bath & body works haul (may 2022)

It is no secret that I love Bath & Body Works products a lot. An awful lot. During the pandemic shut downs, I was desperately missing the foaming hand soaps from the brand. I ran out and wasn't comfortable heading to the mall to buy more for quite some time. Thankfully, in the last six months or so, I've been able to stock up on the foaming hand soaps and was even gifted an assortment of Bath & Body Works items over the holidays. Recently, a standalone Bath & Body Works store opened not too far from where I live. That meant that I was able to stock up on a few more items without having to deal with mall crowds and a lot of people. In fact, the store was essentially empty when I visited. Though there was an awful lot that I wanted to take home with me, I focused on filling in some of the gaps instead. The end result? A little Bath & Body Works haul. 

current obsession: bh cosmetics optimistic AF eyeshadow palette

Optimism isn't necessarily my go-to mood. Especially over the last few years. There are days when I feel like sunshine and rainbows....and there are days when I feel like rain clouds and thunderstorms. It is probably because there are so many unknowns still! Going out isn't something that is comfortable for me currently, but it is something that I am trying to wrap my head around. Despite everything, I keep hoping for wonderful spring and summer memories. Maybe I am more optimistic than I realize. Speaking of optimism, the Optimistic AF eyeshadow palette from BH Cosmetics has been high up on my list of loves lately. Not only is there a beautiful colour story, but the palette acts as a reminder to find the joy in life. Even amidst all of the uncertainty. Ready to take a peek at this affordable product? Keep reading to check out a healthy dose of seasonal colours.

love it or leave it? ashlee simpson

There has been a lot of Ashlee Simpson music playing in my home recently. I have always loved her, but lately, her music has been even more of a must. Not only is her voice incredible, but her songs are fantastic and take me back in the best possible way. Her style has always been iconic. When I was younger, I wanted my hair like hers, my makeup like hers, and my style to be just like hers. So it only makes sense to focus on Ashlee for the latest edition of love it or leave it? Check out her latest look...

updated review: hard candy glamoflauge pro full coverage concealer

Emily Noel first introduced me to the Glamoflauge concealer from Hard Candy in 2014. I've been watching her YouTube videos for at least ten years now and continue to trust her reviews to this day. Why? She is always right. The Glamoflauge concealer is just one such example. It is without a doubt the most full coverage concealer at the drugstore. Not to mention the fact that it is ultra affordable! This is a product that I have been using on a regular basis since that introduction back in 2014. More recently, this iconic drugstore product has had a bit of a makeover. So, it only made sense to do an updated review here on the creation of beauty is art. Here is everything you need to know about this must-have concealer. 

#FOTD + mini review (milani gilded terra eyeshadow palette)

Editing Note: Since Milani chose to contribute to a campaign that involved the harassment and bullying of a domestic violence survivor, I no longer support the brand and do not recommend their products. Spend your money wisely and look elsewhere. And be sure to watch the video below for additional information.

It has been a while. In the past, Milani products were an essential part of my everyday makeup routine. The blushes? Incredible. The eyeshadows? Beautiful. The brow products? Easy to use and effective. And yet...it has been a few years since anything new from Milani has been added to my makeup collection. There is no specific reason for this. Other blushes have been used, different eyeshadows have been on my radar, and new favourites have replaced old favourites. It happens! While at the drugstore recently, the Gilded Terra Eyeshadow Palette from Milani caught my eye. Described as a hyper-pigmented eyeshadow palette with a combination of dusty rose shades, earthy neutrals, and serene shades of sage...it was hard to resist. The cost was fairly high for a drugstore palette ($27 CDN) but temptation got the best of me! Ready to see this palette in action? Find out what it can do? It is time for a #FOTD look and a mini review of this drugstore release. 

new in: john denver merchandise

John Denver takes me to another place entirely. Though life can feel stressful, overwhelming, and hectic at times...his music makes the world seem peaceful and safe. Suddenly, I am understood. Suddenly, everything is going to be okay. I have been a fan of John Denver for a very long time, but several years back, his music became an essential part of my being. It brought fuzzy things into focus. It gave me hope, purpose, and comfort. Needless to say, my record player (or CD player or iPod or whatever else) is often playing his music! Perhaps this is why my husband decided to treat me to a few items from the John Denver online store. I had sent him a link to a hat that caught my eye and he ended up purchasing the hat as well as a few other things he thought I would like. It was such a sweet gesture and his thoughtfulness made these already special items feel extra special. Ready to take a closer look at this John Denver merchandise? Keep reading...

positive affirmations to start the month off right

May is no ordinary month. Named after the Greek goddess, Maia, this month is all about flowers in bloom, warmer weather, and new beginnings. Maybe last month felt challenging or you have a bit of anxiety about the days ahead. This is the perfect time to refocus your mind. Positive affirmations are one way to do just that! Affirmations are positive statements, which are said either aloud or in your head. These statements make it possible to overcome limiting beliefs, can shift your mindset, boost your mood, and increase confidence levels. With a new month just beginning, it is more important than ever to welcome in the positive. Ready to start the month off right? Here are some positive affirmations to incorporate into each and every May day.