happiness is never stopping to think if you are.

Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. Mine was busy, but really really wonderful. Now that Monday has hit once again, I am sadly reminded of the many things I need to get done.

While I work on this, here is a photo that is inspiring me at the moment. I love how edgy this look is. From shoes to sequins, the wild faux-hawk, and outrageously bold makeup, this photo sure packs a punch.

What do you think of this photo? And what did you do this weekend?

memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.

Scents carry memories with them. One whiff, and suddenly you are transported back to a significant time and place. I love those moments - so unexpected - where suddenly you are enveloped by part of your history.

I love fragrances. Perfumes, of course, but little things too - like the way the grass smells after it rains, the unmistakable aroma of a new book, and even laundry detergent. I am fascinated by the knowledge that special little moments are often encapsulated by a scent.

Thinking about this, I was particularly struck by the following paragraph.

Nothing is more memorable than a smell. One scent can be unexpected, momentary and fleeting, yet conjure up a childhood summer beside a lake in the mountains; another, a moonlit beach; a third, a family dinner of pot roast and sweet potatoes during a myrtle-mad August in a Midwestern town. Smells detonate softly in our memory like poignant land mines hidden under the weedy mass of years. Hit a tripwire of smell and memories explode all at once. A complex vision leaps out of the undergrowth.

- Diane Ackerman

What scents remind you of special memories?

i like my money right where I can see it: hanging in my closet.

There are a lot of exciting things on the horizon at the moment. Good people in my life, concerts to look forward to, and this beautiful optimism that has been following me around since the new year began.

Speaking of the new year, I made a fair number of resolutions this year. While I have been doing pretty well with keeping them thus far, I had one minor slip recently. One of my resolutions was to shop less. For me, this is torture. I managed to make it nearly a month, which I for one, am impressed with!

Here is what I bought recently.

beauty without grace is the hook without the bait.

Yesterday was the last day the Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to Princess exhibition was showcased in Toronto. In honour of this, I wanted to post about my experience. Unfortunately, photography was not allowed inside the exhibit itself, but I managed to take a couple of pictures outside of the exhibit.

laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart.

I finally decided to try a lipstain. My reasoning? There have been a ton of positive reviews about them, and I love the idea of not having to touch up my lipstick all evening! I chose: Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain and Balm.

get ready to party, get out there, get filthy, creepy and weird.

I love Jersey Shore. People I tell that to either instantly judge me, or sing my praises. Whatever opinion you may be of, hear me out:

I am fascinated by outrageous people. By nature, I have always been shy and quiet. As a result, I tend to admire those who are unafraid to take on the world. I see these qualities in many of the housemates. Furthermore, while I detest drama in my own life, televised drama seems to do just fine. I love watching it unfold, and trying to understand the way people react to certain situations. Lastly, and perhaps, most importantly - watching Jersey Shore really makes me want to go out and have a great time.

Since I will be going out tomorrow night with a couple of friends, I thought this would be the perfect time to post some pictures to get into the party spirit!

the pursuit of perfection, then, is the pursuit of sweetness and light.

Some things don't last forever, but some things do. 

Like a good song, or a good book, or a good memory 

you can take out and unfold in your darkest times.....
― Sarah Dessen, This Lullaby

Small, perfect moments can happen at any time. They can be found in the most insignificant of experiences, or the most profound. Lately, I have given great thought to these kinds of moments.

The most difficult aspect of this, is taking note of these moments in the first place. So often, we let life pass us by without paying much attention to it. Which is why there is something truly special about grasping a moment; When you can pause and think - I am completely happy. 

The beauty, is that even when time passes, you can recollect one of those moments, and smile, for that feeling is new once more. Everything can change with one seemingly unimportant moment.

I know there is perfection headed my way - I simply have to stop, and realize it is there.

we are shaped and fashioned by what we love.

Lately, there have been so many examples of great fashion on the red carpet. Out of all of these red carpet looks, it is the bronze and metallic gowns I find myself drawn to. I love the power and femininity these dresses convey. They are bold and unapologetically sexy.

Here are some of the red carpet looks I am loving at the moment.

and gaze into some gentle, warm, excited eyes.

There is something about Mondays. Even when I'm not working Monday to Friday, Mondays always remind me of the long week ahead. Despite this, I have a few things to be excited about.

The first is a post made by the wonderful Makeup Is Art. Yin was sweet enough to mention me as her featured beauty blogger! You can read that post here. Be sure to check out her blog - she is so creative and is always trying out new makeup ideas!

Secondly, Véro from Virtual Makeup Artist has done a virtual makeup look on one of my pictures and posted a little about my blog! You can check out that out here! The virtual makeup is such a cool idea, and the finished product looks amazing!

Here is the original picture, and the virtual makeup look!

What do you think of this virtual makeup look? Be sure to check out Virtual-Makeup-Artist.com!

it's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.

2012 is a year of action. It is about doing, instead of wondering what if. I am trying to apply this belief to every aspect of my life. As ridiculous as it may sound, this new year continues to give me hope that things can change.

When I took part in the 30 day beauty challenge, the challenge on day 29 was a makeup look you would love to try out. A few days ago, I realized I shouldn't just be posting about what I would like to try out, I should be doing it.

a room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts.

When I have a lot of my mind, I seek out photographs that reflect that. There is something special about finding a photograph that connects with you emotionally. These are a few of the photographs that have been inspiring me lately.

award post!

Over the last little while, I have been lucky enough to be awarded the Cute Blog Award, the Versatile Blogger Award, and the Kreativ Blogger Award! It is always a nice feeling when someone recognizes what you're doing!

love it or leave it?

When Mila Kunis hits the red carpet, she embodies sultry glamour. Whatever event she attends, she always looks amazing. Recently, Mila hit the red carpet for the St Jude Children's Research Hospital Anniversary Gala. She wore a daring purple lace top with a flowy light purple skirt.

he who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.

Each new year brings beautiful hope. In the moments before, we stop to think about our lives - what we cherish, and what we want to change. These moments help us to focus on the things we hope to achieve.

In previous years, I have made vague resolutions with iffy results. This year, however, I really took the time to stop and think about what changes I wanted to make. I have set goals for myself, both short and long-term. As a result, I am filled with a renewed sense of hope.

30 day beauty challenge: day 30

Today is the last day of the 30 day beauty challenge! This challenge pushed me to post about things I normally wouldn't, and hopefully helped you all get to know me a little better. I want to thank you all for sticking with me through this challenge. I really appreciate it!

With that said, the last challenge in the 30 day beauty challenge is: Favourite Nail Polish.

30 day beauty challenge: day 29

Almost done the 30 day beauty challenge! What a crazy thought! Today's challenge is: Photo Of A Makeup Look You Would Love To Try Out.

I am cheating a little bit with this one.....I couldn't pick just one look! I am impressed that I cut it down to only three looks, actually!

The first is a sexy, doll-like look. Very dramatic and very beautiful, as you can see above.

30 day beauty challenge: day 28

I hope 2012 is treating you well so far! I am still struggling with the changing year...I keep writing/typing 2011 all the time! By the time I get adjusted to it, it might well be 2013!

Today's beauty challenge is: Top Beauty Item You Can't Live Without.

30 day beauty challenge: day 27

Today's challenge for the 30 day beauty challenge is: Favourite Skincare Product. I have chosen Ole Henriksen's Sheer Transformation.

30 day beauty challenge: day 26

Tiffany's is magic. Tiffany's is romance. Tiffany's is perfection.

Already onto day 26 of the 30 day beauty challenge! Today's challenge is: An Item From Your Wishlist.

30 day beauty challenge: day 25

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

It amazes me how quickly the year has gone by. I have been thinking lately, about the highs and lows of 2011. I am choosing to focus on the highs: I met some great people, went to a bunch of amazing concerts with great friends, met some celebrities I adore, traveled to Las Vegas and London, took part in an amazing internship, and started this blog!

For the first time in a long time, I feel focused and ready to take on the future. I feel optimistic and positive. 2011 was pretty good, but I think 2012 is going to be my year.

There aren't too many days left of the 30 day beauty challenge! As interesting as this challenge has been, I will be a bit relieved for it to be over! Until then, here is the challenge for day 25: Beauty Regime. When it comes to my beauty regime, I don't know that I do anything all that interesting.