Ⓢ Suzette Roberts

// Bring It!

{all the crinkles... an exhale moment; #flowering-hibiscus}

 

♫  Tuesday Tunes for us all now back in our hotter seats. ;)

 

It's still summer right? Please say yes. I really hope so as I'm not quite ready to fully let go of it all just yet, although I'm also excited with our current transition weather back in Canada with fall right around our next bend. I hope you had a great holiday filled with all your favourite people, finer things, and checking off all those to-dos on your summer bucket list. I still have one left to go, my should-have-been-August makeover... my stylists were all ready, on more than one occasion, but the client (moi) chickened out with way too many outdoor (and indoor) pleasures up-close-and-personal (excuses, excuses)... so we'll see how fall flows to have a go for it (again). Old habits (and dos) die-hard after decades. These are tough things for a simple lady like me. 

 

Yes, we are back and here's to a lushful year ahead of standing tall with positive purpose and being the best we can be to ourselves and for each other. It's not always easy, but it's very much very, very doable. Cheers to our 2016 - 2017 school year ahead. Have a happy and healthy one. A few fun summer snaps...

 

{all-girls playdate}

 

{Xena's new island love... #St. Maarten}

 

{50 going 15; half-way there... lol  ~ carrot-cupcake-delish~  thanks Xena!!!}

 

{beating the end of summer rush super-early! luxury-travels indeed}

 

{annual Lavender Farm Festival}

 

{flaunt it when you 'gots it; oh yes Canada!}

 

{annual family must-have check-in; authentic wood oven Italian pizza; # Antica Pizzeria & Ristorante} 

 

{open-street weekend; #happy-pooches-on-the-go}

 

{tranquil waterscape view days; Niagara Falls}

 

{a concoction of condiments; holiday-hangover; late late brunch days}

 

{later evening lace-love tropical wear}

 

{warmer-weather crotons; Caribbean-life}

 

{'gator-free day but still walking gingerly towards the water  lol}

 

{after watching 'Stranger Things' back in July, I jumped right into The 4400 (TV Series) which tells the story of 4,400 people who mysteriously disappeared over five decades and then returned on one unexpected day--- at the same age they were when they 'vanished',... and with many having special powers}

 

{one morning I woke up feeling incredibly hungry enough to eat a whole cow... and did just that at my favorite college-days-hangout -- yum! Thanks Guys! ;)}

 

{at the marina for more boating and less dive-in days}

 

{playing hide-n'-go-seek in the garden + really loving the shade on this super-scorcher day}

 

{recent homemade summer dessert ingredient... recipe coming soon}

 

 

 

 

 

 

// 5 Questions with Xena

Listening love with Broods -  ♫ Full Blown Love

 

Last month after final exams were all over and Xena jumped into the days of downtime to hang out, relax and catch some extra zzz-s, we spent some time talking about her Grade 10 year which she thoroughly enjoyed (heavy-loaded projects and crunch-time testing included) during an afternoon snack and stretch. She already knew I was going to ask her five on-the-spot questions and was energized to answer them right on the spot too.  It was a lot of fun to just chill-out and listen to her share her quick reflections below...

 

(seasonal ::summer:: picture garland and current scented-candle love: Watermelon Lemonade)

 

1. What's your favourite summer go-to pleasure?

"If I'm going out, then I love eating ice cream (Baskin Robbins - Cookies 'n Cream or homemade vanilla), going to the mall to shop, window shop, do some browsing, get some lunch from the food court, hang out with my family or watch a movie. Three weekends ago I saw Finding Dory which I really loved. It made me laugh and cry to watch Dory and Gerald, my two favourite characters and to see it with Mom as we also watched Finding Nemo together when it first came out. At home I look forward to reading novels and watching Netflix. Since May, I've been binge-watching Gilmore Girls."

 

2. Share your most memorable moment during your Grade 10 school year. 

"Going on a school trip to Laser Quest. It was a fun, educational experience where we learned how lasers worked with the electromagnetic spectrum. We went on opposing teams and tagged each other with our individual lasers, enjoyed interactive reflection and refraction activities with mirrors that surrounded us, often thinking we were 'shooting' at another when we were actually 'shooting' at ourselves. We also spent time with each other, had a nice pizza lunch with 'real' pop aka soda (and we do not get pop at school). I had my favourite: Canada Dry. It was super-exciting and a great field trip for science classes and students who love physics. We ran around in black light which makes light-coloured clothing glow in the dark. That was pretty cool!"

 

 

(pops of summer-brights butterflies pillow cover)

 

3. Something you would change looking back (on any aspect of the year), not just school-related?

"I wouldn't change anything because everything happens for a reason (smile)."

 

4. What truly inspires you these days?

"Pinterest. I spend hours on it everyday. I have a very unhealthy addiction to it when not working on projects for school. It makes me very happy just to go through new pictures, find inspiration, find new recipes, fashion ideas, home decor and DIYs. It's really easy to join, and I would recommend going on it during any lazy-dog-days of summer to find something to relieve any boredom."

 

 

(recent reads listed below)

 

 

5. In what way(s) do you see yourself contributing to our growing and ever-changing society and humanity for the better?

"Volunteering where help is needed, always keeping a positive attitude and being kind to others. I love animals and I've always wanted to work with the WWF - World Wildlife Fund because of global warming and climate changes where our animals are losing their habitats. It's very sad because as we become more advanced with technology we should also be turning our attention towards our animals who need our help.

It's also important to have a positive attitude because it makes others around you positive as well and when people are nice to each other, the world is a much better place. We all need to live in harmony as best we can. You're not going to get along with everyone, but as long as you are kind to everyone you too will be a better and happier person at the end of the day. I think it's important to focus on yourself first to bring that happiness to you so that you can share that with others and help them too."

 

 

Recently read and recommended:

•  The Unexpected Everything by Morgan Matson  (a summer contemporary with themes of romance, family and friendship).
• The Fill-In Boyfriend by Kasie West (a light and cute summer contemporary about finding yourself as well as what it means to be in a romantic relationship, and what it means to be a friend. 
• Me Before You by Jojo Moyes (an adult contemporary fiction novel that deals with family, love and the choices we make-- also made into a movie this year).
• Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson ( a summer contemporary that deals with death, family, friendships and love.

 

 

Thanks so much Xena! :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

// 5 Questions With Mom

{Xena's hands at 15 years old!}

 

Happy Mother's Day Weekend! Our kids grow up so so fast... one minute we're clipping their little nails and donning light gauze mittens on their tiny hands to prevent them from scratching themselves into oblivion... and the next minute, they are full-on with their own French manicures and the likes! My 15 year old niece is a huge lover of lighter, clean and clear nail colors. Earlier this week I asked my sister-- her mom (a truly passionate and sincerely devoted mother) who also touts this beauty product as her number-one-can't-live-without, five quick, fun and deeper-in-thought questions during a kick back moment via phone while on a lunch break. Here's to a sweet sweet Mother's Day weekend for all our at-home and out in the workplace Moms, moms-to-be, our teachers and caregivers engaged with our children. And we're even Moms at times to our hubbies, so this is our weekend ladies! Have a super-groovy one.   ~ xx 

 

1/ Favourite Food:  "That's easy... chicken wings - the original crispy, no batter kind.

 

2/ Favourite Thing to Do at Home:  "Watch action movies and mysteries. It's my total relax zone and how I refresh for the new work week ahead. Some loved ones over the years are: The Transporter, The Expendables, James Bond, The Glades, Lie to Me, Hawaii Five -O and NCIS (LA) with Hetty."

 

3/ Most Memorable Event/ Experience as a Mother: "Hmmm, so many, so many. I'd have to say the lovely personable cards that Xee makes as she writes her true feelings from her heart. Don't you think so? It's not anything cookie-cutter or general or vague, and there are no phony or fake words. She really thinks about a person and these cards are all her as she colours, paints, and affixes these perfectly embellished decorations that are true to each person's personality, mood, and likes. I love that about her as she is able to pick up on everyone's quiet inner self."

 

4/ Something You Would Change with Mothering over the Years: "Being firmer, not being a pushover at times and spending more time with her. Xee is so spoiled especially by her aunties that sometimes it's tricky to be strict with little things. And with working full-time I often wished throughout the years I could have spent more time at home with her. Now she's a teenager so not so much into hanging out with Mom that much anymore (laughing)."

 

5/ Something You Wish for Your Sweet, Lovely Daughter as She Grows Into a Young Lady with Seeing and Experiencing Our World and Times as they are Now: "A happy, healthy and loving life full of enrichment and her own loving family with many happy and positive experiences and memories for many years to come."

 

 

 Thanks so much Jan!

 

And to all our above and beyond, kicking-it moms out there... ♫  Rock On! 

 

 

 

 

 

// Xena's World: Spring Crafty

It's been a bustling week on the home front and the three-hour head start on Monday gave the momentum needed to keep my lucky Friday day off intact! :) We're all done and good to go. To wrap up our busy week, I sure am super excited to share the latest from my niece Xena who indulged in some spring-craftiness last week while away on our spring break holiday. Somewhere in the middle of the night, she jumped into inspired-action with this Painted Daisy Mason Jar DIY from Mason Jar Crafts Love and topped things off with some beautiful, bright and bodacious yellow daisies. An instant mood enhancer any time of the year I'd say. A few of her trending things and signature poached eggs breakfast day. Happiness is enjoying all the little creature comforts in the quiet of our home. Thanks so much for sharing Xena! And have a lovely weekend everyone.   ~ xx

 

1. Do-It-Yourself spring craft:  Painted Daisy Mason Jars

2. Perfume love: Jo Malone's Mimosa and Cardamon

3. Gold Lettered Upper Case X from Chapters Indigo 

4. Currently reading: Fangirl: A Novel by Rainbow Rowell

5. And a favourite from her music mixes: Marina and The Diamonds

 

Our kids sure do grow up fast! :)

 

 

 

 

Photos by Xena.

 

 

 

 

 

// New Favourite Face Mask

Sephora's Mud Mask... Leave it to my niece Xena to find a new at-home, during and after the sugar-filled holiday rush and PA Day spa day retreat! This super-effective muddy-textured mask goes to work as soon as applied to the face to cleanse and purify the skin with its zinc and copper (tiny beads included) blend eliminating impurities, and white clay to soften the texture while providing the skin with a generous infusion of essential mineral salts. Perfect for oily and combination skin and reminds me of that professional spa facial with a slightly chilled feel when first applied, a gentle tingling as it gets into the pores and a mild pulling sensation from deep within my pores. Simply apply a light layer to a freshly washed and dried face, allow to set/ dry for about 10 minutes, rinse thoroughly with warm water, apply a mild toner and then a light moisturizer. Use once or twice a week. After my first use I noticed softer, smoother skin, clearer pores, and a refreshed and brighter face!   - $24  for 2.03 fl. oz.