summer week: mini getaway to niagara (first trip of summer)

Travel is something I used to love. It was something I tried to do often. Sometimes, that meant a week long trip somewhere far away and other times, it meant a day trip somewhere special. The fun was being able to explore new places, make memories, and do something different. Since the pandemic, my travel habits have obviously shifted considerably. Though a lot of people are feeling free and are acting like the pandemic is over...I still feel a lot of anxiety and apprehension. Going out feels unnatural and I really struggle to feel safe. I know it will take time, but travel is not something that necessarily I love at the moment. Being in unfamiliar places? Scary. Being in crowds of (largely maskless) people? Terrifying. Despite the fact that I am still trying to find my footing, travel seems to be something that I will be doing this summer. Whether I like it or not! My loved ones want to be out in the world and they are pretty insistent that I need to join them. So, I am trying, even though it feels like too much. 

summer week: kara beauty beach bum eyeshadow palette (review)

Summer is officially here! It is hard to believe, actually. Somehow, it seems like only a few weeks ago I was welcoming in the start of the spring season. Yet here we are...with sunshine and shorts weather. There is something undeniably exciting about summer. It used to be my favourite time of year as a kid, because it meant no school and lots of fun activities. As an adult, there are other seasons that I prefer, but I think summer will always hold a special place in my heart. That is why this week on the creation of beauty is art. is a theme week. It will be dedicated to a couple of summer themed beauty items and my very first summer getaway. Ready for the first summer week post? It is all about the Beach Bum Eyeshadow Palette.

beauty products i love so much...i keep backups.

It is no secret that I am often inspired by Emily Noel. Earlier this week, I did a revisited review of her palettes (if you missed it, you can check that post out here). Now? I am sharing some of my beauty backups. This was inspired by a video that Emily posted on her YouTube channel about a month ago. She shared some of the products that she loves so much, she keeps multiples on hand, so she never runs out. After watching that video, I realized there are several products that I like to have backups of. I never want to run out of those must-have beauty items. Ready to find out more about my backups? Here goes...

new in: richard simmons merchandise

My life certainly changed during the pandemic. I went from walking to work each day to working from home. Oh, and I also stress-ate everything in sight for far too many months in 2020. Despite working out regularly, it wasn't offsetting all of the snacking. Before I knew it, my weight had skyrocketed. Clearly, I needed to find some balance and be a little (or a lot) more mindful about my habits. For the last year or so, I have slowly but surely been dropping all of those extra pandemic pounds. There are many things that have helped me during this process, including Richard Simmons. His YouTube channel started posting clips of old workout videos and that inspired me to purchase the Sweatin' To the Oldies series on DVD. From there, I started adding various workout videos, books, and other Richard Simmons merchandise into my life. More recently? I decided to treat myself to a few items from his online store. Though this blog is largely about makeup, fashion, and beauty...today is all about Richard Simmons. Check out some of the merchandise that I have been enjoying lately. 

hawaiian tropic aloha glow self-tanning milk (review)

Summer is just around the corner. In fact, in just a few days, the summer season will officially be underway. That means one thing: it is time for me to start reaching for those tanning products. I am quite pale and whenever I wear shorts in the summertime, there are often comments made about my neon or see-through legs. So, I do like to use gradual tanners when the weather starts to get hot. I've tried many over the years, but my go-to is normally the Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. It is easy to use, looks great, and fades naturally. This summer? I have decided to branch out a bit and try the Hawaiian Tropic Aloha Glow Self-Tanning Milk. This every day gradual tanner was intriguing because I absolutely love Hawaiian Tropic sunscreens. They always smell so good. My hope was that the gradual tanner would have that classic Hawaiian Tropic scent...and deliver a gorgeous glowing tan. Wondering how this performs? How it compares to the Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer? Here is everything you need to know about the Hawaiian Tropic Aloha Glow Self-Tanning Milk.

revisited review: the emily edit (the wants + the needs)

Do I spend too much time on YouTube? Absolutely. I shudder to think how many hours, days, and weeks of my life have been spent watching makeup videos, reviews, fashion hauls, and well, a little bit of everything else. YouTube videos are an important part of my days. I like to have something on in the background while I do my makeup or treat myself to a video or two during my lunch break. It is always nice to catch up with my favourite YouTubers. Out of all of them, my favourite is beauty guru is Emily Noel. I have been watching her videos for at least ten years now. I admire her so much, because she doesn't do sponsored content, stays out of drama, and has an incredible knowledge of makeup. Whether she is sharing dollar store, drugstore, or high end beauty recommendations, Emily is always honest and fair. A few years ago, she released The Emily Edit collection with Revolution. It included The Wants Palette and The Needs Palette...and these have been an important part of my makeup life ever since. Today, it is time for a revisited review featuring these drugstore palettes. 

new in: rainbow rhinestone sketchers

Every now and then, it just feels good to add a new pair of shoes to the closet. A lot of my shoes have become worn out and needed to be replaced. Especially a lot of my slip-on style shoes. So, when I happened to see the Sketchers Rainbow Rhinestone Slip-Ons with Air-Cooled Memory Foam, it seemed like a no brainer. Not only did they have a fun and colourful design, but they also were ultra comfortable. Even better? These rainbow shoes were found at Winners for a fraction of the original retail price. I always love a bargain...especially one that doesn't sacrifice style and comfort.