more vacation highlights: souvenirs from atlantis bahamas

It is near impossible to return home from a vacation without at least a few souvenirs. My husband and I recently took a trip to Atlantis in the Bahamas (check out that vacation highlights post here if you missed it) and picked up a few themed items. Some were purchased out of necessity and others were fun treats. On that note, here are the souvenirs that I chose to take back.

vacation highlights: visiting atlantis bahamas

Sunshine and sand are ideal for many travellers. Not me. I have done my best to avoid beach vacations over the years, as my preference is a theme park or more of a novelty experience. I was able to steer clear of a "sunshine and sand vacation" for a long time by simply making it clear that I was only willing to visit the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. My fascination with Atlantis dates back to 2001, when the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movie, Holiday in the Sun, was released. It was a fantastic direct-to-video movie that was set primarily at the Atlantis resort. It seemed like the most incredible place to visit. Even without an interest in beaches and waterparks, my interest in Mary-Kate and Ashley won out. So, when my husband declared that he needed a winter getaway, it quickly became apparent that Atlantis was in the cards. Here are a few highlights...

eyeshadow palette review: vintage rose artistry palette (morphe)

It is time for another makeup review here on the creation of beauty is art. Several months back, my mom gifted me an eyeshadow palette with nine different shades inside. The 9V Vintage Rose Artistry Palette from Morphe has all sorts of dusty rose colours and everyday neutrals to choose from. Ready to take a look at all of the colours inside and find out how this eyeshadow palette performs? Here is everything you need to know about this easy to wear Morphe release. 

to fall in love with yourself is the first secret to happiness.

February is a month associated with love. Even though Valentine's Day takes place midway through the month, there is no better time to talk about love than right now. Often, we spend time thinking about love for others. For a romantic partner, for family members, for friends, for pets, and so on. Love for ourself is often the last on the list, but it needs to be prioritized and nurtured. Self love is essential for mental health and strong relationships with others. It also makes it possible to feel more at ease in your own skin, to feel more balanced and grounded, and to make choices that honour your dreams and goals. Before pouring love into others, take a bit of time to look inward. Remember that you also deserve time and attention. Not sure where to start? Here are self love affirmations, journal prompts, and ways to pour love into yourself this month and always. 

shop my stash featuring advent calendar makeup items

It is time for another shop my stash post here on the creation of beauty is art. This time around, several of the products included in recent holiday advent calendars were used. While opening themed advent calendars is always a fun activity during the month of December, it is even more exciting to put all of the different items to use. Recently, several products from the Revolution and Essence advent calendars were put to the test. Keep reading for some mini reviews and a makeup look.

random january beauty favourites

The first month of the year is coming to a close. There have certainly been some high points and low points over the last several weeks, but my fingers are crossed that the month of February will be better. Since January is almost over, it seemed appropriate to highlight my beauty favourites from the month. These are the products that I found myself reaching for most. 

#FOTD: warm makeup look featuring maybelline products

It is fun to find random drugstore makeup items at Winners. The discounted prices make it possible to put all sorts of different items to the test. More recently, there were some Maybelline products added to my cart, like a warm toned blush and lipstick. Ready to take a closer look at the drugstore makeup products? Check out a recent #FOTD? Keep reading for all the details. 

what i've been watching lately (movies, television shows, and music)

Sometimes, a little escape from reality is a must. Thank goodness there are movies, television shows, and music to rely on in both the good and not-so-good times. Everyone has their own own ways to destress - and entertainment has always been my favourite way to do just that. Here are some of the songs, television shows, and movies that have been making life better.

something making me smile lately: christian siriano earrings

2026 is not off to a great start. This last month has been a lot. There were hospital stays for my loved ones and someone made a fraudulent charge on my credit card. Who knows what the rest of the year will have in store, but my fingers are crossed that it will start to get better from here on out. In an attempt to keep my head above water, this post is about something that has been making me smile lately. (Because you have to find little pieces of happiness and hold onto them as much as possible.) I found this pair of Christian Siriano earrings back in the fall, but was waiting for the right time to wear them. I realize now there is no "right time" for anything, so it seemed appropriate wear the earrings, even without some sort of special occasion. 

current favourite: kvd everlasting blush in foxglove

KVD Beauty is a brand with an...interesting...history. It used to have all sorts of colourful, bold, and exciting products, but the founder turned out to be horrific. The company was bought out and the brand was revamped. After that, the packaging style shifted as did the colour choices, but it was a wise decision overall. (Not everyone deserves a platform, especially when it is used to spread misinformation and cause harm.) When there was a KVD Beauty blush at my local Winners for $9.99 CDN, it seemed like a good time to test out a newer item from the brand. Keep reading for a full review of the Everlasting Blush.

2 looks 1 palette: morphe (35 MI magic mirror artistry palette)

Eyeshadow palettes come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are teeny tiny and hold only a few colours. Others are oversized and offer a lot of variety. The 35 MI Magic Mirror Artistry Palette from Morphe falls into the latter category. With thirty five eyeshadows to choose from, it is possible to create all sorts of looks. On that note...it is time for 2 looks 1 palette.

review: lise watier prisma donna collection set

Even though my birthday was back in October, there are still a few birthday gifts that are waiting to be reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. One example is the Prisma Donna Collection Set from Lise Watier. This Canadian beauty brand has all sorts of wonderful products to choose from (a few of them have been reviewed here over the last several years) and sometimes, I am lucky enough to receive items as gifts from my loved ones. Ready to take a closer look at the Prisma Donna Collection Set? See a makeup look featuring some of the Lise Watier products? Keep reading for all of the details. 

hard candy: skin serenity set (a vanilla dream)

Hard Candy is a must around the holiday season. It has always been exciting to see the different sets and seasonal releases from this drugstore brand. Some years, there were so many options available, it was difficult to know what to choose. This year? There were two different skin care sets and no seasonal makeup items. (At least in the stores that I visited that happen to carry the brand.) I am trying to be more mindful about my purchases, which can be difficult at times, but the Skin Serenity Set checked off some boxes for me. There were two different scents. The vanilla one, A Vanilla Dream, stood out to me, because this last year, vanilla scented products have been some of my most used. It is time to take a closer look at this seasonal set. 

staying organized in 2026 (ban.do planner and daily journal)

Now that there is a shiny new year underway, it seems like an appropriate time to highlight some of the organizational items that will be with me throughout 2026. Planners and notebooks are essential for me to stay focused, track to-do list items, and make sure important tasks are not forgotten. Some people like to use calendars on their phone or to set various reminder alarms, but I am an old school pen and paper kind of person. Here is a closer look at my organizational tools for the year. 

holiday highlights: 24 days advent calendar (revolution)

It is time to finish off a week of holiday highlights with another advent calendar review. This one is from Revolution and the calendar included 24 different beauty products. This was a fun and unexpected find at Winners for $30 CDN. Ready to take a peek inside? Keep reading for a look at all of the products inside the advent calendar, some mini reviews, and favourites.

holiday highlights: pictures, makeup looks, and memorable moments

The first week of the new year is over already. It is hard to believe, but time seems to move faster these days. Though there is no denying the arrival of January, there is a part of me that is still lingering behind in December. The holiday season had some highs and lows...and I am trying to hold onto the highs as much as possible. That is the reason for this holiday highlights posts. It seemed appropriate to share a few seasonal photos, makeup looks, and talk about the more memorable moments. 

holiday highlights: essence advent calendar (reveal and mini reviews)

It is always difficult when the holiday season ends. All of the twinkling lights seem to dim as the reality of day to day life takes over once more. Instead of putting off various adult responsibilities, it is time to tackle that neglected to-do list and get back on track. Sigh. As a way of extending some of the seasonal wonder, this week is dedicated to holiday highlights posts. These often focus on Christmas themed products, decorations, makeup looks, and so on. To start this week of holiday highlights, it is time to take a look inside the Little X-Mas Wonder Advent Calendar from essence. Keep reading for a reveal and some mini reviews.

there is magic in new beginnings.

A new year has arrived. Thank goodness! 2025 was a difficult year for myself and a lot of other people that I know...so it is nice to leave that year behind and cross my fingers for a fresh start. I came across this quote the other day, "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind," and I sincerely hope that is true. We all deserve health, happiness, peace, and love. Though it is unknown what 2026 has in store, right now, we can look at this blank page with a renewed sense of optimism.