inspired by: katseye (allure magazine photoshoot)

The countdown is on. The new KATSEYE album, Wild, will be released in two more days. Their movie, which is being referred to as "a love letter to the Eyekons" hits movie theaters tonight. I cannot wait. Yes, the KATSEYE obsession is still in full swing in my home. I love this band so much. Even though I am not exactly the target demographic, their voices and dancing skills are beyond impressive and won me over instantly. The new album will have five songs, including the iconic Pinky Up, with a bonus track on certain versions. I pre-ordered to the album many months back because I simply could not wait. Though there were several versions to choose from (and it was difficult to know what version to select) it was the autographed vinyl that I chose as well as the member version of Wild (Megan version). Fingers crossed I made the right decisions! I cannot wait to hear the music and receive the album. In the meantime, I will be heading to the movie theater tonight to watch KATSEYE: Wild Hearts. 

smell the sea and feel the sky.

"One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by." It is official. Another summer has arrived. The temperatures are slowly starting to climb (though it has been nice to have cooler days mixed in so far) and there are all sorts of seasonal activities on the horizon. Though there are other seasons I tend to prefer, like literally all of them, I am doing my best to find the good in this time of year. Some examples of the good? Brightly coloured nails, fun candle scents, a future concert, and more sunlight at night. It is the first official day of summer, but my heart is already longing for fall, so I have been satisfying that craving with bits and pieces of Summerween decor. Maybe you adore the summer months or perhaps you are still looking for a little inspiration. That is what this blog post is all about. Here are summer inspired images to start the season off right. 

inspired by: zara larsson

There are many celebrities who are downright disappointing. Zara Larsson is not one of them. Not only is her music incredible, but she is consistently on the right side of history, loudly calling out famous abusers, supporting women, and standing against various abuses of power. It is meaningful to see someone with a platform speak out about issues that matter, especially with the world the way it is right now. She is talented, smart, and a true inspiration. Zara is a star on the rise for all the right reasons. In addition to being an outspoken icon, she is also well known for the amazing makeup looks that she wears. These looks are colourful, bold, and interesting. Hopefully in the future, it will be possible to re-create (or at least attempt to re-create) one of these incredible makeup looks on the creation of beauty is art. For now, here is some much needed Zara Larsson inspiration.

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.

inspired by all things amber.

There is something special about amber. The colour is a yellowish orange and is often associated with warmth. It is also thought to be positive and protective. Lately, amber has been on my mind. It all started with one of the holiday body mists from Aeropostale (check out that post here) that I have been wearing often. Cashmere Mittens has soft cashmere, white rose petals, and amber. Soon after, it became clear to me that many of my favourite scents also include amber. Somehow, that led me to adding some amber inspired items to my home, including an amber scent and some amber coloured accessories. 

look up at the night sky and lose yourself for a while.

2025 started off fairly strong. I was making steady progress on various personal goals (like organizing my computer, backing up photos, working on my book, and exercising consistently) and then life took a turn. Between horrific world leaders, threats to the economy, and a society determined to move backwards, there was already a lot to handle emotionally. Then a loved on started having health issues. The last several weeks have involved hospital visits and an assortment of related tasks, like checking in on the dog, cleaning the house, and making arrangements. Needless to say, 2025 has not been what I hoped it would be. At least, not so far. There are a lot of unknowns right now and that is something that I am really struggling with. I do not deal well with change in general and it seems a ginormous bucket of change has been dumped on my lap. I don't know how to make sense of it. My instinct is to freeze in place and pretend that none of this is real, but it is, and there is so much that needs to be done. I keep moving somehow, despite being overwhelmed, anxious, and desperate to hide under my comforter forever. Normally, this would be a colourful post in honour of St. Patrick's Day. There would be lots of green and gold. Unfortunately, this is not that kind of post. Truth be told, I am still trying to sort out how I feel. I am stilling trying to wrap my head around what comes next. While I do that...here are some photos and quotes that have been inspiring me lately. 

inspired by: jane fonda

In recent months, I have thought a lot about what I do not want in my life anymore. For example, what no longer serves me, what I want to avoid, and what makes life harder. However, I realized the other day that it is equally important to think about what I do want in my life. Jane Fonda falls into the latter category. I have been a fan of hers for many years, thanks to her film career, workout videos, books, and remarkable advocacy work. She has never shied away from using her voice and standing up for what she believes in. If only there were more people like Jane in this world! She has truly made it a better place. In an effort to prioritize what is meaningful, an inspiration post was the obvious choice. Here is a little Jane Fonda fabulousness....

wisdom comes with winters.

There is something special about the winter season. Sure, there are drawbacks, like shoveling and snow plows, but it is also a magical time when the world slows down a little. In recent days, I have been forced to slow down, since I am still under the weather. But I suppose this was the ideal time for it to happen - if there is such a thing as an ideal time to be ill. To make myself feel better, I have been looking at all sorts of winter inspired photos and have been keeping winter background videos on. I find the snow peaceful and calming, so I thought it made sense to share a little of that here on the creation of beauty is art. 

sweater weather is better weather.

There is a chill in the air. Ahh...bliss! The weather where I live has been inconsistent, with warm days followed by a string of cooler days, and then another warm day thrown into the mix for good measure. It seems things have finally balanced out now and sweater weather is here to stay. Truth be told, this is my favourite kind of temperature. It isn't so cold that I shiver into my heavy jacket and snow boots, but is cool enough that I can wear a chunky sweater and feel both fashionable and fall inspired. On that note, it is time for a little inspiration post. This time, it is dedicated to the fabulousness that is sweater weather. 

welcome peace and the crackling sound of leaves.

Finally! September is here. Though the official first day of fall is on September 22nd, in my mind, this is the start of the best time of year. The "ber" months (September, October, November, and December) are true highlights for me. In September and October, there is sweater weather, pumpkin spice, Halloween movies, candy corn, and spooky decorations. In November and December, there is snow, Christmas music on the radio, and all of the festivities. Ahh....there is so much to enjoy and so much on the horizon. It feels good to say that September is here. In honour of this new month, here is a little seasonal inspiration.

sunshine on the water looks so lovely.

How is summer treating you so far? Have you made lots of memories in the sunshine? Have you been wearing your favourite shorts, tank tops, and sunglasses? Admittedly, summer is not my favourite season, but it is an important time of year nonetheless. It is a time when many are able to take time off of work and school to visit with friends and family, take walks, go for picnics in the park, visit seasonal attractions, head to the beach, or enjoy a number of other summertime activities. Whether summer is your favourite or least favourite time of year, my hope is that you are making the most of the sunshine. If you need a little extra dose of inspiration or perhaps a reminder of what summer has to offer (as I so often do) then this post is for you. Here are some inspiration photos and quotes that truly highlight the magic of the summer season. 

anger is an assertion of rights and worth. it is the expression of hope.

"Rage became a layer of my skin." This quote sums up my feelings at the moment. Though the book, Rage Becomes Her: The Power of Women's Anger was returned to my local library a few weeks back, it is still on my mind. Especially since my anger has motivated me to take action. For those unaware, I no longer support the brand Dior, because of their continued choice to platform a rapist and court certified wife beater. I have sent emails that are unanswered. I have commented on social media. And after seeing the brand share yet another photograph of that violent misogynist, I decided to phone Dior as well. After voicing my complaint that the brand attempts to normalize someone who said unspeakable things and promotes violence against women...I was told that my call would be elevated...only to be hung up on. Interesting. Not to worry! My anger continues to motivate me to speak out. To send more emails. To call. To comment. And even to post here on the creation of beauty is art. Though society expects me to feel ashamed of my anger, I recognize that it has the power to push me into action. I will use my anger to speak out against brands who harm women, stand against survivors, and prop up abusers. 

flowers don't tell. they show.

Spring is just around the corner. In fact, it is only a handful of days away. What a thrill! Normally, winter is my time to shine, because I love grey days and staying indoors. Unfortunately, this particular winter was a little more difficult, as it seemed impossible to shake away those winter blues. Perhaps a change of season will do me good. Lately, I have been thinking a lot about flowers: all of the beautiful colours and fresh starts. Here is a little inspiration as we drift closer and closer to spring.

all you need is love. but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

Happy Valentine's Day! This holiday is all about love. That includes friendships, romantic love, love of family members, pets, and well, everyone. Though the romantic aspect is often highlighted in movies, television shows, and all the rest...Valentine's Day is truly a time to celebrate the people that matter most in your life. Whether you are heading out for a nice dinner, baking cookies or brownies at home, sharing Valentine's Day cards with people at work, or sending a thoughtful text message, my hope is that your day will be full of love and kindness. Not feeling the holiday spirit? This post is full of inspiration photos. Another option is to check out Valentine's Day cartoons (one that I really enjoy is My Smurfy Valentine) or a classic rom-com on a streaming service. Grab some chocolate, some candy hearts, and make this holiday one to remember.

life lately (holiday decorations, cookies, seasonal outings, and more)

Life has certainly been busy lately. I suppose that is always the way around Christmas time. There is so much to get done...there are so many activities...and of course, there are so many holiday specials to watch! This season has been a bit different. Unfortunately, some of my loved ones have been under the weather. (COVID strikes again.) That has put a damper on the season - and has made all of the decorating, wrapping, and baking at my family home feel very last minute and thrown together. Normally, we do things bit by bit over the month of December, but we really have had to just do our best with the time remaining. The next couple of days are sure to be hectic, as we desperately make up for lost time. In the meantime, I am taking a moment to pause and look back at a few seasonal highlights. This month, there have been trips to the mall, advent calendars, holiday movie nights (my husband and I went to see The Grinch and The Polar Express in theatres), gift drop offs to friends, and drives around to look at all of the Christmas lights. Even though this holiday season hasn't been exactly what I imagined, I am doing my best to focus on the good. So, here are some pictures of my decorations, some sweet treats, and even some holiday themed makeup brushes that I have been using recently. Keep reading for some seasonal inspiration...

when will it stop being cool to be quietly misunderstood?

There are far too many pictures saved on my computer. Some are fashion editorials that I like, some are of people that I admire, and some are just random inspiration photos. Whenever I am feeling low...in need of a little reminder that there is beauty in the world...I like to look at those photos. It is a nice way to remember that beauty can exist even in a society that often feels dark, cruel, and hateful. In case anyone out there is feeling a little out of sorts today or is struggling to see the good, here are are some inspiration photos. I hope they lift your spirits or at least act as a reminder that you are not alone. 

finding little pockets of meaning.

The summer season always seems to be a little too busy. Isn't this supposed to be a time of rest and relaxation? A time to lounge on the patio with a cold beverage? Unwind in the sunshine? Apparently not! The to-do list is never-ending. For starters, there are responsibilities at work as well as creative projects and long neglected at-home tasks that are simply begging for attention. Then there are all of the social events and invitations out that seemed to have piled up. It really doesn't take much for the summer season to start to feel overwhelming. At least, that is the way it has felt for me the last several weeks. I mean, there is the usual stuff that always seems to keep my schedule full, but then there are all of these milestone moments and major events happening for my loved ones. That means gift shopping and nights out galore. Don't get me wrong...these are wonderful things...but an open schedule and a lighter load would be nice for a little while. Maybe in the fall! At any rate, life has seemed a little busier lately, so I have been holding on to small moments. Little pockets of meaning. It's amazing how even in the midst of feeling overwhelmed, something can appear, and instantly you remember how beautiful it is to be alive. Today, I wanted to share some of the songs, words, and other such things that have added colour to my life lately.

#FOTD: olivia rodrigo vampire music video inspired makeup

Sour, the first album from Olivia Rodrigo, was easily my most listened to CD in 2021. And 2022. And it might be my most listened to in 2023 as well. The number of times that I have listened to that album is bordering on ridiculous. Though there had been a lot of incredible albums released in the last couple of years, Sour was the first one in a long time that made me feel the way I used to. See, back when I was younger, music was my whole identity. I would listen to the same albums over and over again, memorizing every little detail. Those albums made me feel safe and seen and understood in a way that I didn't feel in my day-to-day life. As I've gotten older, my love of music has stayed the same, but I don't always have that feeling when I listen to a new CD. I might love it, adore it, and listen to it many times, but it doesn't necessarily become a place of escape and understanding. Sour reminded me that I could still feel inspired in that way. It reminded me that music was (and still is) still a safe place for me. When it was announced that a new single would be released, there was a little nervousness on my part. Would it be as good as the songs on Sour? What if I didn't like it? What if I didn't have that feeling? It turns out that my fears were pointless, because her new song, Vampire, is perfection. I have listened to it at least a hundred times by now. I love everything about it. The lyrics speak to imbalanced power dynamics in a relationship (which is a topic that I am particularly passionate about) and the music video is a masterpiece. It is raw and emotional...and features some fantastic makeup. 

keep your face to the sunshine.

Somehow...summer has arrived. Quite frankly? My feelings are mixed. I know that a lot of people love this time of year because of the sunshine, vacations, sandals, and barbecues, but this is my least favourite season. It didn't used to be that way. When I was a student, I loved the summer because it was a time of freedom. When I was in my 20s, I loved the summer because everyone was eager to make plans and hang out. Now that I am a little bit older, all the summer makes me feel is hot. Literally. There is no air conditioning in our home (apart from a window unit in the bedroom) and the warm temperatures make the summer months downright unbearable. I dislike the weather and how full my schedule becomes. In recent years, I have started to prefer peace and quiet over the bustling summertime activities. Believe it or not, I actually like not having plans. I don't know if I will always feel this way, but that is where I'm at currently. At any rate, I am doing my best to feel some sense of excitement about the months ahead. So, on that note, here are some summer themed inspiration photos to start the season off right, whether you love summer or are counting down the days until sweater weather returns.

when it rains, it pours, but soon the sun shines again.

Well, it happened. After more than three years of living in fear of COVID-19...it got me. As I mentioned briefly in my last post, my mom and I recently took a bus trip to New York City. Before the trip, I was having a lot of anxiety about the crowds and the possibility of catching something while there. After all, social distancing in the big apple is simply not possible. There are people absolutely everywhere you turn. Ahead of the trip (and even during), the people in my life told me that it was important to travel and do fun things. That it was worth the risk to make special memories. That everything would be fine. But here I am, back home, with a positive COVID test. Honestly? It's hard when your biggest fears become reality.