my favourite albums to write to.

Some people can write in silence. I am not one of those people. There needs to be something on in the background to spark the flow of creative energy. Though there are many albums on my shelves, there are four that I tend to listen to when I am writing. Some are connected to specific projects while others make me feel safe enough to address the blank page. 

shop my stash: coral makeup look

There is something about coral that has been speaking to me lately. While there are all sorts of coral shades, typically, it is something between red, pink, and orange. Some coral makeup products are a little more pink, some a little more orange, and some a little more on the red side. I recently decided to shop my stash to create a coral inspired makeup look. It turns out that coral is supposed to represent joy and optimism. I think this colour has been speaking to me lately because my life has needed an extra dose of joy and optimism! Here is hoping this makeup look will bring all sorts of positivity into my world. 

review: squishy glaze by covergirl (raspberry twist)

The Cover Girl brand will always be nostalgic for me. I remember buying a black eyeshadow from the brand back in the Laguna Beach days and trying to mimic the makeup style of the girls on the show. I remember my first foundation purchase and the first blush that I ever tried. All Cover Girl. At that time, the brand was accessible and affordable. (Though the prices at the drugstore have increased significantly in more recent years.) Perhaps that is the reason my weakness for Cover Girl remains. It is nostalgic, but the brand also has some great products. Recently, it was the Squishy Glaze in the shade Raspberry Twist that called to me. This is described as a Lip Butter Balm and it comes in several different shades. Keep reading for a full review. 

opening a surprise bag from ardene.

Generally speaking, surprises are not something that I enjoy. Examples: surprise parties and unplanned events. Thankfully, there are examples of good surprises out there, like this Surprise Bag from Ardene. My friend and I recently went to see the musical, Moulin Rouge, together and stayed overnight at a hotel. She thoughtfully brought a Surprise Bag for each of us to open once we checked in. These bags are always full of random accessories from Ardene - and always feel delightfully nostalgic. It certainly started the experience off on a fun note. Ready to see what was inside this Surprise Bag? 

current favourite cheek products (blush and highlight)

What beauty products have you been reaching for lately? With spring fully underway, there are a few blushes and highlights that have been in heavy rotation for me. Colourful, fun, and easy to wear...that is the best way to describe my makeup preferences this season. Need a little inspiration? Here is a closer look at some recent cheek product favourites.

#FOTD: inspired by kermit the frog (green makeup look)

It's not easy being green...but life seems pretty wonderful for beloved icon, Kermit the Frog. There is a new Muppets themed rollercoaster in the works at Walt Disney World, The Muppet Show special received positive reviews and high ratings, and tomorrow is Kermit the Frog's birthday. Well, sort of. May 9, 1955, was the first time that Kermit appeared on television screens. Since my obsession with all things Muppets remains, it seemed like an appropriate time to create a makeup look inspired by this important character. This Kermit inspired #FOTD post is focused on green, green, and more green.

love it or leave it? lauren conrad

Lauren Conrad remains a style icon. Recently, there was a Laguna Beach reunion that aired exclusively on the Roku Channel. Thankfully, our television set came with the Roku Channel already included, so watching the reunion was a breeze. The reunion special included the cast members from season one of the show and there was all sorts of behind the scenes information shared. As someone who was seriously obsessed with Laguna Beach when it aired (and then The Hills), it was nice to "go back to the beginning." This love it or leave it? post is dedicated to the outfit Lauren Conrad wore on the red carpet for the reunion.