toys r us and hmv closing sale haul.

All good things must come to an end. With more and more Toys 'R' Us locations closing down in Canada, it was only a matter of time before the one nearest to me shut down as well. After hearing about the closure, my husband and I went to see what might remain. Inside of each Toys 'R' Us location is a smaller HMV section with all sorts of music and memorabilia. That was my primary focus. In the past, we have found some records for our collection there, so it made sense to see if there was anything of interest. Thankfully, we were able to find a few items for a steep discount. Most things were 60% off, but there was a Goosebumps hoodie (not pictured) that I found for 80% off. Here is a closer look at this discount entertainment haul. 

shop my stash: super simple vintage inspired makeup look

There are certain makeup looks that I return to whenever I am short on time. In those instances, there are specific eyeshadow palettes that I reach for as well as a handful of other tried and true products. Recently, there was a need to get ready fairly quickly, but I didn't want to do the same old thing. I was looking for something a little more impactful. In the end, it was a super simple vintage inspired makeup look that was created. The eye makeup was fairly straightforward but there was a bold red lipstick chosen to add a little extra oomph. This shop my stash post is dedicated to an easy retro makeup look.

current obsession: pumpkin bonfire candle (bath and body works)

Thank goodness the fall season is officially on the way, because I am already burning fall inspired candles. From the iconic Pumpkin Pecan Waffles to an assortment of pumpkin and vanilla themed creations, my home consistently smells amazing - and seasonal. The most recent addition is Pumpkin Bonfire from Bath & Body Works, which has become a full blown obsession. 

september days are here.

The month of September often feels like a sigh of relief. The scorching summer temperatures will soon be in the rearview mirror and fall decor items will be pulled out of overloaded storage containers. There is something so comforting about this time of year. The "ber" months (September, October, November, and December) are my favourites, because there are fallen leaves, cozy sweaters, and holidays to look forward to. To celebrate the start of a new month, here are tag questions dedicated to this wonderful time of year. Be sure to leave your own answers in the comment section. It is time to welcome September!

end of summer theme park visit: canada's wonderland

Somehow, it is the last day of August and the fall season is on the horizon. Before the start of a new month (and a new season) it seemed only right to highlight a recent summer experience. My brother and I visited Canada's Wonderland a few weeks back to check out some of the newer rides that have been added to the beloved theme park. In truth, I think Canada's Wonderland will always be a nostalgic place for me. So many wonderful family memories were created in that park. It was nice to be able to visit once more and create a handful of new memories. The day we visited was scorching hot, but we spent hour after hour riding rollercoasters and enjoying all of the theme park ambiance. Here are some of the highlights from that experience. 

new in: katseye wild ep (vinyl, wild world, and megan version)

There are three different versions of the new KATSEYE album, Wild, in my possession. An autographed vinyl version and a member version of the album were pre-ordered around four months back. I was so excited about the release of new music that I purchased the items without fully knowing what I would be receiving. The cover art had not been released and details were scarce. I assumed the member version of the album would come with a photobook, similar to the Soft is Strong and Beautiful Chaos releases. When my pre-ordered items arrived, it was all very exciting, but I was disappointed that the member version of the album was so small. That is how the Wild World version was also added to my music collection. It came with a photobook and all sorts of other extras. Do I have too many versions of the new EP? Probably. But I have loved listening to the album and looking through all of the Wild inspired items. On that note, here is a closer look at my recent KATSEYE purchases. 

hilary duff concert look and mini concert review

Hilary Duff is back. The iconic Disney Channel star released her latest album, Luck...or Something earlier in the year and announced The Lucky Me Tour around the same time. As a longtime Hilary Duff fan, it was all very exciting. I purchased a downloadable version of the album for the bonus content, purchased the CD version of the album, and purchased a vinyl version of the album in quick succession. I also bought tickets to one of her concert dates. Let me just say that my inner child has been thriving with the return of this incredible artist. This post is all about my Hilary Duff concert look, including the outfit, hair, accessories, and makeup. There will also be a mini concert review. Hey now, hey now, this is what dreams are made of...

four things i have been reading, listening to, and watching lately

It is hard to believe that August is almost over. This summer has certainly been an interesting one. There have been some ups, some downs, and some memorable moments mixed in as well. In between those memorable moments, music, television, and books have been keeping me entertained. Here are some of the things I have been reading, listening to, and watching lately. 

katseye: wild hearts movie (review and makeup look)

There is something fun about heading to the movie theater. I have always loved the smell of popcorn, the plushy seats, and the thrill of new movie trailers. This time around, it was the KATSEYE: Wild Hearts movie that brought me to the movies. This documentary had limited screenings last week and I was able to purchase a ticket for the screening in my area on the 12th. It was a documentary with behind the scenes footage and interviews with members of the band ahead of the Wild EP release. Keep reading for a mini review of the movie and a look at the outfit and makeup that I wore to the Wild Hearts screening.

outfit inspired by the elle television show.

"Seattle isn't a costume and pink isn't a personality." In the Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, the beloved character Elle Woods finds herself trying to find her way in a new school and a new city. Though some have criticized the show for feeling like a fan fiction version of the movie, there is a lot to love. There is a stellar cast and there are some seriously fabulous outfits. I am a sucker for a fish out of water story and have a weakness for the kind heart and determination of Elle Woods. Since I have been binge watching all the episodes of Elle recently, pink outfits, accessories, and makeup have been on my mind. 

testing out dollar store makeup items.

Every now and then, it is interesting to see what makeup products are available at the dollar store. Since the price of everything seems to be steadily increasing, finding beauty items that are decent and affordable will always be a win. With a cost of about $1.50 CDN for each blush and eyeshadow palette, these items from L.A. Colors certainly excelled as far as affordability. As for quality, that was something I was eager to find out. It was time to test some dollar store makeup items. 

current favourites (music, makeup, and accessories)

What are your current favourites? Every now and then, certain items seem to be more in demand than others, from makeup to music and everything in between. Lately, I have found myself reaching for specific items over and over again. It made sense to highlight some of those items on the creation of beauty is art. On that note, here are some of my current summer favourites. 

inspired by: katseye (allure magazine photoshoot)

The countdown is on. The new KATSEYE album, Wild, will be released in two more days. Their movie, which is being referred to as "a love letter to the Eyekons" hits movie theaters tonight. I cannot wait. Yes, the KATSEYE obsession is still in full swing in my home. I love this band so much. Even though I am not exactly the target demographic, their voices and dancing skills are beyond impressive and won me over instantly. The new album will have five songs, including the iconic Pinky Up, with a bonus track on certain versions. I pre-ordered to the album many months back because I simply could not wait. Though there were several versions to choose from (and it was difficult to know what version to select) it was the autographed vinyl that I chose as well as the member version of Wild (Megan version). Fingers crossed I made the right decisions! I cannot wait to hear the music and receive the album. In the meantime, I will be heading to the movie theater tonight to watch KATSEYE: Wild Hearts. 

fotd feat. the roaring 20's indulgence eyeshadow palette

Some eyeshadow palettes are more exciting than others. One example is The Roaring 20's Indulgence Eyeshadow Palette from Rude Cosmetics. This 1920s themed release has a fun design, a consistent theme, and an impressive assortment of eyeshadow colours and finishes. It continues to be used often. Here is a recent #FOTD featuring this memorable eyeshadow palette. 

four more mini mascara reviews (mascara discovery collection)

For the last several months, the mini mascaras in the Mascara Discovery Collection have been put to the test. (The mascara reviews for Too Faced, Benefit, Yves Saint Laurent, and Lancôme can be read here.) It is time to review the final four mascaras in the set. This includes the 24 Hrs Glam Intense Mascara from Lise Watier, Wonder Volume XXL from Clarins, Lash Idole Mascara Deluxe from Lancôme, and High Impact Mascara from Clinique. Keep reading to find out how each one performed.

does it work?? maybelline sunkisser blush (sol search)

The summer season is well underway now that August has arrived. The temperatures are scorching and there is lots of sunshine. This is ideal for all of the summer lovers out there, but in truth, my mind keeps wandering to fall. The "ber" months are so close yet so far away. Sigh! Despite the lure of sweater weather and fallen leaves, I am doing my best to stay present and make the most of the remaining weeks of summer. One product is making that a little bit easier, which is the Sunkisser Blush from Maybelline. Keep reading for all of the important product details and the answer to the question: does it work??

revisited review: hershey's milk chocolate eyeshadow palette

I do not purchase makeup as often as I used to. In the past, there were new releases added to my makeup collection on a semi-regular basis thanks to countless visits to Sephora and the drugstore. These days? That doesn't happen often. My focus has been on repurchasing essential everyday items as needed and the occasional splurge on something fun and new. That has led to a lot of "shopping my stash," which is essentially browsing what I have to make sure I am using what is already in my possession rather than constantly purchasing more. That inspired this revisited review on the Hershey's Milk Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette. It was first featured on the creation of beauty is art. in late fall - and is an eyeshadow palette that I have been reaching for a lot lately. Here are the pros, cons, and a new makeup look featuring this chocolate inspired release. 

visiting santa's village theme park.

There is nothing better than a Christmas inspired theme park for the holiday obsessed. For many years, I have wanted to re-visit Santa's Village, a theme park that I visited once as a child. During the recent cottage getaway, my husband, brother, and I drove the extra hour and a half out to the Christmas wonderland. Here are some of the highlights of that experience. 

cottage thrift store haul (music, movies, books, and more)

It is no secret that thrift stores and antique stores make me happy. You never know what treasure you might find there! During a recent cottage vacation with some family members, there were several such stores visited in Fenelon Falls, Bobcaygeon, and Lindsay. I was lucky enough to find some wonderful items to add to my always growing collection of movies, books, and music. 

love the earth as you would love yourself.

The month of July has been a busy one, especially with a cottage vacation thrown into the mix. This is something that my immediate family has done each summer since the COVID-19 pandemic, but the experience was a little bit different this year. My sister and her family did not come, there was a rented condo unit instead of a traditional cottage house, and there were certain health issues to navigate. I've mentioned in previous posts that one of my loved ones has been dealing with serious health issues for the last year and a half. It has made life uncertain. Unfortunately, this family member was admitted to the hospital a few days before the scheduled vacation and remained there several days after the vacation started. My brother, my husband, and I were at the cottage (or condo) for a few days before the remaining family members were able to make it there.