Life has certainly been busy lately. I suppose that is always the way around Christmas time. There is so much to get done...there are so many activities...and of course, there are so many holiday specials to watch! This season has been a bit different. Unfortunately, some of my loved ones have been under the weather. (COVID strikes again.) That has put a damper on the season - and has made all of the decorating, wrapping, and baking at my family home feel very last minute and thrown together. Normally, we do things bit by bit over the month of December, but we really have had to just do our best with the time remaining. The next couple of days are sure to be hectic, as we desperately make up for lost time. In the meantime, I am taking a moment to pause and look back at a few seasonal highlights. This month, there have been trips to the mall, advent calendars, holiday movie nights (my husband and I went to see The Grinch and The Polar Express in theatres), gift drop offs to friends, and drives around to look at all of the Christmas lights. Even though this holiday season hasn't been exactly what I imagined, I am doing my best to focus on the good. So, here are some pictures of my decorations, some sweet treats, and even some holiday themed makeup brushes that I have been using recently. Keep reading for some seasonal inspiration...

The summer season always seems to be a little too busy. Isn't this supposed to be a time of rest and relaxation? A time to lounge on the patio with a cold beverage? Unwind in the sunshine? Apparently not! The to-do list is never-ending. For starters, there are responsibilities at work as well as creative projects and long neglected at-home tasks that are simply begging for attention. Then there are all of the social events and invitations out that seemed to have piled up. It really doesn't take much for the summer season to start to feel overwhelming. At least, that is the way it has felt for me the last several weeks. I mean, there is the usual stuff that always seems to keep my schedule full, but then there are all of these milestone moments and major events happening for my loved ones. That means gift shopping and nights out galore. Don't get me wrong...these are wonderful things...but an open schedule and a lighter load would be nice for a little while. Maybe in the fall! At any rate, life has seemed a little busier lately, so I have been holding on to small moments. Little pockets of meaning. It's amazing how even in the midst of feeling overwhelmed, something can appear, and instantly you remember how beautiful it is to be alive. Today, I wanted to share some of the songs, words, and other such things that have added colour to my life lately.

Sour, the first album from Olivia Rodrigo, was easily my most listened to CD in 2022. And 2022. And it might be my most listened to in 2023 as well. The number of times that I have listened to that album is bordering on ridiculous. Though there had been a lot of incredible albums released in the last couple of years, Sour was the first one in a long time that made me feel the way I used to. See, back when I was younger, music was my whole identity. I would listen to the same albums over and over again, memorizing every little detail. Those albums made me feel safe and seen and understood in a way that I didn't feel in my day-to-day life. As I've gotten older, my love of music has stayed the same, but I don't always have that feeling when I listen to a new CD. I might love it, adore it, and listen to it many times, but it doesn't necessarily become a place of escape and understanding. Sour reminded me that I could still feel inspired in that way. It reminded me that music was (and still is) still a safe place for me. When it was announced that a new single would be released, there was a little nervousness on my part. Would it be as good as the songs on Sour? What if I didn't like it? What if I didn't have that feeling? It turns out that my fears were pointless, because her new song, Vampire, is perfection. I have listened to it at least a hundred times by now. I love everything about it. The lyrics speak to imbalanced power dynamics in a relationship (which is a topic that I am particularly passionate about) and the music video is a masterpiece. It is raw and emotional...and features some fantastic makeup. 

Somehow...summer has arrived. Quite frankly? My feelings are mixed. I know that a lot of people love this time of year because of the sunshine, vacations, sandals, and barbecues, but this is my least favourite season. It didn't used to be that way. When I was a student, I loved the summer because it was a time of freedom. When I was in my 20s, I loved the summer because everyone was eager to make plans and hang out. Now that I am a little bit older, all the summer makes me feel is hot. Literally. There is no air conditioning in our home (apart from a window unit in the bedroom) and the warm temperatures make the summer months downright unbearable. I dislike the weather and how full my schedule becomes. In recent years, I have started to prefer peace and quiet over the bustling summertime activities. Believe it or not, I actually like not having plans. I don't know if I will always feel this way, but that is where I'm at currently. At any rate, I am doing my best to feel some sense of excitement about the months ahead. So, on that note, here are some summer themed inspiration photos to start the season off right, whether you love summer or are counting down the days until sweater weather returns.

Last night, a friend and I went to see the movie, "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." Instantly, I was transported back to my youth. I remember reading that Judy Blume book over and over again. I read it so many times that the cover was cracked and worn. I felt like it understood me in ways that the people in my real life didn't. I felt seen, heard, and understood. Watching the film version took me right back to that time in my life, so full of insecurity and longing. As nostalgia took over, I started to think about the women that I admired when I was younger and how drastically that has changed. 

Maybe it's because my mind has been all too focused on Vanderpump Rules lately, but the song, "Good As Gold" has been stuck in my head for days and days and days. Honestly, the song is far more catchy than it has a right to be. It is an earworm like no other! With "Good As Gold" on permanent repeat in my mind (and on my stereo)...it seems that I am gravitating towards gold makeup and accessories lately. Though I didn't plan on it, the last few makeup looks that I have put together featured lots of gold shimmer on the eyelids and a golden highlight on the cheeks. As for accessories? There is a pair of small chunky hoops that have been a must for me lately. Gold is definitely a source of inspiration at the moment. Looking for a little gold inspiration of your own? Here are some of my current favourite photographs, inspired by all things golden, of course.

Sometimes, a television show ends, but it stays with you even after the credits roll. That is exactly what happened with Daisy Jones and The Six. This Amazon Prime series was released early last month and the finale aired a couple of weeks ago. Since then, bits and pieces of the soundtrack have floated around my head. "Did we unravel a long time ago? Is there too much we don't wanna know? I wish it was easy, but it isn't so. Oh, we could make a good thing bad." Not only was the show itself compelling, with complex characters and a documentary style, but the music. Ahh, the music. This show was set in the 70s and the songs reflect that time period perfectly. In short? The album is outstanding. Incredible lyrics. Earworms that just won't leave your head. Just a fabulous celebration of love and pain and destruction. In addition to the captivating television show itself - and the must-listen soundtrack - there was another aspect of Daisy Jones and The Six that made me happy: the fashion. As I mentioned, the show was set in the 1970s, which meant there was incredible 70s style throughout the series. 

I remember the first time I heard Taylor Swift. It was way back in the days of MSN Messenger. One night, a friend of mine mentioned seeing her open for another performer. She sent me one of her songs and it was love at first listen. Since then, Taylor Swift has cemented herself as an icon. Her music continues to break records and create buzz. Most recently, her single, Lavender Haze, was released. For full transparency, this song has been on repeat in my home since the release of Midnights late last year. (Along with Vigilante Shit.) The song is all about the honeymoon stage of a relationship and the desire to hold onto it despite outside influences. There are lots of standout lines, a catchy melody, and a music video that absolutely amazes. Speaking of the music video...I am obsessed. Taylor Swift normally has really intricate and interesting music videos, but this particular video has added a healthy dose of inspiration to my life. That's why today is dedicated to Lavender Haze.

Sometimes, there is beauty in looking back. I find myself drawn to all things retro and vintage these days...especially now that the holiday season is underway. Maybe I have rose coloured glasses for a time that I never experienced. Or perhaps there is comfort in knowing how it all turned out. Honestly, there is so much uncertainty these days that looking back has become a lovely form of escapism. Though decades of the past held their own troubles, fears, and uncertainties, the haze of nostalgia makes it all seem so warm and simple. I am holding onto that feeling! As a result, several retro inspired holiday items have made their way into my home lately. Take a peek at some of those decor pieces and enjoy a little old-school inspiration.

December is here! Nothing could make me happier. It is no secret that I adore the holiday season. The lights, the food, the movies, the music, the decorations, the time spent with loved ones...everything. Yes, I love absolutely everything about this month. In order to welcome in December properly, it made sense to share a little bit of seasonal inspiration here on Mansa Fashion. Check out some holiday inspired photos and quotes below. As for what you can expect here over the next several weeks? There will be some seasonal favourites, current obsessions, revisited holiday makeup reviews, seasonal nail looks, movie musts, as well as a handful of high-end and drugstore Christmas makeup looks. This is sure to be a month to remember, both online and offline. On that note, here is a little December inspiration to start the month off right.

There is something special about the month of September. It holds so much promise. There are the last moments of the summer season to enjoy as well as the earliest moments of the fall season. It represents endings and beginnings in the best possible way. Even though the fall season doesn't officially begin until September 22nd, once this month rolls around, my mind immediately shifts to autumn mode. This is probably because summer is my least favourite season. I know most people adore summer, but my favourite times of year are: fall, winter, spring, and summer. In that order! I love sweater weather, family traditions, and the cooler temperatures that are often associated with the fall season. Since fall is quickly approaching, it made sense to celebrate the start of the new season with some September inspirations and a few fall tag questions...

Black and white photographs always seems to say more. They express longing, despair, and the complexity of human emotions in a way that colour photos cannot. Lately, I have been really inspired by black and white everything. Photography, movies, television shows...all of it. Perhaps this is because there is something achingly beautiful about black and white images of all kinds. They somehow peel back the layers and get to the heart of the matter. They say the things that we are too afraid to say. They tell our secrets. Since my world has been a little black and white recently, it only made sense to share a bit of that inspiration here on Mansa Fashion. Here are some inspiration photos to add a little extra something to your day. Some of the images are moody and others are powerful, but all are meaningful, special, and important. 

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. 

In middle school, happy faces were considered to be ridiculously cool. And they were everywhere! On necklaces, keychains, t-shirts, mood rings...everywhere. At that time, my collection of happy face inspired items started. I remember that at one point, my room had happy face containers, an array of happy face necklaces, rings, stick on earrings, shirts, patches, pins, and stuffed animals. I loved happy faces a lot. Over the years, many of those items were tucked away or donated. (Though the holiday-inspired happy face stuffed animals have remained and come out for various holidays.) Imagine my surprise and delight when happy faces - and all things 90s - came back in style. It reminded of how much I loved all of those adorable yellow happy faces in my youth. Lately, I have been embracing the past and have welcomed a few new happy face items into my life. 

Phew! We made it. Spring has officially arrived. Some years, part of me wants to hold onto the winter season a little bit longer, and other years, my heart longs for springtime. This year, I am kind of on the fence. On one hand, I like watching the snow fall when I am warm and cozy inside. On the other hand, I miss going on walks with my husband when the weather is nice. I suppose change is inevitable! It is time to tuck away those winter boots for another year and welcome in sunny skies. This spring, I feel a combination of excitement and anxiety. There is excitement that I will be potentially be able to meet with friends in outdoor settings, but there is anxiety about getting back out into the world, even in small ways. I think it will be a significant adjustment for me to really live life again. For the last two years, I have been inside my home almost all of the time. The idea of having outdoor distanced meetings with friends, or going somewhere just because, is overwhelming. If I'm being honest...I am afraid. So, the spring season is a little bittersweet for me, but today, I want to focus on the sweet. On that note! Here are some inspiration photos to welcome in a new season and add a little hope to your day. 

Valentine's Day is almost here. That means the next few days are all about love and romance. Whether you plan to celebrate the holiday with a partner, family members, friends, or on your own...this is the perfect time to show how much you care. And a rom-com or two doesn't hurt, either! There are so many ways to celebrate this time of year. For some, celebrating may mean a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant and for others, celebrating may look like an at-home spa day. It doesn't matter how you choose to spend Valentine's Day, as long as you take a little time to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to an extra dose of TLC. There is so much destruction in the world these days, and holidays are a wonderful reminder to lead with love and to appreciate the most important people in your life. It is a time to pause and be grateful. On that note...ready to kickoff the latest holiday? Here are some Valentine's Day inspired photos, makeup looks, and quotes.