Written by Regina Brett, 90 years old.

“To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most requested column I’ve ever written.

My odometer rolled over to 90 in August, so here is the column once more:

1. Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Change the way you think.

4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and family will. Stay in touch.

5. Pay off your credit cards every month..

6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.

8. Release your children when they become adults, its their life now

9. Save for retirement starting with your first pay cheque.

10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.

11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.

12. It’s OK to let your children see you cry.

13. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

14. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.

15. Everything can change in the blink of an eye.

16. Take a deep breath It calms the mind.

17. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.

18. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.

19. It’s never too late to have a happy childhood. But the second one is up to you and no one else.

20. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.

21. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.

22. Just because you believe you are right, doesn’t mean you are. Keep an open mind.

23. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.

24. The most important sex organ is the brain.

25. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.

26.. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’

27. Always choose life.

28. Forgive everyone everything.

29. What other people think of you is none of your business.

30. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.

31. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

32. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

33. Believe in miracles.

34. Your job is to love your children, not choose who they should love.

35. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.

36. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.

37. Your children get only one childhood.

38. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.

39. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s, we’d grab ours back.

41. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

42. The best is yet to come…

43.. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.

44. Yield..

45. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”

Mata Hari.

We all know her name, even if we don’t particularily know what she was ever originally popularized for.  She has become etched in history alongside iconic sirens and power players alike.  Once seen as the most desirable woman the world had to offer, thousands would flock to her dance shows if only for a glimpse of her exotic appeal.  Known for her ever-changing background and upbringing during interviews, she had the public wrapped around her little finger… keeping everyone interested with the perfect combination of mystery and mystique.  While she may have not been the prettiest, sexiest or most exotic around, she most definitely knew how to sell herself to her audience.  She understood the value in creating an alluring image and used it to her full advantage.

Sometimes the less information you put out about yourself results in the most reaction from others (in a negative or positive sense – still keeps them talking in any case).  You can craft what other people perceive you to be through nothing more than releasing select tidbits about yourself.  Celebrities do it every day.

Why not create the same aura around yourself?

Start a trademark in your personal style, be remembered for presenting things in a unique way… create yourself into the super heroine of your dreams.  Live large and let people wonder.  The women of the world forever remembered are always the ones with an unfaltering mystique that draws you in and never lets you go…

How will you make history?

xox

I support Movember.

I embrace Movember.

What's Movember?

ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN

During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of moustaches on thousands of men’s faces, in Canada and around the world. With their “Mo’s”, these men raise vital funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer.

The funds raised in Canada support the number one male cancer, prostate cancer.

For more information on how you can support or be involved this great cause please follow this link:  http://ca.movember.com/

(Andrea with The Burlesque Festival Founder Scarlett James)

Ladies and gentlemen… the hottest Burlesque weekend in the city (with total international flare) is going on as we speak!

Icons from around the world have come to fan out their feathers, shake their derrieres and tassel tempt viewers into boudoir oblivion.  With a fashion show kickoff commencing on Thursday, the Canadian numbers hit the stage while I had the chance to hang out with the team and meet some cool new performing cats!  Ready to immerse yourself in everything the festival has to offer but don’t know where to start?  I’ve compiled a little rundown of not-to-be-missed features going on both Saturday and Sunday…

(Me, Andrea and Antoine… who by the way created THE biggest hair of the night on one of the performers – everyone thought it was a wig!  Glorious!)

While Christelle hosts a very exclusive three hour makeup workshop during the day Saturday in the AHP studio (crystalmakeup@hotmail.com for last minute inquiries), the night will bring on not only a Gala, but acts by Miss Sugarpuss, Michelle L’Amour, Satan’s Angel, Andreanne Leclerc and Peekaboo Pointe.  Love art?  Why not attend the drawing class featuring Coco Lectric as the beautiful model at the Mainline Theatre?  Of course you can shop the Burlesque Market before the show and during intermission… and indulge equally in Sunday Brunch at the Old Ports L’Assomoir restaurant.  Read my boudoir beauty/fashion piece in The Scarlet Report house magazine, and get dolled up in your finest to sip on a glass of bubbly throughout it all… whatever goes dahhhling!

(Cherry Typhoon center right with her costume kimono designer center left – seamstress to burlesque beauties and Japanese Empresses!)

For more info regarding times, addresses and scheduling, check out the official Montreal Burlesque Festival itinerary.

Have a beautiful weekend!

xox

Robyn

 

“Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before.”

Mae West

“I believe that it’s better to be looked over than it is to be overlooked.”

Mae West

“Never complain. Never explain.”

Katharine Hepburn

 
“I’d luv to kiss ya, but I just washed my hair.”

Bette Davis

“Paris is always a good idea.”

Audrey Hepburn

“Once in his life, every man is entitled to fall madly in love with a gorgeous redhead.”

Lucille Ball

 
“Big girls need big diamonds.”

Elizabeth Taylor

“So much to do, so little done, such things to be.”

Elizabeth Taylor

 ”I think the quality of sexiness comes from within. It is something that is in you or it isn’t and it really doesn’t have much to do with breasts or thighs or the pout of your lips.”

Sophia Loren

“Sex appeal is fifty percent what you’ve got and fifty percent what people think you’ve got.”

Sophia Loren 

“There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.”

Sophia Loren 

“A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.”

Ingrid Bergman

“Be yourself. The world worships the original.”

Ingrid Bergman

Have a beautiful weekend!

xox 

(Levana wears a Travis Taddeo dress paired with the leather Lovesick horsetail waist cincher)

Happy friday darlings!

 Yesterday I brought a bit of the Andrea Hausmann studio to the Festival Mode & Design runways for my part of the 5 Looks 5 Bloggers show.  Featuring Lovesick Corrective Apparel as one of my Canadian designers, these are all pieces you can play with during your photoshoot experience!  Lovesick is known for their custom creations, avant-garde approach to making bustiers and corsets, and incredible fabric choices.  Being a brand that quickly took over my top preference in boudoir perfection (take THAT Agent Provocateur), if you haven’t experienced the power that Lovesick fuels you with, you haven’t truly exercised your feminine appeal to it’s full extent!

(Oro wears a vintage Lovesick monkey cape, Micalla body jewels and a faux leather Barila skirt)

Guess who shook up the runway playing model for a day?

Antoine!

Normally the talent behind all the fabulous hair that you see in Andrea’s photo’s, yesterday the roles were reversed (and I think he looks pretty damn fierce if I may say so myself)!

I LOVE it!

Beautiful Oro caused quite a stir with her “go-bare” ensemble…

(Our girl Jordan wearing an Arti Gogna dress paired with a buckled leather Lovesick waist cincher)

Come play and get Lovesick

xox

Time to leave your structured life at the door, and embrace your inner bedroom goddess amongst an abundance of lavish silk pillows and draped lace.

With a smouldering glance, glowing complexion and tousled locks, let us reveal your perfectly curvaceous silhouette in a gown or barely-there slip – and if you’re daring, maybe just a piece of draped fabric.

You’ll be lounging on our blissfully sultry set and experiencing a getaway to the exotic in your Raw Sensuality Photoshoot.

August 13 & 14
Two outfits
4 fully retouched images
4 5×7 prints
CD of unretouched webversion images
Bubbly and snacks
$350

There are no shortcuts with a special – full hair and make-up is included as well as complete access to the regular studio wardrobe! Bubbly and treats will also be served.

Email hausmannphotography@gmail.​com to book your spot!

Come play in my closet.

xoxo

Andrea

Love Andrea Hausmann photography but not sure what style to make your own?

Lucky for you, yesterday they documented their first-ever “wardrobe catalogue” shoot!

How does this help you?

 Basically it breaks down all the fabulosity you’ve come to expect from their boudoir aesthetic, and facilitates the creative process for both your efficiency and ease.  Sometimes it can feel impossible to pick a vision (wardrobe and beauty-wise) that reflects both your personal comfort as well as your personality – that’s why we categorized it all for you!  Wether you want the exact same look documented or a variation of the same theme, we’re showing you all your options!  Don’t want to embody the cliche of the french maid but still want to steal the essence of the fantasy?  Customize as you go from classics to extremes – the boudoir world is officially your oyster!

Charlie was in attendance making sure everything was in order…

A beautiful day of models at every size, bubbly, coffee, glamorous hair by Antoine and makeup by Crystal, fabulous accessories and trying everything on for size!  No experiment ever too tough a task for this dream team…

I am completely in love with this emerald-eyed fur stole – gorgeous!

Think you’ve seen it all?  Think again!

When you book a private shoot with the team you will have access to their entire catalogue of possibilities!  Stay tuned for more exciting news coming your way – we are in the process of fine tuning a few of our features as to allow us to venture further into the innovative and luxurious alongside all of you!

Hope your weekend is beautiful!

xox

Robyn

As the heat and humidity escalate, we become forced to adapt and change our beauty routine accordingly (why some abandon it entirely during this part of the year is beyond me – there is nothing quite like dolling yourself up in the bright shades of the season!).  With the temperature increase, comes a slew of new beauty rules and formulas – check out our “beat the heat” recommendations for any babe on the go…

  • Scrub!  Scrub!  Scrub!  Because of the intense humidity that comes along with Montreal summers, make sure you boost up your scrub regime!  During the winter once a week may suffice, but with the extra pollution, sweat and sun, your skin may need a little more breathing space!  Scrubs with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide are great for those with acne-prone skin, but my fave still remains a DIY white sugar and honey mix right out of the pantry (works great for the body as well).  Unblock those pores and keep that skin glowing!
  • Facemasks galore.  Boost your at-home beauty regime to two times a week using a clay mask to draw out all impurities (works great if you do the scrub right before you apply the mask – try it!).  Lush has my favourite face masks – all fresh, all beneficial!
  • Get into lotions and oils with cooling sensations.  There are many eucalyptus, mint and tea tree lines out there (be it shampoo’s and conditioners to foot scubs), rub them into your skin and enjoy the feeling when a breeze crosses your path.
  •  When it comes to hair – keep it simple.  Straightened and curled hair looks amazing, but the beauty of summer is spontaneity (and being able to leave your hair woes at the door).  Your hair (or makeup for that matter) should never influence your decision to jump into a pool or run through a sprinkler :) .  Take the time to master braids, elegant buns that look great wet, high ponytails and a la bohemian (air dried and left down).  Besides, no point in dedicating time to a style that humidity will frizz out in no time right?
  • Enjoy wearing light and natural fabrics.  The more free-flowing, absorbent and breathable they are – the more comfortable you will be.  Skip out on that snug pencil skirt and opt for the linen mini instead ;) .
  • Skip on products that melt.  Foundation, eyeshadow, lipstick and eyeliner that is too creamy will always run and give the impression of a ”Salvador Dali Clocks” melting face.  I am one for full coverage and full makeup style in summer, so I opt for mineral powders. matte formula’s and long-wear formulas (waterproof always a bonus).
  • Hydrate & Protect.  This should really go without saying, but I’ll say it anyways – make sure everything from your moisturizer to your hair serum has some kind of sun protection built into it.  In this day and age, if your beauty products aren’t delivering major results or prevention – they are useless.  Educate yourself and spare your body UV harm (in the very least adopt a sunscreen as your moisturizer).
  • Skip caffeine – it can make you sweat!  Opt for a decaf alternative when ordering that iced coffee or tea!  Drink lots of water – it will cool you from the inside out!
  •  Carry a mister.  Evian makes them (and you can make your own!) – fill an atomiser with water and a few drops of your favourite essential oils (rose, lavender and tea tree are what I recommend).  Not only is it a chic way to cool down, but the oils will actually calm redness and prevent blemishes in the heat!
  • Eat light.  With the humidity, stuffing your face will only make you feel heavy and disgusting.  Stock up on antioxidant rich berries (the strawberries out right now are TO DIE FOR), and skip as many fried delights as possible!

xox

Some movies are just completely worth ranting and raving about – they deserve your time, energy and input (if only so that others can experience it’s amazingness for themselves).

That being said, let me jump right into Midnight In Paris (a movie with something for the dreamers and technical minds alike).  With nothing short of an all star cast conducted by Woody Allen; Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Marion Cotillard, Carla Bruni and Adrien Brody steal the show reinacting Paris’ art scene in the twenties.  With an abundance of  flapper fashion to feast your eyes on, the movie transports you back in time while Wilson’s main character meets and befriends some of the worlds most influentially historical movers and shakers.  Raising the notion that everyone at one point believes the era they exist in is somehow lesser in value than previous time periods they look up to, Allen focuses in on how we admire and what influences/shapes us during our lifetime (alongside our inability to see historic moments in the making as we live them).

Any literature or fashion/art buff will literally gasp out loud in the theatre when being introduced to Picasso, Hemingway, the Fitzgeralds, Dali, Gertrude Stein and T.S Eliot (to name only a few).  This movie is exactly what everyone wishes they could do in Paris – witness the incredible glamour, sophistication and influence that shapes our world today… all at the stroke of midnight any given night of the week.  The contrast of the importance of priorities between “Americans” and Parisians is also quite stereotypical (but not false)… social observations to go round!

The makeup, the hair, the dramatic fashions… *drools*

See it in theatres, buy it when it comes out – there is a reason this film has been getting so much attention!

xox

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