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. 

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.

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. 

love it or leave it? taylor swift toy story 5 premiere

In two days, the latest Toy Story movie will hit the big screen. As a Disney lover, there is a lot of excitement about a new addition to the popular series. Toy Story 5 will feature some familiar characters as well as some new ones to love. I am eagerly anticipating a trip to the movie theater in the next little while. Something else that has made me excited about the new movie? The fact that Taylor Swift released a song for the soundtrack, "I Knew It, I Knew You." She attended the Toy Story 5 premiere recently and wore a dress from the Erdem fall collection, which means it is time for another love it or leave it post.

fifteen music lover questions.

Life without music would be unbearable. There is power in a well written lyric, an interesting melody, and a clear voice. Music has been on my mind a lot lately and I have found myself reflecting on the many times it has understood me, offered me peace, and essentially held me together. It seemed like an appropriate time to wax poetic about it here on the creation of beauty is art. so here are fifteen music lover questions. Be sure to share your own answers in the comment section below.

ten random things that are keeping me inspired this spring.

Balance seems out of reach. Despite my best efforts, living a balanced life seems near impossible to achieve, even on a temporary basis. It seems that life is either uncertain and achingly slow or full steam ahead. At the moment, it seems that I am in a season of "full steam ahead." There are appointments, plans, requests, and a to-do list that grows longer with each moment that passes. What kind of season are you in right now? Is the pace a little slower or are you struggling to keep it all together? Whether you are overwhelmed or are finding life a little quieter, it is essential to stay inspired. To find little things that matter. To hold onto bits and pieces of happiness. That is what inspired this blog post. I have been seeking out all that is joyful and beautiful in my world. On that note, here are ten random things that have been keeping me inspired this spring. 

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. 

recent thrifted finds (music and movies)

It is almost impossible for me to leave a thrift store empty handed, especially when there are sections dedicated to music and movies. Well, there is one thrift store near me that is entirely dedicated to music and movies. This is not a place that I am able to visit often, because I am simply unable to hold back seeing so many wonderful items. (Music, movies, and television shows are all weaknesses of mine. I find so much comfort in the words and stories of others.) After several months away, there was a random visit that resulted in an armful of media. It is time to take a closer look at some recent thrifted finds.

current music obsession: pinky up (katseye)

The latest single from KATSEYE has been on repeat in my home ever since it was released on April 9th. This is not exactly surprising, since KATSEYE has quickly become my favourite band. (I was lucky enough to see the band in concert at the end of 2025 and it was a highlight of my year.) All that said, I wasn't sure the new single, Pinky Up, would be my cup of tea. (No pun intended.) I had heard a portion of a leaked demo ahead of the official release and couldn't quite see the vision. Then the music video came out. I was able to see the visuals and hear the full version of the song. In a word? Amazing. After listening to the song over and over again...it seemed only right to highlight my current music obsession here on the creation of beauty is art. I was inspired by the earworm posts that the amazing Yasmina Rosa Wölkchen shares on her blog, because this song easily falls into the earworm category. Ready to check out the latest single from KATSEYE? Here is the video for Pinky Up...

review: devout (david archuleta biography and new music)

A lot of musical artists have added meaning to my life, but David Archuleta is higher on the list than most. His voice has consistently wowed, but the release of his biography highlighted the power of his voice in a whole new way. Devout: Losing My Faith To Find Myself is extremely important. Keep reading for a full review of Devout, both the book and the new EP.

five little things making me smile lately.

the creation of beauty is art. has always been focused on things that make the world beautiful. Some examples? Makeup, fashion, music, books, travel, movies, and self love. Though the world itself is not always beautiful, there is still so much to hold on to. That is why this post is dedicated to five little things that have been making me smile lately. These little things have made the last several weeks happier and more meaningful. Here is a closer look at the items on this list....

inspired by: zara larsson

There are many celebrities who are downright disappointing. Zara Larsson is not one of them. Not only is her music incredible, but she is consistently on the right side of history, loudly calling out famous abusers, supporting women, and standing against various abuses of power. It is meaningful to see someone with a platform speak out about issues that matter, especially with the world the way it is right now. She is talented, smart, and a true inspiration. Zara is a star on the rise for all the right reasons. In addition to being an outspoken icon, she is also well known for the amazing makeup looks that she wears. These looks are colourful, bold, and interesting. Hopefully in the future, it will be possible to re-create (or at least attempt to re-create) one of these incredible makeup looks on the creation of beauty is art. For now, here is some much needed Zara Larsson inspiration.

perfume set reviews: xtina and christina aguilera

Even though it is March, many of the reviews here on the creation of beauty is art. take me back to the holiday season. During that time, loved ones gifted me various beauty related items, including makeup, skin care products, and perfume. It is perfume that will be the focus today, because there were two Christina Aguilera sets that were eagerly unwrapped on Christmas morning. It is time to find out more about the scents Xtina and Christina Aguilera from the iconic pop star, Christina Aguilera. 

shaun cassidy concert review and makeup look

There are all sorts of records in my record collection, including several from Shaun Cassidy. My introduction to Shaun Cassidy was partly a result of my obsession with his brother, David Cassidy, and partly a result of The Hardy Boys television series that ran in the late 1970s. (I found the series on DVD many years back, bought it on a whim, and fell in love with it.) I have listened to his records so many times over the years, but never imagined it would be possible to see him in concert. Then he announced The Road To Us Tour. Tickets were immediately purchased. Here is a mini review of the show and a concert makeup look.

feeling nostalgic: vhs tapes and 00s media

Before there was YouTube, there were blank VHS tapes. In my younger years, much of my time was spent setting the VCR to record all sorts of television specials and shows. Instead of heading out to the movie theater with friends, many of my evenings were spent recording music videos and interviews on The Hit List and Much Music. I was always saving as much content as possible. Back then (and even now) it seemed important to record things so I could hold onto different moments. So I could watch and rewatch media that meant something to me. Confession: I still have all of my old VHS tapes, and lately, I have been choosing a few VHS tapes at random to watch. The nostalgia is beautiful, painful, and magical, all at the same time. 

what i've been watching lately (movies, television shows, and music)

Sometimes, a little escape from reality is a must. Thank goodness there are movies, television shows, and music to rely on in both the good and not-so-good times. Everyone has their own own ways to destress - and entertainment has always been my favourite way to do just that. Here are some of the songs, television shows, and movies that have been making life better.