the only failure is not knowing how to be happy.

When music, fashion, and photography come together, it is a beautiful thing. This is exactly what happened in Celine Dion's latest magazine spread! After seeing Celine Dion's photos for V magazine, I was so inspired. What I love most about this set of photos is how dramatic they are. Celine looks sultry, strong, and exudes sex appeal. At the same time, she still manages to look sweet and flirty. I also am a big fan of black and white photography, so this photoshoot was a hit for me.

What do you think of these photos of Celine Dion?

knowledge is always accompanied with accessories of emotion and purpose.

What girl doesn't love great accessories? One great piece can completely change the feel of an outfit! This is why it is so important to find accessories that you love. Which is why I was lucky to receive a couple of accessories from VIVI Clothes. Of everything that was sent, I particularly loved the earrings!

all the gold which is under or upon the earth is not enough to give in exchange for virtue.

In honour of the 50th anniversary of James Bond, OPI is bringing out an 18 karat gold leaf top coat inspired by the franchise! This is in addition to the other 12 James Bond inspired nail polish colours that will be released in October to gear up for the release of Skyfall.

OPI's gold leaf top coat will be called The Man with the Golden Gun Packaged in a limited edition gold bottle, it will cost $38 a bottle.

Are you excited for all of the new OPI shades? Do you think you'll purchase The Man with the Golden Gun?

when I would see shows that changed my life.

Going to concerts has always been a part of my life.

I know some people would rather stay at home and listen to the CD, but for me, there is something about the electricity in the air. Concerts are a place to get lost in a moment; to get completely carried away by a feeling, a note, or person - they are magical.

Last week, I was lucky enough to have two concerts fall in the same week! I went to the American Idols Live Tour with my Mom, and to the Our Lady Peace concert with my boyfriend. Very different shows, but I had a lot of fun at both.

a good book has no ending.

This summer has been a busy one. I've been trying to balance my career aspirations with a social life. Even further, I've been making sure I allow time for reading in my schedule - there is nothing like a good book to completely take you away.

Thankfully, I've been able to combine my career aspirations with my love of reading. I recently wrote a book review of I Think I Love You by Allison Pearson. It's a wonderful novel about growing up in Wales in the 1970s, and a pair of friends bonded by their love of David Cassidy.

The Uncustomary Book Review published my review of I Think I Love You on their website earlier this week. It would mean the world to me if you took the time to read it!

The Uncustomary Book Review - I Think I Love You by Allison Pearson

What is the last great book you read?

review: red apple lipstick

There are so many different makeup brands out there - some good, some not so good. When it comes to Red Apple Lipstick...they are simply amazing!

Not only are the products high quality, but safe too! Every single Red Apple Lipstick product is gluten free, lead and paraben free, vegan, cruelty free, and mineral based. So, not only will you look gorgeous, but you'll feel gorgeous knowing that your makeup is good for you!

I was recently lucky enough to sample a few Red Apple Lipstick products - a lipstick, lipgloss, and eyeshadow. Here are some of my thoughts.

in the fashion industry, everything goes retro except the prices.

Fashion is always evolving. The fun of a new trend is almost as fun as rediscovering an old one! I love classic, retro-inspired styles the most. There is something about the Audrey's and Marilyn's that really encapsulate beauty. Lately, I've been so inspired by retro style that I had to re-create a classic makeup look!

inspired by: elizabeth olsen

Growing up, I have always been a massive fan of Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Recently, I have become a fan of their equally talented and fashionable sister, Elizabeth Olsen - especially her style! It is hard to ignore Elizabeth's adventurous, but laid-back, boho inspired fashion sense.

beauty is an ecstasy; it is as simple as hunger.

Here it is - part two of my recent shopping haul!

I went into Sephora with a few things on my wish list. I ended up purchasing Urban Decay's Naked Palette, Benefit's They're Real! mini-mascara, and Tarte's blush and bronzer set. I also was recently given a set of Sephora Nail Bling Nail Stickers that I haven't had a chance to try yet.

a store can awaken a lust for things you never even knew you needed.

A little while ago, a friend and I went on a shopping trip with the sole intention of blowing some cash and buying whatever frivolous things we wanted. With that frame of mind, we did quite well! This is part one of my shopping haul - clothes and accessories. Part two will be up next, with my latest makeup purchases and reviews.

interview: lisa from lischen blog!

Thus far, my week has been full of so many exciting things, and it's only Wednesday! One of these exciting things, was being able to interview the amazing Lisa from Lischen! Her blog is all about fashion, nail art, and food - what more do you need?

better keep yourself clean and bright - you are the window through which you must see the world.

Bath & Bodyworks is an overwhelming sensory experience. There are so many different scents to discover! On a recent shopping trip, I bought a few new things from the store. I was on my best behaviour and bought four new products, though I could have done some serious damage in there!

summer favourites series: part five

Summer always seems to go by so fast. I feel like it just began, except now I am clinging to the remaining days! This post is the final part of my summer favourites series, and it is all about keeping your lips beautiful and protected from the sun. The perfect lip product for this summer? Maybelline's Baby Lips.

all the windows of my heart I open to the day.

First off, I just created a Twitter account for this blog! It would mean a lot to me if you could follow: @TCOBeautyIsArt Be sure to link me to your Twitter account in the comments, so I can follow all of you!

A little while back, I was tagged by Zia Blue at Song Sung Blue to take part in a photo challenge. The challenge? "Window With a View." Since my neighbourhood is all houses, finding a decent view really was a challenge! Ultimately, I took a photo of the view from the front room.

For this challenge, I tag anyone with an interest in photography, or with a really spectacular view to share!

What are your plans for this weekend?

gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.

the creation of beauty is art. has hit over 500 followers on GFC! This is something I never could have fathomed when I began this blog.

I just wanted to quickly say thank you for all of your support. It means the world to me!

to see the summer sky is poetry,

It is hard to believe how quickly summer is going by. Already it is the beginning of August, and there is only one month left of my favourite season.

Before this summer began, I made a promise to myself that this would be the best summer of my life. Why? I wanted to do things I always wanted to, but hadn't; I wanted to be social and really experience the fun aspects of summer.

With one month left, I have lots of fun things to do still, and so many that I have already done. These are a collection of photos that have represented the highlights of my summer thus far.