recent reads (thrillers, mystery, and more)

In a perfect world, it would be possible to read all the time. It is one of my favourite things to do, but sometimes, it can be difficult to make time for this passion. (Or as much time as I would like.) Reading is something that I have been prioritizing a lot more this year. Instead of winding down at the end of the day with a television show or movie, it is an evening curled up with a good book that feels right. I have been re-reading a beloved series from my younger years, but also have been reading an assortment of other books. Some of my recent reads include mysteries, thrillers, and so much more. Take a look...

pros and cons: aqua bomb jelly cleanser (belif)

When it comes to makeup, skin care, and beauty products, my loved ones spoil me from time to time. They might pass along something that was included in a subscription box or spoil me with a product that they saw while out and about. That is what happened recently when a loved one gifted me the Aqua Bomb Jelly Cleanser from Belif. I have tried the popular moisturizer from this brand, but not the cleanser, so it was a nice treat to put it to the test. Keep reading for all of the pros and cons.

shop my stash (smokey summertime look)

When thinking about the makeup look I wanted to create for a get together with an old friend, the vibe was immediately clear: smokey summertime. Despite the fact that summer is still underway (with the high temperatures making life more difficult)...my heart is longing for the fall season. Warm colours, vampy makeup looks, and all the rest. So, for this smokey summertime look, I wanted to take darker, richer colours, and combine them with something a little bit brighter. 

celebrity fashion that i've been loving lately.

Sometimes, it is fun to get inspired by different red carpet looks. There always seem to be premieres and special events where celebrities wear outfits that are more expensive than my entire wardrobe combined. Though the outfits are not necessarily pieces that I would like to wear myself...the designs are often bold, creative, and a little out there. Definitely a feast for the eyes! Are you in need of a little inspiration? Here are some examples of celebrity fashion that I have been loving lately. 

my favourite makeup essentials.

Eyeshadow, blush, and lipstick get an awful lot of attention here on the creation of beauty is art. I love being able to play with different colours and finishes. Whether the intended makeup look is bright, neutral, or vampy...colour products can bring it all to life. However, there are all sorts of essential items that are worn no matter what colour products happen to be used. I'm talking face products, eyebrow products, and all the rest. Here are some of my tried and tested everyday beauty items.

debbie gibson concert (makeup look and concert review)

Concerts can be an awful lot of fun. Unfortunately, the price of concert tickets seems to increase dramatically year over year, so it is necessary for me to be a little choosy. When I heard that Debbie Gibson was playing a show not too far from me...it was a must. I have been a fan of Debbie since I was a little kid and still have her cassette tapes in my collection. I was originally looking for tickets in the back section of the venue (because of the cost) but my husband surprised me with floor seats. I decided to use an 80s inspired eyeshadow palette, pull out my hair waver, and create a look that was fitting for an evening with an 80s pop icon. This blog post is all about the makeup look that was created - and some of the concert highlights. 

not everything that is faced can be changed.

Change is my least favourite thing. Even positive change can be difficult for me to navigate a lot of the time. I like structure, routine, and familiarity. Unfortunately, nothing feels familiar these days. The majority of the year has been difficult due to serious health issues with both family members and friends. There have been periods of time when life almost seems normal again, but then something happens, and it all comes tumbling down. In my last blog post, I wrote about not quite feeling like myself despite not having a concrete reason. Perhaps my subconscious could sense something on the horizon, because there is now a reason. My family member is in the hospital once again and there are all sorts of unknowns. There is change ahead...and there is nothing that I can do to stop it from coming. I keep wishing it away, but it creeps closer and closer despite my efforts.