down ways you might be able to bring it back into your life. 

Set a goal to try at least one new thing this summer. 

Stand tall.

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I've bought a big bat. I'm all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” 
― Dr. Seuss


Wednesday 1 May 2013

Stylish mom on the go


Why not give your mom the gift of style this Mother's day?! It's an ideal gift for a mom who loves to shop but has everything and is, therefore, impossible to shop for. Just think about it...your mom will be catered to by a shopping companion who won't get tired of going from store to store. By helping her make the right clothing decisions, listening to her needs and working with her unique body type and budget, there is no doubt your mom will feel like a queen for a day.

Spring style for the busy mom-on-the-go!


Stylish mom on the go


Monday 8 April 2013

What I'm coveting...

When the sun starts shining, the birds start chirping and the days grow longer I am almost always in the mood to go shopping! 
{I am sure my husband would say that I am ALWAYS in the mood to go shopping.} 
Here are just a few items that are on my OMG I Want list.

BCBGenerations Available at Heel Boy


 Steve Madden Mint Fringe Purse available at Winners




Off Duty Sweatshirt available online at http://sincerelyjules.bigcartel.com




Ankle Length Trouser available at H&M





Embellished Tank from Topshop available at The Bay online

What are you coveting this Spring?

Saturday 30 March 2013

Super Easy Bunny Ears

Pipe cleaner bunny ears. Super easy & pretty cute.
All you need to make one set of bunny ears, are 6 pipe cleaners. 

First, take two pipe cleaners and measure around your child's head, then attached them together creating a small crown.  Then take two more pipe cleaners and twist them together to create the shape of an ear. Then twist one end around the crown to secure it on. Do the same thing with the last two pipe cleaners.

You can always make the bunny ears smaller by using one pipe cleaner instead of two.





You can leave them just like that, or if you want to reinforce the headband, you can wrap it with strips of fabric (pictured below). 



 Total time to make = 5mins. Amount of time my girls wore them = 5mins. I call that a successful craft!

Friday 22 March 2013

Getting ready for Spring!

Thinking about which new trend to incorporate into your wardrobe each season can be very overwhelming.  Although fashion is constantly changing, and trends always come and go, chances are you have a few of these items in your closet already.  Here are a some Spring 2013 fashion trends that I think are very wearable and easy to incorporate into your existing wardrobe.

Bermuda Shorts ~ My personal favourites! Can be slouchy or streamlined and any size or shape can pull them off with ease.  Pair them with flats or heels for a dressed up or casual look.



Black and White ~ This season black and white has been completely reinvented. Think pattern & bold details.  Look for checkered print shirts or a white blazer with heavy black detailing to combine this trend in to your own spring wardrobe.



Lovely Lace ~ Tops and dresses with lacy cutouts. Adds a touch of femininity and elegance.



Statement Necklace ~ Your accessories this season should make a statement.  Think big, bold and bright.



Leather ~ Pick up a kick-ass pair of pants (like the ones pictured below) or a leather skirt or a jacket with leather sleeves.



Low Heels ~ Yay! Now that's a trend I hope is here to stay. Not that high heels aren't fun and sexy...I’m just saying a low heel is particularly hot this season. Awesome!



You don’t have to revamp your entire wardrobe to be fashion savvy.  Simply owning a few key pieces that take you from season to season, year to year, then all you need to do is add a few new things to refresh your closet.

What trend are you looking forward to trying this Spring?





Monday 18 March 2013

Winds of Change

Change and growth are inevitable. It comes with maturity. It comes with experience. It comes with guidance & support.  I am happy to say that the changes we have witnessed, nurtured and encourage in our daughter Ryan, has been absolutely amazing!  She went from a highly anxious, nervous, fretful child, to a confident & adventurous little girl.  This makes me so proud. Proud of her and her achievements and proud that my husband and I took the necessary steps to help her break free from her fears.

My little girl amazes me and inspires me.  She saw how much we believed in her. How we were constantly there for her. And this has given her the confidence to move forward - and flourish!








Tuesday 12 March 2013

Finally! The closet is completed.

It took a heck of a lot longer than I had imagined, but I am happy to announce, that right in the nick of time, my walk in closet/office is finally complete. Like I mentioned in a previous post {here} I have been dreaming about having a walk in closet for a long time. What I didn't mention was that my closet was going to be photographed for a local magazine, Kingston Life. Nothing fancy, just one picture of me in my favourite room of the house - that's right - my non-existing walk in closet! Start the clock!

I had 2 weeks to get the old nursery transformed into the walk in closet of my dreams.  2 weeks seems like a long time, but when you are relying in tradesmen to do the work, 2 weeks felt like one day!  In that one room, I had to cover an old and peeling popcorn ceiling, cover all the cracks in the old plaster walls, paint, and the hang all the fixtures.  The only job I tackled was the painting, oh - and the decorating of course.

I wanted my space to be a true reflection of me.  Eclectic, edgy, girly, fun. Using different, colours, patterns and textures, my walk in closet/office has turned into a wonderful and inspiring place.  Just like when I shop for clothing, I looked for items that had character, were unique, and had a touch of whimsy.

In the end, I am thrilled with how it turned out and even more relieved to have completed the finishing touches right before the photographer came. Phew!  Now I can't wait to see the images.


I used galvanised steel pipes for the closet rods.


Simple L-shaped brackets are used to hold my fashion books. 


A middle curtain rod acts as a scarf and belt holder as well as provides privacy from any curious onlookers!



The piece of pine board is an old board taken from our kitchen when we did the renovations. It now serves as an earring holder and a height chart for my girls.




I will post the final shot from the magazine when it comes out this Summer!  Stay tuned.


Thursday 28 February 2013

Mail Art Swap

It's one of those of things that I have heard about, thought about, but had never attempted...until now. A Mail Art Swap.  An art swap is where you send small, whimsical, lightweight works of art through the postal system (aka, snail mail).  In typical Beth fashion, I accepted the invite without really knowing what I was getting myself into.  Apparently, mail art dates back to 60's and it was created by artists who did not believe that art should be limited to gallery and museum walls. Yikes! What? Artists?! I'm not artist!!  I guess I should have read the details.  I am merely a crafter. A crafter of the easiest, quickest, and cheapest projects, a crafter who stopped any original thoughts since I discovered Pinterest!

So, needless to say, I have been struggling to figure out what to make. I thought about making small pillows, or some cute little stuffed creature. I tried some DIY painting project, but was less than impressed with the results. With little to no time left to get my "art work" complete, I simply chose a subject that I know best - fashion! It's still nothing special, but I am actually quite happy with the results. 3 whimsical fashion illustrations.

I hope that the recipients of these pieces will be happy. If not, I have a feeling I will be receiving some hate mail in the near future!  All in all, I am glad that I was a part of this art swap, but I think this might be my first and my last.  I'll stick to my crappy crafts that my two girls think are masterpieces.



  I ripped pages out of a magazine and then painted the image on using acrylic paint. Once it dried, I added the pop of colour.  


Have you been a part of a mail art swap? What was your experience like?  I would love to hear your stories!


Thursday 21 February 2013

Walk-in-closet

When we first moved into our house just over 6 years ago, I knew that my dreams of ever having a walk-in-closet were never going to happen. A 100 year old home + 4 bedrooms + 2 tiny closets = no walk-in-closet for me!  Since our "master" bedroom is one of the rooms sans closet, my clothes have lead a bit of a nomad existence. Good news for me and good news for my clothes - things are about to change.

The smallest room in the house, which used to the nursery room, is now going to be, wait for it - my walk-in-closet! If you haven't figured it out already, I am so freakin' excited about this. I will not have to go to three different rooms to create one outfit. I will no longer have to sneak into Andy's room and search for items in the dark.  I will no longer have to house my jackets in the basement. This my friends, is going to be life changing. OK, so maybe not life changing, but it's certainly going to kick ass!

Here is what the room looked like before:

The nursery.







Fast forward to 5 five years later. After raising two girls in this room, this is what it looked like only days ago....







This is what the room looks like now. Once I'm done posting this, I will heading up to start the painting.  Can't wait to see and show the final results. Stay tuned...