Owner: The Beautiful Life URL:http://livingthebeautifullife.blogspot.com Join Date: Thu, 17 Aug 2006 21:06:40 -0500 Rating:1 Site Description: The Beautiful Life is all about fashion, music, movies, home decor, creativity, and living a life surrounded by beauty. I'm really rather addicted to thrifting lovely treasures, and I use the word "lovely" entirely too often. But it's a fun read, for all Site statistics:Click here
snippets 2006-10-21 17:40:00 This magazine cover looks like it will be cool. What is up with me and miniatures? I'm also loving these creative uses for everyday objects. Especially numbers 2, 6, and 21. But number 15? What on earth???
today I like 2006-10-20 22:18:00 - this video. It makes me think of my sisters. The title, I mean. And the video is weirdly cool. I want to be a little green man!- chocolate lace
- 25 most stylish films of all time. This is on GQ, so it's about men's fashion, but it's still fabulous. I might have to adapt some of these ideas for le husband. - Alexander McQueen fashion shows. Amazing. - Kristan Cunningham. I'm not sure where I heard about her, but flipping through some of her ideas can be very inspiring on a practical level.
Coming soon: pictures of all my thrifted treasures today, including a lovely brown and cream tweed that is COVERING my loveseat! Hooray!
so I'm a little bit of a nerd 2006-10-19 23:28:00 I taught the family how to play "dig" the other night. Gratifyingly, they were soon as addicted as I. I still won, but only because I have years of practice playing against the mastery of my aunts at family gatherings. So in my mind, the only thing better than a scrabble necklace would be scrabble throw pillows. And those? Would be extreme awesomeness. I think I'm going to make some. Can you imagine the fun that guests will have spelling messages on the couch? I think I'll make them double-sided, too, for twice the fun. I'm thinking that if I applique the letters on using black felt on a cream felt background, it will be easier to keep those clean lines. I can then embroider the numbers down in the corner. Or would it be easier to paint it all on? Suggestions? (In case you can't tell, I'm completely enamoured of this idea.) Read more:little
a little bit prairie? 2006-10-19 15:55:00
This was an attempt to combine patterns--the varied stripes of the sweater with the polkadots of the skirt. I'm not a huge fan of how it turned out; I felt fairly dumpy most of the day. Maybe I needed a belt? I was thinking about adding another print in the form of a blouse, but I chickened out and went with a plain white tee. I think the print would have worked better; sometimes going over the top is just perfect. shirt, sweater, skirt: thriftedred tights: walmart clearance (50 cents!)boots: ebay Read more:little
, prairie
Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat 2006-10-23 17:18:00 Maybe it was the snowflakes drifting down this morning, maybe it's the fact that I'm starting to kick into overdrive on the gift-acquiring end of things, but it's getting to be that time of year when one has to figure out the perfect present for everyone on your list. I've found a few spots that might help you along.
Jansdotter.com has some lovely, well-designed items for the home and the closet. I'm especially entranced by the tissue-box cover. I hate tissue boxes, so I never keep those handy things around. But that? Just might make me change my position. (I wouldn't think it would be that difficult to make, either.)
Inspire company, besides having a charming site, has some lovely gifty ideas. Although some of their things are a bit twee, who wouldn't like the toile notes or coral necklace. And I want the birthday ring!
I just found out about my bonnie and clyde today, but I'm already addicted, I think. It's all indie artists and crafters. Check out the blackbird pillow Read more:Christmas
, goose
vintage umbrella loveliness 2006-10-23 17:49:00 I realize this is a cross post, but I thought this picture fit in here. This is the vintage umbrella
that I bought off ebay a few weeks ago; I'm completely enamoured of it. I keep hoping it will rain so I can carry it! The only way things could be better is if it matched my rainboots. Anyway, besides using it in the rain, I'm thinking it will make a fabulous prop for photo shoots.
idea for Thanksgiving table decorations? 2006-10-25 15:05:00 Glittered pumpkins. Also shown here. These would make very cute placecard holders if you slit the top of the stem and tucked a card in, or you could just arrange little pumpkins trailing down the table. Read more:decorations
, Thanksgiving
works in progress 2006-10-29 01:29:00
I'm almost done with one wristlet (on the left) and the yarn on the right, destined for a scarf, has been halfway turned into one since the picture was taken. The wristlets were intended for me; I think they're going to be part of my mother's christmas present. Note that in the picture I hadn't finished weaving ends yet; I couldn't find my darning needle. A trip to Joann's today not only yielded that useful instrument, but also yarn for a Jayne hat for le husband's cousin and yarn to make a more manly version of the wristlets (thicker yarn and simple ribbing instead of cabling). Yes, my hand is sore. But tonight we're having friends over for cheesecake and coffee while the wind howls outside and a log burns in the fireplace. Truly life is good. Read more:progress
stuff I like today 2006-10-27 20:35:00 I spent the morning knitting madly at my desk (fortunately it's been quiet) and now I have one wristlet nearly done; I just need to do the thumb. I had to stop for a while because my right hand was getting rawther stiff. I hope to finish it up tonight, in between the video editing that I simply have to do. (Phooey on work when there's knitting to be done! And Christmas gifts to be assembled!) I'm exceedingly tempted to go back to JoAnn's and get more of the lovely olive-y yarn I got yesterday, maybe enough for a whole sweater for le husband? Or maybe I should stop for now, because my yarn stash is starting to rival my fabric stash. And when you live in a small apartment, that's not a good thing. Enough of my ramblings, though. Here are some lovelinesses dug up for you, my loyal readers. A soda can tab belt. Weird, but strangely compelling. In the comments someone mentions making it as a choker. That could be a great stocking-stuff
er for the punk girl in your life. Based on this po
more gift ideas 2006-10-26 21:46:00 What to give the person who has everything geek in your life: the breath palette. Their innate curiousity will, I think, be piqued by the flavors from curry to pumpkin pudding, and hopefully they'll actually use it. And then you have the kids who are too cool for dolls, so try the boggerdoll. It reminds me of happytreefriends, if that tells you anything. This is what my family (and friends and coworkers and random homeless men on the street) wish I would do with my gorgeous pink rain boots. Read more:ideas
ruminations, or, how I love new words! 2006-10-30 17:37:00 Confession: I read the dictionary as a child, and I still collect new words with the same alacrity that some people use for the acquisition of collectible plates. I also think slang from other countries is highly superior to that of America. Seriously, which sounds better? "Making out" or "having a good snog?" Exactly; the former sounds like some sort of clincal exercise, the latter like an activity highly conducive to the reduction of stress. (Which it is, I might add.) So when I learned the English word "twee," meaning "overly precious or sweet," I was ecstatic. We really have no good word for that in the American slang lexicon. And when applied to a description of inspire company's wares in this post, it seemed to fit perfectly. They do have some very precious or sweet items. Which isn't a bad thing; it just is. So imagine my dismay when one of her readers pointed out that it can mean "affected." No! That's not what I meant! I meant sweet, charming, precious. Why must people jump
someone asked me today if I'm bosnian 2006-10-31 03:13:00
That would be a "no." Grey sweater dress: thriftedblack tank (underneath): thriftedblack vintage slip (underneath): secondhandblack tights: walmart?black boots: ebay
things I like today 2006-11-01 03:07:00 In lieu of actual information, since I'm supposed to be editing video footage. (Actually, it's almost done. I should be working on photos instead.) - Hyperphotos. Extremely detailed images created by stitching together multiple telephoto shots. The closer you look, the more fascinating they are. - Using Macromedia Flash to DJ. Slightly addictive. - Cool things
to put on the walls.- I've been drooling over this chandelier ever since they posted it. Simply lovely. Now for a castle in which it will fit...- Incubate your own eggs. I must be a homeschooler, since I find this strangely fascinating. - Walking the Cabbage. Lovely, lovely images. - White House photo blog. Lame interface; some cool pictures.- Oh, and don't forget! NaNoWriMo starts tomorrow! I don't think I'll be participating, but don't YOU get distracted by those petty little details called life.
thoughts 2006-11-02 01:34:00 I wish I had naturally curly hair. I like my hair much better when it's curly, but I'm scared to get a perm.I went thrifting today and found, among other loveliness, a grandpa sweater and some very cool dishes.I think I have my Thanksgiving menu figured out, but I just need to do some final tweaks before I pass out the assignments. Le husband wants to have rolls in addition to angel biscuts, because he's never heard of angel biscuts and apparently it's traditional to have big, fluffy rolls. I told him that's fine, but he gets to make them. Because angel biscuts are much, much better than any old roll. (I didn't tell him that last bit; I decided that he can find out for himself.)I'm trying to get my mother to come out and visit over Thanksgiving. We can seat her next to Grandpa and they can talk about vitamins to their hearts' content. Especially since they're both hard of hearing, it should be interesting.I need some caffiene. Read more:thoughts
attack of the Grandpa cardigan! 2006-11-02 15:44:00 I've been looking for the perfect grandpa sweater ever since I've seen them, belted, on the runways. So I found one, and this is the result. The skirt and sweater were thrifted yesterday; everything else, except the hose, was thrifted sometime previously. The hose I got on clearance from Ann Taylor. Read more:attack
, cardigan
, Grandpa
some of yesterday's thrifted treasures 2006-11-02 18:25:00
The green sweater I'm wearing today; I think it's actually a boys. The black one looks like it jumped straight out of the pages of a Tom Swift novel; it's a zip up cardigan with patch pockets. I have every intention of trying to convince le husband to wear it.
I love the colors of these cups. The stripey ones were a quarter each; the orange one was a dollar. That's a little high, but it was just so perfect I couldn't resist. Note: these cups fit into the "legitimate need" end of things. We have manymany mugs, but they all hold at least 16 ounces, creating great consternation when it's time to serve coffee to company. Either you fill the mugs all the way, and thereby require three pots of coffee to serve four people, or you put a normal amount of coffee in the cup, and look all stingy. Neither option is attractive, hence my delight at the purchase of these cups. Completely aside from the lovely stripedness of them, of course.
These are marked "melmac" on the back, and ar Read more:treasures
what I've been reading 2006-11-02 21:15:00 Cath Kidston's In Print. Love. This. Book. Each page uses a vintage fabric as the background, and that in an of itself would be wonderful. But that's not all. She uses vintage fabrics throughout her home, and has lovely ideas for adding color and life to your surroundings.This is the first photo that enthralled me. What a perfect way to use a small amount of fabric to add a punch! The whole chair in that floral would be a bit much; just a throw pillow, while nice, wouldn't have quite the same impact. I love this concept, and hope I'll get the chance to use it. I'm also picturing using two prints on the same piece of furniture. Yes, it could be tricky, but imagine black twill with black-and-white toile? Not too precious, but not too sharp, either.I've often heard of using framed fabric in lieu of artwork, but I always thought it had to be a really huge pattern. Apparently not; this looks lovely. I especially like how she mirrored the quirky lines of the fabric in with the candlest
more photography 2006-11-04 15:15:00 I guess this is what happens when you read all your feeds? I have two sites for you: Mr. Toledano and Genevieve Gaukler. The former are detailed shots that often look into peoples' soulds, it seems. The latter are incredibly detailed montages involving thousands of combined images. Both sets are intriguing. Read more:photography
blog I justthisminute discovered 2006-11-04 14:31:00 And now I'm reading breathlessly and falling in love with her book suggestions down the side. Paris breakfasts. Look at her watercolors! And pictures of of chocolate. I have a feeling this is rapidly going to become a favorite.
way up north where the icebergs grow 2006-11-04 14:23:00
There lived a chica by the name of Moe.She got so tired of wearing pink each nightWhen she went to the party she wore black-and-white!Actually, black and white was the theme of le sister-in-law's sweet sixteen. Since it's after Labor Day, I couldn't bring myself to wear a white skirt, but I COULD wear a petticoat, right? And the white gloves were a necessity here; I dyed her hair yesterday, and my hands looked bizarre. The gloves covered it up and added a nice touch.vintage coat with fur collar: thriftedblack slip worn as dress: vintage storesheer black boatneck sweater over slip: thriftedwhite ribbon at waist: fabric storewhite skirt as petticoat: Gadzooks (it's a different one! I got it on clearance yesterday!)black tights: ????black shoes: Marshall'swhite gloves: thrifted
things that intrigue me 2006-11-06 16:56:00
Make your own conditioning hair goo. Is this the next step, now that I've started smearing olive oil on my face? Am I going to start making my own beauty products?
Sculpting trees and gourds. Fascinating.
Very creative how-tos. Check out the menswear themed room and the word puzzle fireplace.
I want an SAT prep shower curtain! Not sure where I'd put it, but it's a fun idea. Just think! Studying words as you scrub away...
This concerns me. Just the idea of calling something a "tofu bear" worries me, for some reason.
Read more:intrigue
, things
enthralling me 2006-11-07 16:58:00 The polling place photo project. I'll be sure to take my camera when I go vote, but in the meantime it's fun to browse the growing collection of photos. Forget wearing reproduction vintage tees that were sold by the beatles; wear reprodution vintage tees worn by the Beatles. Dollhouse rugs. For people. Spats! The short buttoned ones over stilettos? Way hot. I wonder if I could make a pair...
now reading 2006-11-07 20:20:00
I'm loving this book! It's not particularly informative unless you want to learn the names of good vintage brands, but it is a charming romp through one woman's experience in the world of fashion and later as the owner of a vintage shop, Hooti Couture. I love the author's enthusiasim regarding her work; it inspires me to dig a little harder through those thrift store racks. And make sure you check out the above-linked store website; the blog is charming and I have a feeling I'm going to be addicted before too long!
From Amazon.com
seeing red for under $30 2006-11-09 04:23:00 With dark colors dominating the runways, red accesories are the perfect way to add a punch of life to your wardrobe. Right now the red patent peeptoe/slingback is almost cliched; be a little more creative and try one of these moderately priced options instead.
what I wore on Friday 2006-11-09 04:22:00
This outfit is thrifted in its entirety, except for the boots. Those came off of Ebay. What you can't see, unless you look really closelty, is the layering on my top half. I'm wearing a superthin turtleneck underneath a sheer boatneck sweater, and the combination looks almost Edwardian up close. Read more:Friday
a slightly bipolar mix of vintage and earthchild 2006-11-10 00:12:00
Not my best look perhaps, but I liked the blue cardigan with the floral top; the centers of the flowers are almost exactly the same shade of blue. And that's my favorite cardi, so any change I get to wear it is a good day, right?wool cardi: thrifted (vintage, I think)floral top: gadzooksred vintage belt: thriftedred vintage skirt: thriftedtan suede clogs: ebay
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