And The Winner Is...

Good Saturday Morning to all our readers! Even though it is grey and dull here in Montreal, the temperatures are slowly creeping up and that in itself is something to celebrate. As we mentioned in our past two posts (which can be found here and here) our extremely talented friend Stephanie Paul has finally launched her brand new website. It is an absolutely gorgeous website, with clean lines, high-definition photos of her work and easy-to-navigate buttons. You can even shop directly on her site. She has given us not only the honor of announcing her website, but she also gave us a one-of-a-kind handmade piece of her jewelry to give away to one of our lucky readers. Well, today is the day and we will announce the winner below. First thing's first though... Life of Three is proud to present to you StephaniePaulJewelry.com ! 

I know that Stephanie Paul Jewelry's new website is going to be a big hit. She is so talented and her gorgeous pieces are all high quality and handmade. Now, without further delay we will announce our winner that was chosen using an online random name selector. Congratulations Tracy Cousins! We will be in touch with you via email to get you your prize. Wishing you all a great weekend!

With Love,

S

Good News- Stephanie Paul Giveaway Extended

Good morning everyone! I hope that, despite this grey and dreary day, everyone is having a good morning so far. It would be nice if the temperatures could get milder and the sun could come out of hiding. It's not like tomorrow is the first day of spring or anything...

I have some good news this morning! We will be extending the FREE JEWELRY GIVEAWAY for one more week. All you have to do is comment below and share the link on your facebook page by clicking the facebook link below. Once you have done that, you will be entered to win a free piece of Stephanie Paul Jewelry valued at over $100! Here are a few more of her pieces. 

Variety of Custom Jewelry made to order

Silver Bracelet and Earrings

As you can see, and as I've mentioned, Stephanie's designs are extremely beautiful, top-quality and are all designed and hand-made by her here in Montreal. They can be chosen from her collection or custom pieces can also be ordered. So don't miss your chance to WIN one of her pieces. Comment below and you will automatically be entered. Good luck!

With Love,

S

Stoned

I have a secret. It's not a deep dark regret, or anything illegal... but it is a secret. It is one that I find myself thinking more and more about as I get older and am faced with difficulties in life. I secretly wish that I were more artistic. I wish I had some sort of outlet for my feelings: I wish I could paint, draw, dance, sing, sculpt, craft... anything... but, unfortunately, it's just not in me. I couldn't draw a circle to save my life, I suck at dancing (picture white-man's overbite combined with Elaine Benese), and I have tried to paint and just end up frustrated and paint-covered. Now we all know that jealousy and envy are emotions that don't look good on anyone but sometimes, I connect with creative people and wish I had what they had.

One of these people is a good friend of ours named Stephanie. She is so incredible talented. Until I saw her work, I wasn't really aware that someone could be so creative in more than one type of art. But she is. I've seen her paintings and they are amazing. She has made incredibly beautiful vases. But something she is most passionate about is her jewelry making. My sisters and I have some of her pieces, one of which I wear every day and never take off, and people cannot believe that they are hand-made by someone we know. I am going to share some of them for you in this post.

Black Spinel Drop Earrings 

Turquoise and Ruby Earrings 

Pink Spinel and Emerald Chain with Diamond Charm

Faceted Onyx Lariate that can be worn in a variety of ways. I have one, and when you wear it with an LBD... Wow. 

Ruby Cluster Necklace

Black Spinel Rosary

Stephanie's Jewelry is not only beautiful, but it is all designed and handmade in her studio in Montreal. More often than not, ' designer' jewelry you find in boutiques is actually mass-produced gold/silver-plated low-end products. Stephanie uses high quality faceted stones and the gold jewelry is gold-filled (meaning the interior is silver) instead of gold-plated which is known to rub off. Her designs are unique, well-made and can be custom designed. 

I will be doing a follow up post with more of her designs next week because Stephanie has generously given a piece of her hand-made jewelry valued at over $100 to be used in our "Giveaway". Her website and online store will also be up next week so orders can be placed directly online. To be eligible for the FREE GIVEAWAY , share this link on facebook and then comment below by next Thursday, March 21. We will announce the random winner next Friday. So goodluck! 

**Don't forget to comment in the 'comments' section below once you've shared the post to qualify for the giveaway!

With Love,

S

Spring Fashion Forward

Good Sunday Evening! After an amazing spa weekend up north with E, I am feeling relaxed and ready to take on the week. The sun is finally returning and, with that, the temperatures are rising (somewhat) and the snow is starting to melt (somewhat). But, that's not how I know Spring is coming.... Instead I know Spring is coming because my friend/old co-worker has sent me the customary 'Spring Text' saying: "You haven't done a fashion post in a long time. How am I supposed to know what to wear for Spring/Summer?". Well, here it is... My Spring Fashion Post. I have chosen to share mostly styles from Zara because it is moderately priced and can be worn by both younger and... more mature women. A few of the other links are from a site that a friend of mine works for called Gilt that I am absolutely obessed with. It has everything from clothes for women, men and children as well as stuff for the home, beauty tools and makeup... and a lot more. I spend much more time on this site than I would like to admit. 

I have decided to start with dresses since I absolutely adore them. I think there is nothing better than having a good dress collection because, when you're not in the mood to choose an 'outfit', just throw on a dress and head out the door. Easy Peasy. This Backless Lacy Dress can be worn to work/cocktail hour with a cute blazer and then, when the jacket comes off... sexy LBD 

I want this Dress with Chain Shoulders... like, I want it and will probably drag T out to Zara this week on a wild mission to track it down. Since I have a bit of a square body type, this shape dress seems to work well on me. Chances are, if you see me this summer... I will probably be wearing this dress... more than once.

This Zara Floral Print Dress is adorable. I don't think I could quite pull it off (though I hate that saying), I think it is fun, playful and quite versatile. I also happen to think it would look quite lovely with a jean jacket.  

Though I am doing a Spring fashion post, I am really really loving these J Brand Olivia Embroidered Skinny Jean. I love everything about them from the color, to fit and the added texture above and below the knee. I often wear denim in the Spring with a bright top like this Alex + Alex V-Neck Blouse in Cherry.

Now, we (meaning I) may not all have the body for it... but if you're feeling particularly Kim-Kardashiany (please forgive me for that one) then this Zara Asymmetric Crop Top with matching White Pencil Skirt is for you. 

Body thing also applies to this Striped Guipure Lace Top that my Grandma H wanted me to buy for my birthday last weekend. She has great taste.. but I don't know if it would flatter me. 

As for shoes... I apologize, but you're on your own. Mainly because, if it were up to me, everyone would walk around in these all summer, but hey! Nautical's in!

With Love,

S

Scar Tissue

Good Saturday Evening! Is it just me, or does the first week home from vacation always seem never-ending? The vacation seems to zip by and then, you're home... watching the clock waiting for the weekend. I really shouldn't be complaining though because I know how lucky I am to have been able to enjoy an amazing family vacation on the sunny island of St-Martin.

Though it wasn't quite as wild as our girls trips that you can read about here and here, it was relaxing... just what the doctor ordered. What seems to happen when you get back from any vacation, however, is that your mind wanders to the 'what ifs'. What if I chose to pack up and leave this cold, snowy, grey climate and live something tropical? What if I make a life-altering decision to relocate? What if I were able to start a new life somewhere? Where would I go? What would I do there? Would I be happy? 

I find myself asking these questions any time I leave my hometown, but this time... the feeling that I could be happy living somewhere else is one that I just can't seem to shake. The inevitable will happen though: the sun will return and the weather will get warmer, the wind will die down, the grass will peek through the melting snow and, like the snow, our dreams of living elsewhere will melt away too. This is what I have decided I will call "Winter Scar Tissue". Now... I know that many cold-weather dwellers enjoy the cold and snow. I know that there are people who love to ski, to skate, to snowshoe and to snuggle up by the fire with a nice glass of red wine at the end of the day. I like the wine... but could do without the rest of it. 

I know I know... the grass is always greener. But... at least they have grass all year round! I guess it really comes down to my family. I have traveled quite a bit, even living in Australia for a few months, but I know I am too close to my family to leave them. I know that even if I had an opportunity to leave this cold cold (cold) place, I probably would have a very difficult time actually doing it. It's one thing to think it... another to do it. So, I guess for now I am going to have to settle for family vacations in the caribbean and summers in Italy. But hey... a girl can dream!

Until next time

With Love,

S