christmas affirmations, journal prompts, and self care ideas

The countdown is officially on. Christmas Day is almost here! I am always surprised at how quickly the latter half of December passes, even though it seems to be this way each and every year. Though there are all sorts of wonderful moments to enjoy and fun items on the seasonal to-do list...this can also be a time of stress and overwhelm. Maybe your calendar looks a little too full this year, you are struggling to finish your holiday shopping, or there is a project at work that seems to have taken over your life. Does it all feel like too much? Take a deep breath in and let it out. You aren't alone. There are ways to manage stress and overwhelm this holiday season. Here are some Christmas themed affirmations, journal prompts, and self care ideas.

tis the season to give: different ways to donate this year

Most holiday movies have similar themes: caring, sharing, and giving to others. In the words of Kris Kringle from the Miracle on 34th Street movie, "I'm a symbol of the human ability to be able to suppress the selfish and hateful tendencies that rule the major part of our lives." The month of December is meant to be about kindness, giving to others, and softening our hearts. It is about seeing beyond our own circumstances. Yes, it is about traditions and beautiful memories with loved ones, but it is about more than that, too. In recent years, it seems the "selfish and hateful tendencies" have become more apparent in society. There is more cruelty, more harm, more destruction, and less hope. The selfish and hateful seem to be prioritized over the selfless and loving. While I don't have a cure for this shifting attitude, it highlights the need to give this holiday season. To focus on putting good into a world that so often falls short. Here are some suggestions and ideas to consider this month. 

holiday themed reads (mystery, thriller, romance, and more)

Reading is an important part of my life. Especially around the holiday season! It is a wonderful escape from all of the to-do list items and expectations associated with the happiest season of all. Last month, I decided to set aside a small stack of books in my collection to read before Christmas Day. I tried to include a mixture of genres: romance, thrillers, mystery, and a classic tale. At the time of writing this post, most of the books have been read and some are waiting to be read or are underway. (There is still time before the big day arrives!) Here is a closer look at a few of the books on my holiday themed reads list.

my top seven favourite versions of a christmas carol

At this point, there are hundreds of versions of A Christmas Carol in existence. From more faithful adaptations to more modern interpretations...there is a version of A Christmas Carol for everyone. The novella was originally published in 1843 and has been a holiday must ever since. There are few stories that have managed to have that kind of cultural significance. This enduring story is about positive change and generosity. No wonder it remains relevant all these years later! As mentioned, there are hundreds of different versions of A Christmas Carol out there. As we continue to countdown to Christmas Day, it only made sense to highlight a few of my personal favourites. Truth be told, this was originally intended to be a top five list, but there were so many meaningful versions that I had to expand it a little. On that note, here are my top seven favourite versions.

revisited review: too faced let it snow globe set

For many years, the Too Faced holiday releases have been highlights for me. I love makeup in general, but especially love when that makeup has a festive theme. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there will be a Too Faced holiday set in my near future. This year, the theme was okay-ish but the prices are high and the products don't look overly thrilling to me. (An example? The You're a Gem Eye Makeup Set. It just doesn't wow or stand out at all.) Since it will not be a Merry Too Faced Christmas for me this year, it made sense to look back and do a revisited review of the Let It Snow Globes Set that was released in 2023.

seasonal favourites for 2024.

Tis the season for all sorts of favourites. It is hard to believe the second week of December is here already. There is so much to do before all of the festivities take place! I suppose that is the reason I love the time before Christmas the most. From early November to mid-December, it is possible to enjoy fun holiday themed items without the time crunch that the latter half of December is well known for. On that note, here are the items that have been making the holiday season bright so far.

more obscure christmas specials to watch this holiday season

Some people love to bake during the holiday season. Others prefer to decorate, expertly wrap presents, or host parties with friends and family. Most of us have a holiday related item on our to-do list that ranks higher than the others. For example, while I love having a decorated home, the actual process of decorating is not my favourite. On the other hand, my mom prioritizes decorating over many other seasonal tasks. My sister likes to bake cookies. My brother wraps presents with impressive precision. And my dad mostly tries to stay out of the way! In previous posts, I have spoken about my love of holiday movies. I realized recently that those movies are my favourite part of the season. I love to sit and watch (either by myself or with a loved one) and simply feel at ease. There are countless Christmas themed movies and television specials to choose from and I love a whole lot of them. As much as I adore beloved films like Elf and Home Alone, there is a special place in my heart for more obscure Christmas specials: ones that are less well known or have been forgotten with time. It feels like finding a hidden treasure. Last year, there was a post highlighting a few of my favourite obscure Christmas cartoons. Now, it is time to highlight additional favourites. Some are cartoons and some are live action. Here are a few suggestions to add to your list.

pros and cons: kylie cosmetics face and body liquid highlighter

A few months back, I wrote about a raffle basket that I won with all sorts of beauty products inside. It included some Philosophy items, a Calvin Klein perfume, and a handful of Kylie Cosmetics products. One of those Kylie Cosmetics products was the Face and Body Liquid Highlighter in the shade Snow Princess. This must have been a leftover holiday item from last year, because I immediately recognized the cute little deer print on the packaging that was on the O'Deer Lip Kit in my collection. Since the holiday season is currently underway once more, it seemed only right to review this festive highlight. 

welcome december + oh deer christmas palette review

It is here...the best month of the year. December holds so many sweet memories and so many hopes for the future. It is a time to open up advent calendars day by day, listen to holiday music on the radio, bake special treats with loved ones, hand out seasonal cards, and decorate the home. There is an air of excitement and anticipation. There is magic. There is wonder. December is a reminder of what matters most: love and kindness. It is a time to look forward and look back. Everything just feels a little more beautiful once December rolls around. To say that I am feeling festive would be an understatement. So, it seems only right that the first post of the month be dedicated to a seasonal makeup release from Beauty Creations.  

wicked theme week: r.e.m. beauty x wicked (ozdust palette)

So, what's the most swankified place in town? That would be the Ozdust Ballroom... It is hard to believe, but this Wicked theme week is coming to a close. What better way to end it than with a review of the new r.e.m. beauty x Wicked release? Clearly, the people in my life are well aware of my Wicked obsession - and my love of Ariana Grande - because my brother gifted me the Ozdust Eyeshadow Palette from r.e.m. beauty for my birthday. It was a thrill to receive. Ready to take a closer look at this themed release? Here is everything you need to know about the r.e.m. beauty x Wicked palette. 

wicked theme week: casual #FOTD feat. one/size wicked palette

Welcome back to a Wicked theme week here on the creation of beauty is art. With the recent release of the movie, it seemed only appropriate to embrace all of the excitement with some beauty related posts. The first post was dedicated to a collection with H&M (check it out here if you missed it) and this post is dedicated to an eyeshadow palette that I have been loving since its release. One/Size released the Wicked Unlimited Eye and Face Palette seven months back and it featured all sorts of Elphaba and Glinda inspired eyeshadows and blush shades. Take a closer look at the palette and check out a recent #FOTD...

wicked theme week: h&m clothing haul

Whatever way our stories end, I know you have rewritten mine by being my friend. There is a lot to love about the musical, Wicked. The sets, the characters, and the music are all outstanding. I've been fortunate enough to see the live show a few times in my life and am eagerly looking forward to seeing the new movie. Wicked Part 1 is out now, but I have not made it to the theater just yet. Soon! Very soon! Until I am able to experience the movie for myself, some Wicked inspired merchandise has been adding happiness to my days. This week on the creation of beauty is art. the posts will be Wicked themed. There will be makeup looks and product reviews in the days to come. Today? Here are some Wicked themed clothing items from H&M. 

life lately (zoo, jesse mccartney concert, and shopping trip)

It's funny how things change. Back in my twenties, having concerts, vacations, and nights out with friends on my calendar made life feel special and exciting. These days, the best thing to see on my calendar is absolutely nothing out of the ordinary. It gives me a sense of peace and ease to know that my sleep schedule won't be interrupted, I won't have to be "on," and I can just relax into the regular routine for a little bit. Despite enjoying days where there is nothing different planned...special plans do arise from time to time. They can be a lot of fun, even though their presence on my calendar can stress me out a little bit, too. Since there have been a handful of such events in the last while, I though I would share some of the highlights. Though I want to be a hermit a lot of the time, my loved ones insist I need to be out and about. Here is to being out and about! 

philosophy product review (purity, hope, and grace)

Despite the fact that Philosophy products have been around for ages (my sister was using some of their stuff back when we both used to live at home with our parents)...this isn't a brand I have a lot of familiarity with. Beyond seeing my sister open up a Christmas gift with some Philosophy products inside, that is. So, when I won a raffle with all sorts of beauty products, it was exciting to put some Philosophy products to the test for myself. Were they good? Bad? So so? Keep reading for all the details.

2 looks 1 palette: morphe 35t sweetest tea artistry palette

Sometimes, it is nice to have fun with colour. There are times when I am obsessed with neutral eyeshadow palettes and times when colour seems to call my name. The Morphe 35T Sweetest Tea Artistry Palette is an ideal choice when I am looking for a combination of the two. This eyeshadow palette has lots of warm neutrals as well as some colourful choices. Ready to take a peek inside the palette and check out two different makeup looks? Keep reading for another 2 looks 1 palette post...

twilight week: colourpop collection (eyeshadow palette)

It has arrived...the end of this Twilight inspired theme week. Thanks to the generosity of my friend, there have been all sorts of Twilight x ColourPop items reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. over the last several days. That includes eyeliners, highlighters, lip oils, and body shimmers. The grand finale? The Twilight Eyeshadow Palette. It is no secret that eyeshadows make me happy. I love expressing myself with different colours and finishes. How does this particular palette perform? And how does it compare to other ColourPop palettes? Here is everything you need to know about this themed release. 

twilight week: colourpop collection (body oil and ink liner)

It's all Twilight all the time here on the creation of beauty is art. The second post in this theme week is dedicated to the SOL Shimmering Dry Body Oil and Graphix Ink Liner from the Twilight x ColourPop collection. As mentioned in my last post, these wonderful items were gifted to me by one of my oldest friends. I have been putting everything in the collection to good use in the last few weeks. One thing is certain: these themed beauty products have been adding a little extra dose of fun to my days! They have also inspired me to do a full rewatch of the movies. These days, I am fully immersed in the world of Twilight. 

twilight week: colourpop collection (lip oil and highlighter)

Say it. Out loud. Say it! .....vampire. It is hard to know exactly when my love of Twilight began, but I was posting about the movies way back in 2011 and read the books before the the movies were released. So, at some point or another, Twilight became a meaningful part of my life. I loved the intensity, the drama, and the romance. But for the record, I have always been and will always be Team Jacob! The day before my latest birthday, I was able to see one of my oldest friends for lunch. She was kind enough to drive down and take me out for my favourite meal. During that lunch, she gifted me the entire Twilight x ColourPop collection. Talk about being spoiled rotten. Her kindness and thoughtfulness was completely overwhelming. I did not feel deserving - and still do not feel deserving of all the Twilight goodness. Despite that feeling, I am also extremely grateful. Since that day, I have been having a lot of fun putting these Twilight inspired products to the test. Ready for another theme week? All of the posts on the creation of beauty is art. this week will be focused on this iconic book and movie series. 

recent thrifted finds (records, cds, vhs, and dvds)

I am a physical media kind of person. Though many of my friends think I am strange for preferring a CD or cassette to a Spotify account, there is something to be said for owning music. Streaming feels so disposable to me. It is there one day and gone the next! Though there are certainly advantages to streaming, it is nice to own things, too. One of the many reasons that I love thrift stores is that I can find all sorts of treasures for much lower prices. A little while back, my husband took me to one of my favourite stores, which sells used CDs, records, DVDs, and more. This is unfortunately not a place that I visit often (because a ton of stuff always seems to come home with me) but it is a wonderful treat every now and then. Ready to take a look at this thrifted media haul? There is a little bit of everything. Here are all of the wonderful items that I found...

beauty show and tell: back to school pencil case beauty bundle

Things that make me happy? Beauty products, stationary supplies, and fun little surprises from my husband. The Back to School Pencil Case Beauty Bundle managed to check off all three boxes. After seeing this item on sale at the local drugstore...my husband brought it home for me. Just because. It was so thoughtful and certainly appreciated. So, this post is a little show and tell to highlight all of the different beauty products found inside this oh-so-cute pencil shaped case. 

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. 

review: r.e.m. beauty babydoll eyeshadow palette

Last month, there was a post here on the creation of beauty is art. dedicated to the Back to School Beauty Bundle. That mini backpack was loaded with lots of different beauty items, including an eyeshadow palette from r.e.m. beauty. Over the last little while, it has been fun putting some of those beauty items to the test, including the Babydoll Eyeshadow Palette. Ready to take a peek inside? Find out how this eyeshadow performs? And how it compares to other releases from the brand? Keep reading...

what i've been watching lately (spooky season edition)

Halloween is almost here...which means seasonal favourites and horror movies have been in heavy rotation lately. Whether you are planning to host or attend a Halloween party this year, hand out candy, or turn off all the lights and wait for November to arrive, there are plenty of opportunities to watch something themed. Looking for something family friendly? Check out a few streaming options here. Prefer something scary or even a little bizarre? Check out a few suggestions here. Or if you are curious about what I have been watching so far this holiday, keep reading for some spooky season recommendations.

halloween town eyeshadow palette (melt cosmetics)

The debate continues. Is Nightmare Before Christmas a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie? It's hard to say for sure. On one hand, my brother and I have watched the movie on Christmas Eve in past years. On the other hand, it is a movie that I tend to watch most often during the month of October. Whether you view it as a Halloween movie or a Christmas movie, one thing is certain: Oogie Boogie is a memorable character. A little while back, the Halloween Town Eyeshadow Palette from Melt Cosmetics was added to my collection. This is not a brand that I have a lot of familiarity with. Though I have heard about some of the products before...this was one of the first to really capture my attention. Keep reading for all the spooky details. 

birthday inspired nails: sally hansen miracle gel (it's sherbert day)

Themed beauty products always make me smile. I've had the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel nail polish in It's Sherbert Day for a little while now, but was waiting for the right occasion to put it to use. This is from a birthday collection that celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Miracle Gel line of polish. It is hard to believe it has been that long, but it turns out my first post about the Miracle Gel line was post on the creation of beauty is art. way back in 2014. Time flies! I have been saving this nail polish in order to wear it on my actual birthday, which was yesterday. I took the day off of work and treated myself to a little at-home manicure. Ready to see how it turned out? Find out whether this birthday themed nail polish is worth adding to your cart.

calvin klein - euphoria eau de toilette (review)

Perfume has a way of saying all the things that go unspoken. It is able to accurately reflect my mood, desires, and dreams. Quite frankly, the scent that I choose on any given day is telling. Feeling down? I'll reach for something with a bright note to turn things around. Feeling anxious? A scent that is sweet and soothing is a must for me. Flirty? Maybe something a little more floral. Overwhelmed? Something clean and crisp. It is amazing how much the right scent can reveal. As mentioned in my last blog post, I was lucky enough to win a raffle basket with lots of different beauty products inside. One of those products was the Euphoria eau de toilette from Calvin Klein. With a unique bottle and a bold scent, it certainly knows how to stand out. 

review: kylie cosmetics setting spray (matte finish)

Not all setting sprays are created equal. Some are good, some are so-so, and some do not work at all. I have tried all sorts over the years and have liked a fair few, but still do not have one that I repurchase on a consistent basis. Perhaps the Setting Spray: Matte Finish from Kylie Cosmetics will change that. Several months back, I attended an event with my husband and raffle tickets were sold for a charity. We bought some and I put all of our tickets into the raffle for a basket full of beauty products, many of them from Kylie Cosmetics. Well...I won! Talk about a nice surprise. Over the next little while, the products from that raffle will be reviewed here on the creation of beauty is art. The first is the setting spray from Kylie Cosmetics. 

my barbie expo experience in montreal

It was a long day. A very long day. But when it comes to Barbie, sacrifices must be made. A few weeks back, my mom and I took the train to Montreal early in the morning...only to return back home the same day. Most of the day was spent on route and only a handful of hours were spent in Montreal, but in the end, it all worked out well. Barbie has always been an important part of my life, which is likely due to my mom and her obsession with the doll. The fashion, the glamour, and the possibilities made Barbie an absolute must back then and the same is true today. There is something so special about the doll. And that is how we ended up on a train to Montreal so we could visit the Barbie Expo. Here are a few highlights from the experience. 

#FOTD: fall inspired makeup look

Fall colours are beautiful. They are warm, soothing, and seem to make the whole world feel a little bit better. Orange, red, yellow, and brown are the most common fall colours, but warm greens are also associated with this time of year. I like to bring fall colours into my home with small decor items (like these coloured pumpkins) and also like to reach for fall inspired beauty products. For this latest #FOTD, the focus was on warm fall inspired colours and products already in my makeup collection.

 

what i've been watching lately (early fall edition)

Ahh...television. Do I watch too much of it? Most definitely. Do I have plans to cut back? Not a chance. There is something so wonderful about peeking into the lives of different characters, especially on a grey fall day with a scented candle burning on the table. There is a coziness to it all. Though the fall season is less than a month in, there are already lots of new and old favourites on my watched list. (Confession: there have been lots of spooky seasonal favourites in the mix as well, but those will be highlighted in a future blog post.) Here are some shows and movies that have been keeping me company so far this fall. 

2 looks 1 palette: urban decay wild greens eyeshadow palette

There used to be a lot of Urban Decay in my makeup collection. After all, there was a time where the Naked Eyeshadow Palettes were a total must in the beauty community. I hit pan on the original palette thanks to nights out with friends and used the Naked 3 Eyeshadow Palette almost every single day for work. Ahh...makeup memories. Over the years, there have been a few Urban Decay products that have caught my eye (like the Naked Ultraviolet Eyeshadow Palette and the Stoned Vibes Eyeshadow Palette) but generally speaking, there haven't been a ton of items from the brand added to my shopping cart. When I saw the Wild Greens Eyeshadow Palette at Winners for a massively discounted price, my nostalgia took hold, and I decided to see what was happening with Urban Decay. This is an eyeshadow palette that I have been using on and off for the last several months. Ready for a mini review and a couple of makeup looks featuring Wild Greens? Keep reading...

current favourites: halloween edition

The fall season has has been a little uneven so far. September started off strong and my apartment was fully decorated with pumpkins, leaves, ghosts, and other such seasonal items. But then we received a notice that some rather invasive repair work would be done to our living room and hall ceilings...which meant un-decorating, packing away most of our possessions, and tarping all of the furniture. And after the repairs were done? It meant days and days of cleaning up the absolute disaster the contractors left behind. It has been draining to say the least. Halloween is just a few weeks away and it feels like I am starting over in a sense. I am trying to find my footing again and reestablish a connection to one of my favourite times of year. In an attempt to do that....here are some current Halloween favourites that I am hoping will add some spooky vibes to my space.

does it work?? infallible brows volumizing mascara

My at-home makeup looks tend to be a little bit different than what I wear out and about. When I am heading to the store, to the movies, or somewhere else, the makeup look that I create tends to be based on my mood and there is often lots of dark and dramatic mascara involved. At home? I like to create makeup looks that are a little more laid back, but still have some pizazz. For instance, some glittery eyeshadow all over the lid, a bit of pencil liner, a coat of mascara, and a fun blush. With that in mind, it only seemed right to put the L'Oreal Infallible Brows Volumizing Mascara to the test. Would it perform well? Fall flat? Be a new must have? There was no better way to find out than by incorporating it into a recent at-home makeup look. So....does it work?? Keep reading to find out how the Infallible Brows Volumizing Mascara compares to other brow products.

show and tell: back to school beauty bundle

The words "back to school" have not been in my vocabulary for quite some time. Clearly, my student days are well behind me at this point! Despite this, the Back to School Beauty Bundle was seriously tempting. This set came with an assortment of skin care and makeup items all in a cute pink mini backpack. Keep reading to see what is included and what items I can't wait to try.

#FOTD: inspired by shirley partridge

Confession: I have been watching a lot of The Partridge Family lately. This is one of my all-time favourite comfort shows. I have had it on DVD for many years now and seem to come back to it on a semi-regular basis. I love everything about it: the 70s home decor, hair, and clothes, the wacky plots, the family connection, the incredible music, and of course, David Cassidy. While re-watching season one recently, I was especially taken by the makeup worn by Shirley Partridge aka the iconic Shirley Jones. Though the makeup style was fairly similar throughout the series (sometimes there was a little more colour and there were some bolder lines from time to time)....in season one specifically, there was one daytime makeup look that really wowed. It was simple, but still made a statement. Here is a closer look at that daytime makeup look and my own #FOTD recreation.

testing the pixi eyelift max liquid shadow

Eyeshadow comes in many forms. Though powder shadows are the most common in my personal makeup collection, there is something to be said about a liquid eyeshadow every now and then. These are often boldly pigmented and can be useful when time is limited. More recently, the Pixi EyeLift Max Liquid Shadow in the shade Amethyst caught my eye at the drugstore. Quite simply, it looked pretty and purple. That was all it took for me to toss it into my basket. Ready to find out how this liquid eyeshadow actually performs? If it was worth the splurge? Here is everything you need to know about this drugstore product. 

my favourite fall fashion trends for 2024

Do you plan on getting your trend on this season? There are always lots of fun and exciting new trends when a new season arrives. Now that the fall season is officially underway...it is time to take a peek at some of the fashion trends you can expect to see in stores and on the streets over the next several months. Whether you choose to embrace them or ignore them, there is no harming in learning what they are. So, on that note, here are some standout fall fashion trends for 2024.

review: clairol root touch-up and john frieda brunette products

It has certainly been an adjustment. Dying my hair is not my favourite thing to do and I find myself feeling resentful about the grey hairs that have forced a change to my routine. For the last several months, there are a few products that I have been using to maintain my brunette status. It seemed time to share my thoughts on them, just in case anyone else is in the same boat. On that note, here are reviews on the Clairol Root Touch-Up by Natural Instincts and some hair care products from John Frieda.

mini fall haul (decor and accessories)

Though my home has been decorated for the last few weeks (there are decorative pumpkins everywhere)...the official first day of fall was yesterday. So long summer! It is all cozy sweaters, scented candles, and fallen leaves from here on out. This time of year makes me especially joyful, which is probably the reason it is difficult for me to steer clear of fall decor items in the stores. I have done fairly well so far this year and have only added a few little items here and there, as seen in this mini fall haul.

love it or leave it? kate hudson (TIFF)

The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is underway and that means stars from around the globe are in Toronto promoting movies in all genres. Kate Hudson was there for Shell, which admittedly, sounds like a movie that I would like to watch when it becomes more widely available. TIFF means red carpets and interviews and all the rest...and Kate Hudson stepped out in a Vivienne Westwood design. Is it a love it or leave it? Keep reading for my thoughts on this red carpet look.

testing out the pillow talk lip kit from charlotte tilbury

What is it about those little items near the Sephora cash register that always seem to catch my eye? Mini versions of mascaras, tiny perfume bottles, and travel sized lipsticks line the queue....and my eyes have a tendency to wander while I wait. That is how the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit was added to my shopping basket. Though my only previous experience with the brand was lackluster (check out that review here) there is someone that I follow on Instagram who is obsessed with the Pillow Talk line. Essentially, temptation took over reason. Story of my life! Curious about this high end lip duo? Here is everything you need to know about the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Kit, which features the much praised lipstick and lip liner.

review: essence pink-ventures gel nail colour

There are certain items that I can resist and certain items that I cannot. Pink glitter nail polish falls into the latter category. My obsession with all things that sparkle and shine is no secret. When that sparkle and shine comes in a pink nail polish that is a mere $4 CDN...my willpower is gone. That is how the Pink-Ventures Gel Nail Colour from Essence found its way into my nail polish collection. It checked a lot of boxes: pink, glitter, and affordable. Ready to find out how this beauty product actually performs? If it is a drugstore must? Keep reading for a full review of the Pink-Ventures Gel Nail Colour from Essence.

emily in paris x revolution (review + makeup look)

Finally! Part two of the fourth season of Emily In Paris has arrived on Netflix. More recently, the streaming service has been splitting seasons into two parts in an obvious attempt to prevent people from binge watching and then cancelling. Considering the fact that the streaming service popularized the idea of binge watching...it is especially frustrating having to wait for the rest of the episodes. At least the wait is finally over and the remaining episodes of the fourth season are available. To celebrate this release, it made sense to highlight some products from the Emily In Paris x Revolution collection. Here goes...

current music obsession: sabrina carpenter and katseye

Music has always been a place for me to hide, feel, and find myself. It has been a companion for such a long time. In my younger years, there were always new releases that interested me. Now that I am older and have a healthy music collection, additions occur less frequently. This is in part because I do not enjoy a ton of the new music that is released and in part because a lot of the artists I love have retired, broken up, or release music less often than before. However, heading into a recent shopping trip to the United States (you can read a bit about that here) there were two items on my wish list: music from Sabrina Carpenter and KATSEYE. I was able to find the vinyl version of the new Sabrina Carpenter album, but that was all. After returning home, I ordered the CD version of Short n' Sweet (which I am still waiting on. Sigh.) and KATSEYE Soft Is Strong. Here is a look at the Sabrina Carpenter record and elaborate KATSEYE release...and details about my current musical obsessions.

first impressions: rimmel wonder volume thrill seeker mascara

Some mascaras are better than others. When it comes to Rimmel, a few of their mascaras have been stellar while others have only been so-so. The Wonder Volume Thrill Seeker Mascara was intriguing because of the claim on the packaging that it has a "creamy whipped formula." I was curious to find out how it performed and whether or not it met all of the other brand claims. Ready to learn more about this affordable product? Here is a first impressions review of this drugstore mascara from Rimmel.

life lately (wok with yan and shopping trip mini haul)

Summer is winding down and it seems life is determined to cram as much activity as possible into the last remaining weeks. Events, appointments, get togethers, and on and on the list goes. Lately, my schedule has been a little busier than I tend to prefer...but some of that has been for some exciting reasons. Like meeting a childhood idol and doing a bit of shopping across the border! Ready to find out more? Here is a little life update post with some highlights from a few recent days out. 

review: dip, shape, go! longwear brow pomade (nyx)

When it comes to brow products, there are some that work better than others. Most days, I am reaching for the Essence Eyebrow Designer Brow Pencil, but when I have a noteworthy event to attend, it is the Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil. (I love the latter, but my wallet sure doesn't, so it is not something that I use for at home makeup looks.) Recently, the Dip, Shape, Go! Longwear Brow Pomade from NYX caught my attention. Since I normally use pencils or powder products on my brows, it was a little exciting to put something different to the test. Ready to find out how this product performs? And whether it has been added to my list of brow product loves? Here is everything you need to know about this drugstore item...

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.

beauty bookshelf: never give up by richard simmons

In my last Beauty Bookshelf post, I talked about how my view of beauty has shifted over the years. Though it still includes makeup, fashion, hair, photography, and art, it also includes justice, self confidence, and wisdom. It includes hope and perseverance. Knowledge and meaning. Beauty is so much more than what we see...it is who we are. Though I have been reading a lot of books recently that would qualify for a Beauty Bookshelf post (and may well be highlighted in the future) the one that stood out most was Richard Simmons' Never Give Up: Inspirations, Reflections, Stories of Hope. Since his passing last month, my heart has been aching, but I have been doing my best to turn that loss into something meaningful. I have been eating pretty well, exercising regularly, and taking time to read and reflect. This book has been part of that process. 

does it work?? lise watier 24 hours glam eyeshadow

My loved ones are well aware that makeup is a passion of mine. I love to test out products and create different makeup looks. Recently, my husband came home with a little gift bag of items from the drugstore. Each gift bag purchased went towards a local charity, so it was a win-win situation. There were mostly some skin care and perfume samples inside, but there was also a full size version of the Lise Watier 24 Hrs Glam Eyeshadow. I was definitely eager to put it to the test. So...does it work??