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.
This content is from the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com. If it is posted elsewhere, it has been stolen.
Do you have any travel plans this summer? Are you someone who enjoys spending lots of time in nature?
Fifteen years. That is not a milestone that crossed my mind when the creation of beauty is art. first launched. I didn't know if this blog would last a week, a month, or a year. I didn't know if anyone would read the words that I wrote or even care about the topics that interested me. There were so many unknowns. It all started during a transitional time in my life, when I was shifting from being a student to looking for employment in my field. There was a lot of uncertainty at that time, but this blog provided me with structure. It gave me an opportunity to write about all of the things that inspired me. It gave me purpose.
Change. Just the word makes my stomach knot in discomfort. I have always struggled to deal with change, whether it was a last minute change to casual plans or a significant life change that ended a chapter. The reality is that it is easier to feel comfortable when things stay the same. There is a certain kind of ease found in familiarity. However, change happens every single day in both acknowledged and unacknowledged ways. I have recently been trying to face some of those previously unacknowledged changes by reorganizing (and decluttering) my wardrobe and jewellery collection. This process has meant accepting that I am no longer who I used to be...and that parts of me will never be the way they were before. It has been surprisingly emotional.
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.
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.
In the words of the iconic Hilary Duff, "life is lifing and pressure is pressuring me." Truthfully, life has been a lot lately. Though there is excitement about the official start of spring - and there are some wonderful experiences planned for the months ahead - my schedule has been unexpectedly full this past week. It has been a struggle to keep my head above water and get done everything that needs to get done. Instead of rushing through blog posts, the decision was made to take a mini blog break so I can rest, reset, and return this time next week with new content. Next week, there will be a Dove x Bridgerton product review, a peek at some of the books on my spring reading list, and an Easter themed post. My apologies that this week will be quiet on the creation of beauty is art. (though I will be sure to read posts from others) but a bit of a break was needed. Until then...
Are you enjoying the start of spring so far? How have you been welcoming in the new season?
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.
Despite the name, the beauty industry is not always beautiful. In fact, it can be downright horrifying once you look past the glossy exteriors and smiling faces. It has become harder in recent years to consume products in a way that feels at least somewhat ethical. I don't know if this is because there is more information available than before or if there has been a shift in the way companies run their businesses. What I do know? There are many brands that I am no longer willing to support. This post will highlight some of those immoral brands specifically, but this is by no means an exhaustive list. If there are ones I have missed or might still be in the dark about, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section below. It is important that consumers are aware of what it means to spend money on certain beauty brands. In many cases, we deserve much better.
Sunshine and sand are ideal for many travellers. Not me. I have done my best to avoid beach vacations over the years, as my preference is a theme park or more of a novelty experience. I was able to steer clear of a "sunshine and sand vacation" for a long time by simply making it clear that I was only willing to visit the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas. My fascination with Atlantis dates back to 2001, when the Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen movie, Holiday in the Sun, was released. It was a fantastic direct-to-video movie that was set primarily at the Atlantis resort. It seemed like the most incredible place to visit. Even without an interest in beaches and waterparks, my interest in Mary-Kate and Ashley won out. So, when my husband declared that he needed a winter getaway, it quickly became apparent that Atlantis was in the cards. Here are a few highlights...
The first week of the new year is over already. It is hard to believe, but time seems to move faster these days. Though there is no denying the arrival of January, there is a part of me that is still lingering behind in December. The holiday season had some highs and lows...and I am trying to hold onto the highs as much as possible. That is the reason for this holiday highlights posts. It seemed appropriate to share a few seasonal photos, makeup looks, and talk about the more memorable moments.
A new year has arrived. Thank goodness! 2025 was a difficult year for myself and a lot of other people that I know...so it is nice to leave that year behind and cross my fingers for a fresh start. I came across this quote the other day, "There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind," and I sincerely hope that is true. We all deserve health, happiness, peace, and love. Though it is unknown what 2026 has in store, right now, we can look at this blank page with a renewed sense of optimism.
