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.