you don’t take a photograph, you make it.

I have an obsession with photography. Not skilled in it myself, I admire those who are. When a photograph catches my eye, I tend to become completely enamored by it. That happened recently when I came across the following photograph.

I'm sure it is entirely obvious why I found this photograph so striking. The delicate femininity is beautiful. I love the softness of her expression and the light in her eyes. The eyes are completely mesmerizing. I love the whimsical kind of romance this photograph exudes. The makeup is wonderful, with sculpted cheekbones, simple white highlight around the eyes, and a muted lip. Everything about this photograph exudes beauty!

What do you think of this photograph? What photos have been inspiring you lately?

maybe a change would keep me high, stop me thinking and wondering why.

Lately, I have given a great deal of thought to why I love makeup.

It wasn't always this way - I hid away in boys clothes and was too embarrassed to wear any makeup at all. Once that started to change, I dove headfirst into my love for fashion and beauty, and haven't looked back since.

I find the process of getting ready electrifying. There is satisfaction in getting a look just right. It still amazes me that makeup can reflect the way I feel on a given day. I feel that makeup gives me the confidence to be my best self. I wear makeup because I love it. I wear for me.

Makeup is an art that I fall more in love with, with every passing day.

So, that is why I wear makeup. Why do you wear makeup? When did you become interested in makeup, fashion, and beauty?

Hope you are all having a wonderful weekend! 

loving someone and having them love you back is the most precious thing in the world.

“I could not tell you if I loved you the first moment I saw you, or if it was the second or third or fourth. But I remember the first moment I looked at you walking toward me and realized that somehow the rest of the world seemed to vanish when I was with you.”

― Cassandra Clare

To the happiest six months of my life....

a man's face is his autobiography. a woman's face is her work of fiction.

 

It was an instant kind of love. A love so pure, I wasn't sure how I managed before it came along. Simply put, Benefit's POREfessional is one of the best beauty products out there! 

My sister recommended Benefit's POREfessional to me after she fell in love with a sample she tried. Upon her glowing review, I decided to give it a go as well.

summer favourites series: part four

Part four of my summer favourites series is all about neon!

As the summer goes on, my fascination with all things neon seems to grow. I seem to be adding neon pieces into my wardrobe, from sweaters to dresses! Most recently, I came across a neon pink purse from Material Girls that I completely fell in love with.

Neon is a great way to add a little fun to your look this summer! From fashion to nail polish and accessories, there are so many ways to incorporate it into the perfect summery look.

to be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path, and don't worry about the darkness.

It is impossible not to get swept up in the excitement - the release of The Dark Knight Rises is just two days away! Whether or not you are a fan of the movies, it is on everybody's radar!

While I count down the days until I the film release, I am loving the red carpet fashion from The Dark Knight Rises New York premiere! Both Marion Cotillard and the stunning Anne Hathaway, shone.

the hair is the richest ornament of women.

There is something about getting a haircut that just makes you feel good. There were some issues with the salon my hairdresser works for, so I had been putting off getting a haircut until things were straightened out. Luckily, I was finally able to get my hair cut. Thank goodness!

Nothing dramatic, just a trim, fixing up the layers that had grown out, and adding a little shape to my hair. It's amazing what a difference it made though! My hair looks a million times better!

When is the last time you got a haircut?

you can’t get spoiled if you do your own ironing.

Sometimes you can judge a book by its' cover....or a body wash by its' packaging, as the case may be!

Walking around my local Wal-Mart recently, I came across a display for Spoiled Pretty body washes and body lotions. I was instantly attracted to the sparkly packaging and girly font - a silly reason to look at a product, I know! Rationalizing that I did need a new body wash, I picked up "Enchanted" and "Luxurious," as well as the "Luxurious" body lotion.

people are just as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Sometimes it's nice to stop and think about the little things that make you smile - like a good memory or hearing your favourite song on the radio.

Lately, I have been thinking of the little things that make me happy. I've been really inspired by certain memories, photos, and quotes. As a result, this is my happy post. Some of the things that inspire me and make me smile for no reason at all.

all the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.

One year ago today, the creation of beauty is art began.

What initially began as a project to fill the void in my professional writing career, quickly became my passion. I am immensely proud of how much this blog has grown since that day. It has gone far beyond any expectations I may have had.

In the past year, I have achieved more than I ever thought possible, both personally and professionally. It feels like the pieces of my life are finally starting to come together. (One of my biggest accomplishments though, has to be the interview I did for this blog with my favourite singer, Scott MacIntyre!!)

One of the greatest things I have gained from creating this blog, has been becoming a part of the blogging community. I have learned so much from every single blog I read, and every person who comments on my posts. I am continually inspired by all you do!

Thank you for all of the support in the last year - it means more to me than I can fully express.
Here is to another year!

“Love of beauty is Taste. The creation of beauty is Art.” 

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

one of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.

Organization is something that has always eluded me. I live in a constant state of mess. Ever since childhood, my room has been a disaster, even after I've cleaned it. I always envied those who were tidy and organized. These are qualities I aim to force into my own life!

Lately, I have been struck by the idea of organizing my desk area. As is, I never use my desk because there is too much random stuff all over it. So I am looking to fix this! This led me on a search for desk inspiration. If I can make my desk area look half as good as any of these inspiration photos, I think I'll be all set!

blogger appreciation award.

The wonderful Steph from Steph's Makeup & Things was kind enough to award me with the Blogger Appreciation Award. Steph posts about life and of course, makeup! You should definitely check out her blog if you get the chance.

and the old words are the best of all.

I am not great with nail art. This is largely because I am unable to have painted nails at work. Now that sandal season is upon us, I have been getting a little creative with my toe nails! After receiving Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Strips in my last LuxeBox, I decided to give these nail strips a try. The pattern is so cute - white with beautiful script - absolutely perfect for a writer like me.

if you ever want something badly, let it go.

Blake Lively always seems to get it right. From her spread in Marie Claire magazine, to her appearances on Good Morning America and Letterman, Blake is on a roll! Her style embodies strength, elegance, poise, and sensuality.