Wednesday, December 24, 2025

hope brings cheer and santa's sleigh bells ringing.


Hope has been on my mind a lot lately. This year has been the hardest of my life, so I have spent a lot of time trying to hold onto hope...trying to find it in the midst of uncertainty and pain. Though the Flintstones cartoon, "A Flintstone Christmas," is something that I have watched many times in the past, the lyrics from one of the songs stood out to me in a new way this holiday season. (You can listen to the song here.) It is a simple song, a sweet song, and a reminder that hope is powerful. It keeps the best parts of us alive. Several events have chipped away at my ability to have hope, but this song makes me want to find my way back. I want to believe in goodness, in justice, and in joy. For now, there is a special Christmas wish in my heart and I am praying that it comes true this year. I am wishing that Christmas wish with everything I have left in me. 

Monday, December 22, 2025

holiday #FOTD: red and green makeup look

Each year, it seems there is a different colour trend that takes over the holiday season. Frosty winter whites and blues, pastel candy colours, and sometimes, even silver and gold. However, it is nice to stick to the classics. Red and green are commonly associated with this time of year. Traditionally, these colours were tied to winter solstice traditions, with red holly berries and green leaves, but these colours have also been known to represent blood and eternal life. Whatever the reason...red and green are easily the most recognizable Christmas colours. That is the reason this holiday themed #FOTD focuses on both.

Friday, December 19, 2025

obscure christmas cartoons i've been watching this year.

What is it about holiday specials? Each one manages to make life feel extra beautiful. I suppose it comes down to this: the world is often stressful, frustrating, and unfair, but in Christmas movies and television specials, there is hope. Things get better. People grow. Circumstances change. Dreams are realized. Prayers are answered. It feels nice to escape to a magical dream world every now and then. Though there are many beloved Christmas movies and television specials out there, this post is focused on some obscure Christmas cartoons that have been high on my list of loves this year. If you are looking for something different that is sure to make your season bright, consider one of these hidden gems. You just might find a new favourite.

Wednesday, December 17, 2025

holiday scent collection (fragrance mists and body sprays)

There is a lot to love about the holiday season...scents included. During this time of year, there are all sorts of seasonal candles and essential oil blends making my home smell fabulous. However, there are also fragrance mists and body sprays regularly thrown into the mix. (I have made a promise not to purchase more for the next little while, since there is a nice assortment.) Sometimes, these are used as room sprays, and other times, as a festive perfume. Here is a closer look at my collection.

Monday, December 15, 2025

seasonal favourites: scents, movies, and accessories

Somehow, the month of December is halfway over. This time of year always seems to move too fast. The endless to-do lists, decorating, shopping, wrapping, cards, and all the rest seem to make the days zip by in a flash. So, it is nice to pause and reflect on the little things that add magic and wonder to the holiday season. These are some of my seasonal favourites for 2025.

Friday, December 12, 2025

review: the grinch face and eyeshadow palette (taste beauty)


I have many weaknesses. Around the holiday season? It is The Grinch. I have a little Grinch themed village, a Grinch tree topper, mini inflatable, blow molds, and all sorts of other decor items. I love everything about The Grinch. The book, the cartoon, the live action version, and the more recent animated film. There is something so beautiful about the story. It is essentially about opening your heart to others and finding the true spirit of the season. If only more people on this planet were willing to learn from The Grinch, especially his ability to grow and change. The messages in holiday movies are meaningful...so it is hard to control myself around Christmas themed makeup items. I like to use them throughout the year so I can enjoy that Christmas feeling month after month. Recently, there was a massive Grinch palette at Winners for $12.99 CDN, and despite it being completely impractical to store, it was added to my cart without much thought. Oops. Find out how it performs...

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

my five most listened to artists of 2025.


Streaming is not really my thing, but it has been interesting to see my friends post lists of their most listened to artists of the year. I love to see what people have been into lately. Music is a really important part of my life, so even though I do not have an official "wrapped" list, it seemed appropriate to share some of my most listened to artists of 2025. Here goes...

Monday, December 8, 2025

unexpected makeup haul (r.e.m. beauty and wet n wild)


It has been a long time since I casually browsed the beauty aisles of the drugstore. Thanks to a generous birthday gift from one of my oldest friends, there was a gift card burning a hole in my pocket - and I was all too eager to put to good use. That is how this unexpected makeup haul came to be. Keep reading for a closer look at these Wet n Wild and r.e.m. beauty products.

Friday, December 5, 2025

revisited review: oh deer christmas shadow and face palette


Seasonal makeup items are always a thrill. Christmas music and movies are played in my home throughout the year....and holiday makeup items are used on a regular basis. The cute illustrations, themed names, and beautiful colours make the world a little better. It should come as no surprise that the Oh Deer Christmas Shadow and Face Palette from Beauty Creations has been in heavy rotation since last holiday season. I have focused on making the most of this Christmas themed release. Now, it is time for a revisited review. Have my opinions changed? What colours are most used? Keep reading to find out...

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

thrifted christmas finds (music and movies)

Ahh...how I love thrift stores. There are all sorts of hidden treasures inside. One of my favourite thrift stores only carries media (CDs, VHS tapes, DVDs, and records) but it is not somewhere that I am able to visit often. This is because armfuls of items come home with me every single time. However, every now and then, I am treated to a quick browse. The last time that I visited, there were all sorts of holiday items available. On that note, here are some recent thrifted Christmas finds. 

Monday, December 1, 2025

to appreciate a snowflake it is necessary to stand out in the cold.

The last month of 2025 has officially arrived....and what a year it has been. The last eleven months have been extremely difficult for my family, with multiple members in and out of the hospital. Fingers crossed 2026 will be much better, but until then, it is time to make the most of what remains. December is a month that often makes me smile, even if it also stresses me out with all of the seasonal tasks that need to be done. What I love most? Christmas music on the radio, watching holiday movies, and making memories with loved ones. In honour of the last month of the year, here are some seasonal questions.

Friday, November 28, 2025

katseye concert review and makeup look

When tickets went on sale for the Beautiful Chaos tour, it was stressful. The presales sold out instantly and resale tickets were being posted for over a thousand dollars each. KATSEYE has quickly become one of my favourite groups and I wanted desperately to see them on their first tour. Thankfully, when the general sale took place, one ticket in the balcony was available by the time I reached the front of the virtual queue. I bought it without hesitation. The KATSEYE concert is one that I have been looking forward to for months and months. I was literally counting down the days, all too eager to see this fantastic band perform live. On that note...this post is dedicated to some concert highlights, a mini review, and KATSEYE inspired makeup. 

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

wicked inspired shop my stash makeup look

Wicked: For Good was released last week to rave reviews and massive audiences. There has been all sorts of promotion for the movie over the last month or so, from television specials to commercials and merchandise. Wicked mania has taken over once more. In honour of the new movie (which I cannot wait to see)...here is an Elphaba inspired makeup look featuring some beloved products from my makeup collection. This shop my stash post is focused on green, black, and all things wicked. 

Monday, November 24, 2025

review: cosmic 2.0 (kylie jenner eau de parfum)


There is something special about perfume. The right scent can make the world feel a little more manageable - and can deliver an added boost of confidence. There are all sorts of perfumes, body mists, room sprays, and other wonderful scents in my home. The latest addition comes from Kylie Jenner. Cosmic 2.0 (the sequel to the original Cosmic perfume from Kylie Jenner) is a recent birthday gift from my parents. Find out more about Cosmic 2.0 and how it compares to the original release.

Friday, November 21, 2025

random drugstore makeup haul (nyx, maybelline, and l'oreal)

While out and about looking for Christmas gifts (my intention is to have all of the holiday shopping done by December 1st, so there is time to decorate, watch movies, and spend time with loved ones) an unexpected extra was purchased. A random assortment of drugstore makeup items were tossed into a clear pouch and marked down to $9 CDN at Winners. There appeared to be a lot of products well suited to my makeup preferences. At such a low price, it was a nice way to spoil myself without feeling too guilty about it. Ready to take a look at what was included? Here is a random drugstore makeup haul. 

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

my seasonal reading list (november and december)

It is fun to choose seasonal books from my bookshelf. I like browsing the stacks of books that I have and deciding which ones will be part of my holiday celebration. Some of the books in this seasonal reading list are thrifted, some are re-reads, and some are new. I wanted a mixture of familiarity and fresh stories to keep things interesting. Here is a closer look at my book list...

Monday, November 17, 2025

2 looks 1 palette: hershey's milk chocolate eyeshadow palette


As far as I am concerned, chocolate is an essential. I have always had a sweet tooth, but chocolate is my main weakness. When my husband and I visited Niagara Falls last month, we walked around, looked at the amazing views, and visited the Hershey's Chocolate World store. There are all sorts of wonderful shops and restaurants in Niagara Falls, but it is the cookie sandwich at the Hershey's store that thrills me most. In addition to checking out the bakery section, we looked at the different merchandise available. There were t-shirts, pillows, shorts, and giant bars of chocolate. However, it was the Hershey's Milk Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette that was most irresistible. Keep reading for a 2 looks 1 palette post and a mini review of this palette.

Friday, November 14, 2025

more main street melts candle co. fragrance oils


After my last Walt Disney World vacation, it was hard to settle back into real life. Especially knowing it was not a place that I could return for several years. (Partly because Disney is expensive, but mostly because of the political situation over there.) So, it was Main Street Melts Candle Co. that I turned to. Their products made it possible to bring a little bit of Disney magic to my home. The first time around, there were ten fragrance oils added to my Etsy cart. All have been used regularly since that time, but the Spaceship Earth inspired blend was easily the most loved. My bottle reached the halfway point and I decided to purchase a couple of backup bottles. And while I was browsing, I decided to purchase a few Christmas gifts for loved ones. And then I decided to try a few other essential oil blends. Truth be told, my shopping cart got a little out of hand, but I am now stocked up for the foreseeable future. On that note...this is part one of my latest main Street Melts Candle Co. order. The second half will be posted at some point, but for now, it is time to find out more about these theme park inspired scents.

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

love it or leave it? ariana grande

It is time for another love it or leave it? here on the creation of beauty is art. Celebrity fashion can be fun, outrageous, beautiful, and well, a little bit of everything. Sometimes, a design wows, and other times, it falls totally flat. Where does this recent look from Ariana Grande fall? Take a look at the custom 16Arlington design created for the Wicked: For Good press tour.

Monday, November 10, 2025

#FOTD: sparkle and shine featuring lise watier stardust


The holiday season is steadily creeping closer...and I could not be more thrilled. Though it is still November, there has been Christmas music playing in my home on a regular basis. (I like to start as early as possible so I can soak up all of that seasonal magic.) In addition to Christmas music, many of my recent makeup looks are seasonally inspired. For example, I have been putting the Stardust Glitter Liner and Shadow from Lise Watier to use. Most years, my mom gifts me the Eye Glitter Liners from the brand for my birthday, but this year, it was the Stardust Glitter Liner and Shadow in the shade Opale. Here is a #FOTD.

Friday, November 7, 2025

my favourite fall perfumes (fall 2025)


Different perfumes seem to call my name at different times of year. Sometimes, there is consistency and other times, it comes down to whatever fits my mood at that particular moment. This fall season, there have been a handful of perfumes and body mists in heavy rotation. So, it made sense to highlight them here on the creation of beauty is art. Here are some favourites.

Wednesday, November 5, 2025

current obsession: deep plum balm glow (revolution)

Beauty products in various shades of purple have long been my weakness. Purple lipstick? Yes. Purple eyeshadow? Yes. Purple blush? Yes. No wonder the Balm Glow in Deep Plum from Revolution has become a current obsession. This is something that I found a few months back at Winners (of course) for a deeply discounted price. With the cooler weather on the way, a multiuse balm sounded like a logical (and colourful) choice. Keep reading to find out more about this product and how it performed.

Monday, November 3, 2025

review: the roaring 20's indulgence eyeshadow palette

Every once and a while, a loved one sees a beauty product that I might like and treats me to it for no reason at all. It always makes me feel special to be thought of in that way. (And new makeup is always fun.) That is what happened recently with The Roaring 20's Indulgence Eyeshadow Palette from Rude Cosmetics. This is a brand that I have had some positive experiences with in the past. The colour stories tend to be really interesting. So, it was a treat to test out a 1920s inspired release. 

Friday, October 31, 2025

there's a little witch in all of us.

Happy Halloween! This holiday can be celebrated in many different ways. For some, Halloween is something that is celebrated only as a child through trick or treating and school parties. For others, the celebrations continue into adulthood with costumes, candy, and decorations in the home. There is no right or wrong way to celebrate. What matters most is that the experience is fun and enjoyable. I hope that whatever you have planned, it is a Halloween to remember for all the right reasons. 

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

what i've been watching lately (spooky season 2025)

One of my favourite ways to celebrate the holidays? Movies. Seasonal stories can make a holiday come to life in an even more meaningful way. For example, during the Christmas season, I often choose movies with themes of love, understanding, and kindness. When it comes to Halloween, just about anything goes. I love family friendly creatures and characters, over the top camp, thrillers, and classic horror films. A little bit of everything manages to make spooky season memorable. Looking for a little inspiration? Here are some of the movies (and miniseries) that I have been watching to celebrate spooky season...

Monday, October 27, 2025

revisited review: halloween town eyeshadow palette


Halloween is steadily creeping closer...which means this is the ideal time for a revisited review here on the creation of beauty is art. Last year, the Halloween Town eyeshadow palette from Melt Cosmetics was added to my makeup collection and it has been used ever since. Ready to find out what eyeshadow shades are the standouts? And take a look at what was created most recently? Keep reading for a revisited review of this seasonal release inspired by The Nightmare Before Christmas movie.

Friday, October 24, 2025

random birthday things (makeup, music, and travel)

There is something special about birthdays. Though some people prefer not to celebrate them fully...my birthday has always been a day that I love. The way that I celebrate has shifted and changed over the years (moving from themed parties as a child to dinners with friends as a young adult to laid back celebrations with family in more recent years) but my love of birthdays still remains. This year, the plan is to sleep in, watch The Stand miniseries, and then have dinner with my immediate family. Laid back, but fun. My birthday is today, but there have been a few pre-birthday celebrations related to makeup, music, and travel.

Thursday, October 23, 2025

theft of my blog posts and images from mansafashion.com

This is an unplanned blog post. For the last fourteen years, the creation of beauty is art. has been my little corner of the internet. A place where I could share and create. A place where I could write freely and connect with others. This is the first time in fourteen years that I have considered packing it all in. The reason? A website, mansafashion.com has been stealing my content. Not just my words, but the pictures I have taken of products, and even pictures of me. I feel violated and angry. I feel powerless. I have tried to contact WordPress about this situation, but according to them, even though the website is "powered by WordPress," it is not a WordPress site. So, there is nothing they can do. I have also contacted someone else about what can be done. However, at this point, it is hard to be hopeful. I recognize that things are passed around and shared on the internet, but to steal every word, every picture, every thought, and stamp a fake name on it? I feel like someone has stolen my voice. 

I have a request...could you please leave a comment on any of the 106 posts of mine that were blatantly stolen by manasfashion.com and ask them to remove the stolen posts? I know it is a long shot, but I don't know what else to do. Please. 

These are the stolen posts, under the name Viktoria Arnold: https://mansafashion.com/author/viktoria-arnold

And to whoever is stealing my content and posting it....have the day that you deserve.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

how beautiful the leaves grow old.

This is such a special time of year. There is an awful lot to enjoy, like the leaves changing colour and then littering the ground, like the cooler temperatures that make it possible to wear oversized sweaters or read a book under a bundle of blankets, like seasonal decorations shaped like pumpkins, ghosts, and all sorts of different creatures.  Ahh...fall. With Halloween just over a week away, it feels like the clock is starting to tick on the most festive parts of the fall season. I am trying to soak up every little bit that remains. Movies, music, candles, essential oils, baked goods, and experiences with loved ones have been making this season one to remember. Another way that I am trying to hold onto the fall season and everything that goes along with it? Saving pictures on my computer that reflect this magical - and spooky - time of year. It is nice to have a folder overloaded with picture perfect inspiration. On that note, here are some of my current favorite photos for some extra seasonal inspiration.

Monday, October 20, 2025

david archuleta concert highlights and #FOTD


There have been a handful of concerts on my calendar recently (and one more before the end of this year) and the latest was David Archuleta. I have been a fan of his for a very long time, but he has only performed in the city nearest me once, way back in 2008 on the American Idol: Live Tour. In 2020, my mom and I had purchased tickets to see him perform and even paid extra for a meet and greet. Well, the COVID-19 pandemic happened, and that concert was cancelled. Finally, around five years later, it was possible to see him concert. Unfortunately, my mom was not able to attend this one, but my lovely husband was kind enough to attend with me. Keep reading for a mini concert review and an Earthly Delights inspired makeup look.

Friday, October 17, 2025

halloween product review: spooky aroma oils

There is something special about seasonal scents. Truth be told, fall and winter have become my favourite times of year for a whole lot of reasons....including the various holidays. When out and about, there was this Spooky Aroma Oils set that caught my eye at Winners. It was not something that I planned on purchasing, but after looking at the different essential oil blends, the Halloween themed scents seemed like an ideal addition. I love candles, wall plug-ins, essential oils, room sprays, perfumes, and well, all things scented. It just makes the home feel extra special. Ready to find out what was included in the Spooky Aroma Oils set from DW Home? Here is everything you need to know about this seasonal essential oil release.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

rare beauty review: stay vulnerable glossy lip balm


Sephora used to be one of my favourite places to shop, but in more recent years, my purchases there have been limited. However, since I had some Sephora gift cards in my wallet, the Rare Beauty perfume was added to my collection (read about that perfume and layering balm here) as well as the Stay Vulnerable Glossy Lip Balm in the shade Nearly Neutral. 

Monday, October 13, 2025

thanksgiving specials + random things i am grateful for this year

Happy Thanksgiving! Depending on where you are located in the world, this post will either be right on time, early, or totally irrelevant...but here is hoping that you will take a little time to be grateful today anyway. 2025 has been a difficult year, and at times, it has been hard to see the light. That is the reason that I have decided to create a little Thanksgiving post here on the creation of beauty is art. It is important to remember all that I have and all there is to look forward to. Here are some Thanksgiving themed movies and specials that are making me smile and five random things that I am grateful for this year.

Friday, October 10, 2025

mini spirit halloween haul.

If left alone in a Spirit Halloween store for too long, my bill could easily be hundreds and hundreds of dollars. There is so much to see and enjoy! I love Halloween decorations, themed clothes, and many beloved seasonal franchises. This is why my husband is normally present when I make my annual visit. He is able to remind me that our home only has so much room available. Even though there were a million other items that I would have loved to take home (like Halloween themed blankets, Hocus Pocus home decor items, and everything Trick 'r Treat), three items were deemed essential seasonal additions.

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

#FOTD: black lipstick look (spooky season makeup)

October is such a fun month. There are still several weeks until Halloween arrives, but my home is in full blown spooky mode. Decorations are everywhere, pumpkin scented candles are lit regularly, my Halloween themed t-shirts are in rotation, horror movies are playing on my television, and my makeup is a little more dramatic than usual. Check out this recent #FOTD

Monday, October 6, 2025

the official release party of a showgirl (taylor swift movie)

When the first images were released for The Life of a Showgirl album from Taylor Swift, the excitement was immediate. I loved the theme and could not wait to hear more about the music. Eventually, it was announced that there would be The Official Release Party of a Showgirl, a movie experience to celebrate the album - and it would be only available for three days. I tried to purchase a set of tickets for myself and my oldest friend in the world, but the movie theater website crashed and I was unsuccessful. Luckily, my friend continued to check back and was able to obtain two tickets in a theater a few cities over. Ready to hear about The Official Release Party of a Showgirl experience? Keep reading for a mini review and a themed makeup look.

Friday, October 3, 2025

celebrating mean girls day with mean girls nail art tattoos.


"On October 3rd, he asked me what day it is...." Happy Mean Girls Day to all who celebrate! After all, "It's October 3rd." There are certain movies that I watch over and over again. I never seem to grow tired of my comfort movies and Mean Girls falls into that category. I have watched it hundreds of times in my life. (And have plans to watch it many more times in the future.) On this day, it seemed right to highlight some themed nail art tattoos that I have been loving lately from the brand Inked by Dani. 

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

aqua concert (makeup look and concert review)

Concerts can be so much fun. Though not all concerts result in a positive experience (there are many factors to consider, from transportation to the crowd) it is wonderful when everything feels right. That is what happened during the Aqua concert my husband and I attended recently. Keep reading for a review and a peek at the colourful makeup look created for the occasion. 

Monday, September 29, 2025

spooky season makeup items (mini drugstore haul)


The month of September is coming to a close...and that means the official start of spooky season is on the horizon. Though I have been wearing Halloween themed t-shirts throughout the month of September and have already made impressive progress on my seasonal movie watch list, October is the month when spooky and scary thrive. Even beauty products are ready to make October a month to remember. Here are some drugstore items that were recently added to my makeup collection. 

Friday, September 26, 2025

fall week: shop my stash fall makeup look


It is nice when inspiration hits. When thinking about a fall makeup look to finish off this theme week, a handful of products instantly came to mind. The intention was to reach for some warm seasonal shades - and have a little fun with colour. It is time for a shop my stash fall makeup look featuring some tried and true beauty items from my makeup collection. Here goes...

Wednesday, September 24, 2025

fall week: fun fashion trends for fall 2025.

Do you follow seasonal fashion trends? Are you looking for something interesting to refresh your current wardrobe? Each season, there are different trends seen on and off the runways. While not all of them may speak to your own personal style, there might be one or two that are appealing. On that note, here are a few of my favourite fashion trends for fall 2025.

Monday, September 22, 2025

fall week: early fall favourites (movies, makeup, and more)

At last, the first day of fall has arrived. Though my apartment is already decorated (for both fall and Halloween) and sweaters have been an essential part of my daily routine for the last several weeks, it is only now that autumn has officially started. That means now it is possible to enjoy pumpkin spice flavors without guilt. It is the ideal time to take photographs of the leaves changing colour and to start on that seasonal to-do list. To start this fall theme week, here are some early fall favourites.

Friday, September 19, 2025

current obsession: rare eau de parfum and fragrance layering balm

There have been Sephora gift cards burning a hole in my wallet for months and months and months. Despite this, there hasn't been anything that really caught my eye. (Or if it did, the product didn't seem to be in stock.) When the Rare Beauty perfume, Rare Eau de Parfum, was released, it was a no brainer. I love perfume, Rare Beauty products, and Selena Gomez. Unfortunately, it was harder to use my Sephora gift cards than anticipated. The perfume was sold out online and in every store that I visited. In fact, even the tester bottle was completely empty. When my mom was out and about, she happened to find one of the layering balms and purchased it for me. Finally, I was able to find one of the travel sized versions of the Rare Eau de Parfum and used some gift cards to add it to my collection. Keep reading for a review of the perfume and one of the layering balms.

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

testing out fashionable fidget rings


There is a PopSocket on the back of my cell phone. Throughout the day, that PopSocket is popped back and forth, over and over again. While this is a functional item that makes it possible to hold onto my phone with ease, it is also a satisfying source of distraction when my anxiety spikes. Knowing this, my husband decided to look into fidget rings that could provide that same source of distraction. He found a set with several different options so I could test them out and see which style was best. Curious about fidget rings and whether they will work for you? Here is a closer look at each of the ring styles and a mini review.

Monday, September 15, 2025

mini reviews: three l'oreal mascaras

There are so many mascaras out there. Finding ones that stand out can involve a little trial and error. Ever since my favourite mascara was discontinued, there have been a handful of others involved in my makeup routine. The one that I have been reaching for most often is the Lash Without Limits Mascara from Essence. However, there are a few others that have been put to the test as well thanks to a Costco set that my parents purchased for me. It included three different L'Oreal mascaras. 

Friday, September 12, 2025

small town shopping haul (books, music, and movies)

I cannot be trusted in thrift stores, antique stores, or anywhere that sells music, movies, and books. This is clear based on the shopping that I did during the recent cottage trip with my family. Though the cottage is still not my favourite place to be (unfamiliar location, nature, mosquitos, and all the rest) there are usually some good finds at the various stores nearby. Sadly, my favourite store, Kicking Cowgirl Designs closed down, but there were still some fun items that were brought home. 

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

rediscovered beauty favourite: maybelline color tattoo

Reunited and it feels so good. It has been a very long time since I saw the Color Tattoo cream eyeshadow from Maybelline available to purchase. Though the line may not be discontinued, it hasn't been at any drugstore near me in years and years. In fact, it wasn't the drugstore that allowed me to rediscover this beloved beauty product. While on the cottage trip with my family, we drove into one of the nearby towns and ended up browsing a Winners store. There were these clear zipped bags with an assortment of different drugstore products inside. As I looked through the different options, the Color Tattoo caught my eye. It was an immediate purchase. I was so excited, especially because the colour was my old favourite, Tough As Taupe. 

Monday, September 8, 2025

my chemical romance (concert review and makeup look)

Black nail polish, a worn out My Chemical Romance hoodie, and tens of thousands of fans. Ahh...bliss. Right before my husband and I went to join my family at a rented cottage, we spent the evening seeing one of my all-time favourite bands: My Chemical Romance. I first started listening to them back in my university days and have been a huge fan ever since. When the Long Live The Black Parade tour was first announced, it was a no brainer to look into concert tickets. Though the prices were high (thanks to dynamic pricing), the decision was made to treat myself to a set of terrible seats in an absolutely massive venue. Logical? Perhaps not, but The Black Parade is my favourite album from MCR, and all logic seemed to disappear. Was it worth the price? Did the show meet my expectations? Keep reading for a mini concert review and makeup look.

Friday, September 5, 2025

my seasonal reading list (fall 2025)


There is nothing better than a theme. Since my mind is already focused on fall, it only made sense to bring that theme into my reading list. I have taken the shop my stash idea to my bookshelves to create a spooky seasonal book list. Some of these books are ones that I have read before and some are ones that I have not had a chance to read yet....but each book was chosen specifically to make the most of the fall season. Keep reading to take a peek at my book list for the next couple of months. 

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

#FOTD: burgundy makeup look

It is always interesting to see what colours will be popular when a new season rolls around. During a trip to a nearby shopping mall recently, there were all sorts of burgundy pieces lining store windows. From fast fashion to higher end brands, there was burgundy all over the place. I can understand why. It is a beautiful colour that fits in well with the fall season. Given the popularity of this colour, it seemed only right to look through my makeup collection and create a #FOTD that highlighted this warm seasonal shade. Ready to take a look? Here is a #FOTD featuring some items from my makeup collection.