celebrate endings - for they precede new beginnings.

It seems that 2021 barely started...yet here it is about to end. My perception of time has definitely been affected by the pandemic. Days and weeks seem to blend together in a way that they never did before. Maybe this is because there aren't any of those extra special experiences to mark on the calendar. There are no travel plans, no concerts, no trips downtown to have dinner with friends, no nights out, no...nothing. When I wrote my New Years post last year, I did not imagine that the pandemic would still be affecting all of our lives today. At that point, I believed that the vaccine would solve all of the problems, and life would return to normal once more. But now there are variants and the case numbers continue to increase while we wait for booster shots to become available. Nothing is predictable these days. Nothing is normal. 

merry christmas + mini blog break

Merry Christmas! It is hard to believe that Christmas Day has arrived. So many days are spent counting down and waiting in breathless anticipation that it always seems to surprise me when the 25th of December actually rolls around. This is such a special, magical, and memorable time. However you celebrate and wherever you are in the world...I hope that you are having an incredible day. Here is to family, loved ones, traditions, and child-like wonder. 

#FOTD: classic holiday makeup look

All dressed up with nowhere to go. That has been my motto during the pandemic. Some days, I just felt like doing glamorous makeup, even though my plans involved working from home. It was nice to feel a little bit...normal. That being said, recently, I was all dressed up with somewhere to go. Sort of. For the last few years, a couple of my friends have had what we call Friendsmas. Basically, we exchange gifts and either go to dinner or watch Christmas themed Friends episodes together. Last year, we did a socially distanced gift drop off and then video chatted afterwards. This year? It was another pandemic get-together. That meant a socially distanced gift drop off, a video chat, and streaming a movie at the same time. Even though my friends were only going to see me at a distance and on the video call, I decided to do something a little more glam for the festivities. There really isn't much reason to get dressed up these days. So, I figured I should make the most of every single opportunity that I have. That is what inspired this #FOTD post, which features a classic holiday makeup look. 

favourite holiday traditions TAG

How could it be? Despite the fact that I have steadily been counting down the days on my advent calendar...it still comes as a shock to me that there are only four days until Christmas. This is always such a bittersweet time. As much as I love and look forward to all of the traditions that will take place over the next several days, it is hard to know that this special time of year will shortly be over. I think that I love the buildup to Christmas Day more than the actual day. All of the little moments create such a beautiful and unforgettable season. On the plus side? Christmas always comes back. Since there are only a few days left, it made sense to share a little bit about my favourite holiday traditions. There are ten different TAG questions that I will be answering below. Be sure to share your own answers in the comment section! I can't wait to hear more about your traditions. 

seasonal book recommendations + holiday favourites video

Books are such an important part of my life. So is Christmas. Put the two together? I am in my glory. There is nothing that I love more at this time of year than a Christmas themed novel. I love reading about different holiday experiences and experiencing an extra dose of seasonal magic. Normally, I try to read (or re-read) at least a handful of Christmas themed books during the month of December. It just makes everything happier! There are some Christmas themed books that stand out more than others and some that I reach for time and time again. This year? I wanted to share some seasonal book recommendations. 

revisited review: too faced cinnamon bear set

Just over a year ago, there was a post on the creation of beauty is art. reviewing the Too Faced Cinnamon Bear Holiday Set. Since my goal this year is to use all of the holiday sets and holiday themed makeup items in my collection...it only made sense to do another revisited review. It is a fun way for me to look back at previous posts, and also a great way to continue to put old favourites to the test. At the time, this set received rave reviews from me thanks to the selection of products, the eyeshadow shades, and that stunning lip colour. Not to mention the fabulous cinnamon bear theme and the adorable makeup bag. In the year that has passed, I have continued to reach for the Cinnamon Bear eyeshadow palette over and over again. So, today it is all about sharing my current thoughts as well as a new makeup look. 

five ways to make the holiday season brighter this year.

It's the most wonderful time of the year...but sometimes, it can be difficult to tap into all of that holiday spirit. While there are many memorable traditions to cherish and enjoy, there are also endless to-do lists and last-minute assignments at work. Striking a balance between festivities and responsibilities can be tricky. Not to worry! There are many ways to make the holiday season brighter this year. Some of the suggestions included in this post will take mere moments and others are a little more involved. Choose whatever item fits into your holiday schedule. Whether you have a few hours or a few minutes, it is always possible to embrace the spirit of the season. Here are a few ideas to get you started...

music review: kelly clarkson (when christmas comes around)

Christmas music is a must. I love to have holiday themed songs on all-day-every-day once December hits. This year has been no different. I keep it on in the background during my work day and never seem to grow tired of the festive tunes. Even the ones that I have heard over and over again. Some years, there are new Christmas CDs that are released. For instance, last year, there were many different albums that hit the market...and several of them stood out for all the right reasons. This year? Kelly Clarkson released her second full-length holiday album. The first was released in 2013 and was absolutely incredible. Immediately, I wondered how her new album would compare. Would, "When Christmas Comes Around..." be an instant classic or would it fall flat? Well, here is everything you need to know the latest seasonal release from Kelly Clarkson.

top 5 underrated christmas movies.

Holiday movies are a passion of mine. When I was little, there was nothing more exciting than reaching for one of the VHS tapes in our home that had different Christmas specials taped off of TV. I loved each and every one of those tapes and watched the cartoons and specials over and over again. They added to the magic and wonder of the holiday season! As I grew older...I started to create my own little holiday movie collection. It started slowly, but snowballed as the years went on. Currently, there are about 175 Christmas movies in my collection. Honestly? I love them all. Even not-so-great holiday movies have a special place in my heart. Which is what inspired my latest the creation of beauty is art. YouTube video. 

avon mega palette (mini review + three christmas looks)

Lately, my focus has been on holiday themed makeup and holiday themed makeup sets. Some are from years past and some are brand spanking new. Speaking of the latter...my mom recently gifted me the Glow Up, Glim Up Mega Palette from Avon. The palette is ultra compact and nicely themed, which makes it an ideal pre-Christmas gift. It certainly was a wonderful surprise! Today, I wanted to celebrate this oh-so-festive month by discussing the palette itself and sharing three different Christmas appropriate makeup looks. Ready to take a look inside this massive (but totally compact) palette? Here is everything you need to know about the Glow Up, Glim Up Mega Palette from Avon.

inspired by: UP2STEP

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seasonal favourites for 2021 (movies, books, music, and more!)

Every year, it seems that there are certain favourites that stand out. Need an example? Last year, my holiday favourites included things like Sugar Rush Christmas (a seasonal baking show on Netflix), the Little Debbie Christmas Tree Cakes, and Marshmallow Fireside candles from Bath & Body Works. Though all of those items on the list are still favourites for me…there are a few different standouts this season. Some are holiday specials, some are tasty treats, and others have been keeping me entertained this month. Each and every item on list has been making me feel extra happy and festive lately. Ready to see what has stood out in 2021? Here are my seasonal favourites for the year. 

friends themed makeup?? (friends x revolution review)

Few television shows are as iconic and beloved as Friends. The show has left a lasting impression on audiences all over the world...and not too long ago, there was even a reunion special. Friends is one of those shows that everyone has seen and can quote at random. Each character is known and loved. And there seems to be no slowing down. Even though the show ended in 2004, it continues to live on thanks to reruns, DVD sales, and streaming. Not to mention all of the merchandise! It isn't hard to find Friends themed products these days. And that includes makeup. Recently, the Friends x Revolution collection launched and it was thrilling to say the least. Everything looked so adorable and was affordable as well. Cute themed makeup that doesn't break the bank? Sounds good to me. Ready to learn more about the Forever Flawless - We Were on a Break palette and three of the character inspired lip glosses? Here is everything you need to know about this collaboration.

revisited review: revolution snow globe snowflake palette

Time for something a little bit different....a revisited review. Honestly? Reviewing makeup is one of my favourite things to do. I always love testing out different products and seeing how they perform. But sometimes, it is nice to take a step back, and re-examine what is already in my makeup collection. Late last year, the I Heart Revolution Snow Globe Snowflake Palette entered my life. It was immediately attractive because of the packaging and the fabulous winter theme. At the time, I had mixed feelings on the palette, but have since found myself reaching for it over and over again despite those mixed feelings. Hence the need for a revisited review. It is time to take another look at this affordable eyeshadow palette.

get festive this season with popopie

What is it about this time of year? Suddenly, everything seems brighter and more magical. There is so much hope and love in the air! Maybe it has to do with all of the special family time, the many different holiday parties, and all of those seasonal traditions. Whatever the reason…there is truly nothing better. There are so many exciting ways to celebrate the next month or so. Looking for a way to feel extra festive? Then it is time to head on over to the Popopie website. This online retailer has everything you need to make this a December to remember. 

december...a month of joy, happiness, and finishing what you started.

Ahh...December. It is finally here. Thank goodness for that! Life has certainly been challenging for the last while (thanks to the pandemic) and December feels like a hopeful final chapter for the year. It is the perfect time to look back and also to look ahead. After all, there is so much goodness jam packed into one month. From snow to seasonal traditions to cozy sweaters and blankets...this is certainly a time to be grateful. December is without a doubt my favourite month. After all, this is the time to make memories with family, mail holiday cards, and let people know that they are loved. It is a month overloaded with traditions, decorations, lights, and good cheer. That December magic is very much needed. To welcome in the last month of 2021, here are some December TAG questions on the creation of beauty is art. as well as a bit of seasonal inspiration.