Monday, November 29, 2021

charmed aroma review + reveal (winnie the pooh)

Disney and Charmed Aroma go hand in hand these days. It seems there is constantly one collaboration after another being released. Since I was raised in a Disney loving family, this is excellent news. Not only do I love to burn candles (anything that smells good and creates a cozy atmosphere is a must)...but Disney characters are incredibly meaningful to me. Put the two together and it really is perfection. In the past, there have been many review and reveal style posts here on the creation of beauty is art. Well, it is time to add another one to the list! This time, it is the Winnie the Pooh Hunny Pot Jewelry Candle with a sterling silver ring tucked away inside. Ready to take a closer look at this elaborate Charmed Aroma candle? Find out what Winnie the Pooh inspired accessory was hidden inside? Here is everything you need to know about this Disney release.

Saturday, November 27, 2021

i followed harpers bazaar fall 2021 beauty trends for a week

There are always new fashion and beauty trends. Every season, it seems that something new or reimagined comes to the forefront. Though I can appreciate a good trend (and partake every now and again)...I don't tend to base my choices on what is "in" at the moment. If I like something, great. If I don't like something, then I will pass. That being said, recently the Harpers Bazaar article, "The 7 Best Makeup Trends for Fall 2021" was passed along to me and I thought it might make for a fun challenge. Since there were seven makeup trends, it only made sense to try out one trend per day, and share the results here on the creation of beauty is art. Though I tend to wear my makeup in the style that I like best (hello, winged liner and lots of eyeshadow)...it seemed like an interesting way to step out of my comfort zone a little bit. 

Thursday, November 25, 2021

new in: hallmark must haves (candles, books, and ornaments)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas....or at least a very Candace Cameron Bure inspired Christmas thanks to Hallmark. I have been a fan of Candace Cameron Bure for as long as I can remember. I looked up to her iconic character on Full House, DJ Tanner, and continued to follow her career in the years following the original show. Since Full House is one of my all-time favourite comfort shows, all of the actors hold a very special place in my heart. Especially Candace. Over the years, I have watched her on various TV shows, have purchased lots and lots of her movies, read all her books, and have fallen head over heels in love with her style. She has inspired me in many ways. So...when it was suddenly possible to infuse my favourite holiday with items from my favourite actress, it was a no brainer. Looking for a little inspiration this season? Ready to make the season bright? Then be sure to check out these Hallmark must haves from Candace Cameron Bure. 

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

current obsession: avon senses peppermint delight


It is not December yet...but I have fully embraced the holiday spirit. My home is decorated, all of my Christmas shopping is done, and Christmas movies are running as often as possible. It is no secret that I love this time of year. It is so magical. I love the music, the movies, the lights, and the memories made with loved ones. Something else I love? The scents! Certain scents are permanently associated with the holiday season. Like gingerbread, vanilla, cranberries, and peppermint. Speaking of peppermint...some peppermint scented skin care products were recently gifted to me and I have been completely obsessed. 

Sunday, November 21, 2021

violet voss x care bears 12 color eyeshadow palette (review)

Care Bears Countdown....5, 4, 3, 2, 1. Any kid that grew up in the late 80s and early 90s remembers the Care Bears all too well. Though there is a new version out now, the original series will always have a special place in my heart. The characters were colourful, the plot lines were memorable, and the lessons were valuable. Thanks to the Care Bears, millions of children learned to be kind to one another, to be considerate of others, and to lean on friends in hard times. The Care Bears inspired viewers to do their best and to apologize when they made a mistake. There was so much to be learned from the cute and cuddly cast of characters. Since the Care Bears are such an important part of my childhood...the Violet Voss x Care Bears collection made me positively giddy. Earlier in the week, there was a post dedicated to the Mini Eyeshadow Palette. Today, it is all about the 12 Color Eyeshadow Palette. Here is everything you need to know about this colourful release. 

Friday, November 19, 2021

five indoor fall activities to add to your to do list

The weather is starting to cool and that means more time will be spent indoors over the next little while. That doesn't mean you need to give up on fun! There are plenty of fall activities that can be done from the comfort of your home. Whether you want to be social, relax and unwind, or add a new hobby to your to do list...there are countless possibilities. Are you ready to make the most of the season? Here are five indoor fall activities you'll want to make time for. 

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

recent reads: biographies and fall themed books

Reading is such an important part of my life. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to make time for one of my favourite activities. Between work and that endless to-do list...reading often gets put on the backburner. Which is why my New Years Resolution for the last few years has been to read twenty fiction and twenty non-fiction books (the 20/20 challenge) per year. That goal helps me prioritize reading whenever possible. Though I am a little behind where I would like to be (I still have 9 books to read by the end of the year), it seemed like a good time to look at some of my more recent reads. 

Monday, November 15, 2021

review: violet voss x care bears mini palette


Some things you never grow out of. Like the Care Bears. Though this show has been a part of my life since I was a young child...it still holds a special place in my heart. In fact, I have a few Care Bears dolls in my home as well as episodes from the original series. It is a classic! When it was announced the Violet Voss was doing a Care Bears inspired collection...my interest was immediately piqued. Especially since the first Violet Voss eyeshadow palette that I tried was phenomenal. I could not get over the intense colours and the overall quality. Was it a one off? Or would the Violet Voss x Care Bears Mini Palette perform just as well? Here is everything you need to know about this colourful collaboration. 

Saturday, November 13, 2021

affirmation card deck review: affirmators!

I love a good affirmation. Several years ago, the work of Louise Hay entered my life, and it radically changed the way that I saw the world. She believed that thoughts had power and that negative thoughts could be changed. All my life, my thoughts had defaulted to the negative. Even if something wonderful happened...it didn't take long for those negative thoughts to creep in and take over once again. Simply understanding that my thoughts could be changed, that my thoughts did not define my worth, and that it was possible to plant seeds of positivity, altered my direction. I began using positive affirmations to shift my mindset. Some days, it worked. Other days, it did nothing at all. But over time, there was subtle movement. Sure, negative and fearful thoughts still popped into my head, but when they did, I could remind myself: it is only a thought and a thought can be changed. Knowing that affirmations are extremely important to me, my friend gifted me a set of affirmation cards for my birthday. Are you ready to take a look at the Affirmators! card deck? Find out what they are like? Here goes...

Thursday, November 11, 2021

skin care sample review: lancer the method (polish)

It is no secret that I am a fan of Candace Cameron Bure. (Her recent Instagram debacle notwithstanding.) Over the years, she has promoted several different products on QVC and often talks about them on her social media pages as well. The Lancer skin care products caught my eye. According to Candace, she has used Dr. Lancer products for years. Given the fact that her skin is incredible and she seems to be ageless...this sure was a selling point. That being said, the products are pricey, and are will likely not be added to my shopping cart any time in the near future. But thank goodness for samples! I recently received a small single sample of one Lancer product. It was very exciting to see that as a sample option when checking out from a beauty website. And so, The Method: Polish sample came into my life. Here are some first impressions. 

Tuesday, November 9, 2021

pur x barbie lit mist signature illuminating setting spray (review)


It was about a year ago that pieces from the Pur x Barbie collection came into my life. The brushes wowed, the highlighter was an instant favourite, and the eyeshadow palette made it possible to create lots of different holiday makeup looks. Since that time, the products have continued to be used on a semi-regular basis. (Especially that highlighter. It is absolutely gorgeous.) Not too long ago, my mom found the Pur x Barbie Lit Mist Signature Illuminating Setting Spray at a discounted price. So she treated us both to something shiny and new. Curious about this product? Ready to find out how it performs? Here is everything you need to know about the Pur x Barbie Lit Mist Signature Illuminating Setting Spray. 

Sunday, November 7, 2021

fall highlights (zoo day + birthday events)

Fall is fully underway...and there have been a handful of memorable moments. To be honest, I have gotten kind of used to having nothing special on my calendar. Sure, there are lots of items on my to-do list (like work, creative projects, cleaning, and personal goals) but in terms of social plans? It has been largely blank since the pandemic began. Even now, over a year and a half later, the only outings I have are to visit my immediate family members. Until recently, that is. Since there is only a week difference between my birthday and my husband's birthday, there were a few fun fall highlights thrown into the mix. 

Friday, November 5, 2021

does it work?? top knot hat review


The idea sounded too good to be true: a baseball hat that could accommodate hair worn at any height. According to Top Knot, the brand was created specifically so women (or anyone with long hair) had the option to wear their hair higher up on the head and still be able to wear a baseball hat. Genius, right? This  product was was clever that my husband actually purchased me a hat based off of an online ad he saw. The reason? Over the summer, we went on a lot of walks (I'm still trying to work off all of that pandemic weight) and it was always irritating to have to lower my ponytail in order to fit it through the back of a baseball hat. I wanted to wear the hat for extra sun protection, but it was seriously messing with my hairdo! So, when my husband came across this product, it was a no brainer. But the question remains....does it work??

Wednesday, November 3, 2021

nail polish review: essie have a ball collection (part three)

Over the last several months, I have been putting the Essie Have a Ball Nail Polish collection to good use. Part one and part two discussed the shades, Love-All Game, Have a Ball, Play Date, and Blanc. With only two shades left to discuss and review...this will be the final installment of this particular nail polish review. It has been so exciting to use these different polishes and incorporate lots of fun and exciting colours into my nail looks. Ready to see what the final two shades look like? Find out how they perform? Here is everything you need to know about these colourful Essie polishes...

Monday, November 1, 2021

review: cover girl lash blast clean waterproof mascara


It is no secret that Cover Girl is one of my all-time favourite drugstore makeup brands. I have so many wonderful memories associated with their products! From my first foundation purchase to my beloved The Super Sizer mascara...there is a lot to love about Cover Girl. Though their mascaras can be a little hit or miss, they are always fun to test and try out. Recently, I was able to put the Cover Girl Lash Blast Clean Waterproof Mascara to good use. Ready to find out how it performs? How this mascara compares to The Super Sizer? And most importantly, whether it is worth checking out the next time you are at the drugstore? Here is everything you need to know about this affordable beauty product. 

inspired by: shapellx

Never underestimate the basics. To be honest...this is something that I do often. I will focus on gorgeous eyeshadow shades but won't necessarily take the time to prep and prepare my skin fully. Yes, this is an area that I am working on in all areas of my life. Fashion included. Though there are lots of beautiful dresses and shirts hanging in my closet, I haven't necessarily been focused on the basics. As in, what goes underneath those pieces. On the plus side? Shapellx has all of those must haves covered. This website offers a selection of shapewear, bodysuits, and waist trainers to suit a variety of shapes and sizes.