So far, the spring season has been sporadic at best. Some days, there is snow, other days, rain, and then occasionally, there is sunshine scattered throughout the day. Despite the inconsistent weather, the spring season always makes me think of pastel colours and blue skies. Perhaps that is why it seemed like an appropriate time to put the Care Bears Eyeshadow Palette from Taste Beauty to the test. The goal? Create a colourful spring makeup look inspired by the much loved Care Bears.
A new month is here...and that thrills me. January and February were both challenging. I had the January blues and that continued on to become the February blues. However, this is the first day of March and spring is right around the corner. There are also some exciting things ahead for me this month. So, I am focusing on all things good, which is why this post is dedicated to recent non-beauty favourites. These are some of the books, movies, and television shows that have brought me joy lately.
My obsession with Sailor Moon began when I was in elementary school. I remember watching that first episode on YTV (a local channel that was a favourite for much of my adolescence) and immediately being hooked. From that point on, I was begging my mom for the Sailor Moon action figures and all sorts of Sailor Moon stickers at the dollar store. I remember getting in trouble by my fourth grade teacher, because I prioritized drawing pictures of the characters instead of paying attention to the lessons. Yes, the show was a full-blown obsession. Though I have had many obsessions over the years, Sailor Moon was, and still is, special. It is an important part of me. It represents my past, but it also represents my future. When I watch the episodes, I am reminded of what matters most to me and what I base my life on: fighting for love and justice. That simple message inspired me as a child and it continues to inspire me today. The world is dark and many people are cruel...which makes it even more important to fight for what is right. Sailor Moon is not just a television show to me. It is a reminder of what matters.
Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer. Fun for all that children call their favourite time of year. Peanuts and the holiday season have long gone hand in hand, thanks to the iconic Christmas special, "A Charlie Brown Christmas." So, it is no surprise that makeup brands would want to release Peanuts themed products during the holiday season. Last year, Wet n Wild did just that, with a collection that included blush palettes, beauty blenders, and all sorts of other themed items. At that time, I was able to find the Merry Christmas, Charlie Brown Eyeshadow Palette. (That eyeshadow palette has been in heavy rotation for the past year.) When I was in the England recently on a shopping trip, I came across another Peanuts x Wet n Wild product. This time, it was the What Christmas Is All About 3-Piece Multi-Stick Set. Does it work?? It is time to find out.
Whenever life is busy or hectic or overwhelming....I turn to television and movies. I have always felt comforted by those moments of escape. By the different stories, characters, and worlds that are only a click away. The last several weeks have been a bit full thanks to different family events, a planned weekend trip, responsibilities at home (I have weighed down my schedule by attempting to deep clean the apartment ahead of holiday decoration time), work, writing goals, and a million other to do list items. My solution? Play different television shows and movies in the background. Even right now, as I am writing this blog post, there is a movie playing in the background to keep me company. (For the record, it is Christmas Vacation. Even though it is technically early November, it might as well be December 25th in my mind. I am in full blown Christmas mode.) So, I thought it made sense to do a little update and share some of the things that have been on my watch list lately.
There was a lot to love about the 2000s when it came to media. Looking back, there was some seriously incredible music that came out at that time, not to mention movies and television shows. No wonder many of my favourites seem to be from that era. For the last 2000s theme week post here on Mansa Fashion. it only seemed right to honour some of those releases. Keep reading for some of my personal favourites as well as some other iconic highlights from the decade.
During the pandemic, there was a lot of TV in my life. To be honest, television has always been a comfort of mine, and I regularly watch more of it than I should. (Even as I write this post, there is a show playing in the background. For the record: I am currently rewatching Dexter. Spooky season is on the horizon, so it seemed like a fitting choice.) During the pandemic? TV was my best, best, best friend. I watched all sorts of shows...including Vanderpump Rules. I started by watching season eight and then went back and watched the show all the way from the beginning. Since then, I have rewatched the show a few times. And of course, I was on the edge of my seat when the Scandoval happened. Most of the cast members have a place in my heart for one reason or another, but my favourite person is Ariana Madix. I love how much she has grown over the years. I also love the fact that she has been so vulnerable about sharing her struggles with body image and mental health. Since Ariana is currently in a season of transformation and fresh starts (she will be on the new season of Dancing with the Stars and has a book coming out, Single AF Cocktails)...it only made sense to feature her in the latest installment of love it or leave it?
I have always loved television shows and movies. Like books, they were my escape from the world. I didn't have a lot friends growing up and was picked on a lot in school, so at the end of the day, there was something extra special about plopping down in front of the television set. I was free. Even now, all those years later, I feel the same way. Sitting in front of the television set to watch a show or a movie makes me feel safe. It is also my reward at the end of the day. There are a few different things that I have been watching lately. Want to know what they are? Here are some standout shows and movies...
The last little while has been difficult. Everyone said that COVID was like a cold or a flu, but that has certainly not been my experience. It has been difficult and long lasting. Even still, I am not feeling back to normal. Thankfully, there have been little things making my life happier lately. When you aren't feeling well...those small comforts mean the most. Take a peek at some of my current favourites, including some music, television shows, books, perfume, clothes, and beauty products.
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.
One more day until Halloween is officially here. If you are anything like me, there have been seasonal favourites playing in the background for weeks. I'm talking Halloweentown, Scream, Double Double Toil and Trouble, Friday 13th, and Casper. There are so many movies to watch and stream these days. (Check out a few suggestions here.) There is just something about these seasonal movies. Some are family friendly, some are thrilling, and others are downright terrifying...but they all add to the spirit of the season. Looking for something new to watch? Something to liven up your Halloween celebration? Well, you are in luck, because there are all sorts of brand new releases. Here are a few new streaming musts for Halloween night.
It was the spring and summer of 2007. For one night a week, my life revolved around the latest CW television show, Hidden Palms. It was love at first watch. I mean, total obsession. After watching the pilot episode for the first time, I knew this was a show that I would want to watch again and again. So, I recorded the episodes onto VHS. After all, there was Taylor Handley, Amber Heard, and Gail O'Grady. The cast was stellar and the premise was right up my alley. The show focused on a group of teenagers and their families...but it had a mystery element to it as well. There were plenty of secrets and scandals to uncover in Palm Springs. Unfortunately, the series only lasted for eight episodes and was cancelled due to low ratings. The truth? There are many shows I have loved over the years that did not have a lengthy run time. However, each left a lasting impression. Hidden Palms is proof of that. Fifteen years later, my obsession has been rekindled once more.
As someone who loves television a lot...there are countless shows on my list of loves. Some are higher up on that list than others, but each one has a special place in my heart. For example? Bridgerton. This show is an absolute phenomenon, with 193 million hours of the show watched in the premiere weekend for season two. This show is hugely successful and for good reason. Not only is there a stellar cast, incredible costumes, and compelling storytelling, but this show does romance well. After becoming totally obsessed with season one, it was difficult for me to believe that season two could be better. But it was. Way better. Season two is actually my preferred season so far. Clearly, I have a total obsession with all things Bridgerton. So, when my mom gifted me some Pat McGrath Labs x Bridgerton items, it was especially exciting. Ready to take a peek at those products? Find out how they perform? Here is a closer look at some of the items from the themed collection.
Anyone else watching "Get Organized with The Home Edit" on Netflix? When the first season premiered, it was quickly added to my watch list. Before I knew it, Clea and Joanna had reorganized closets, kitchens, bedrooms, and everything in between. Recently, the second season was added to the streaming service. This time, the professional organizers weren't heading to random storage stores for containers...they had created their own. Well, it only took a quick online search to find out where the containers were being sold. And that is how my spring cleaning started this year.
I love makeup and I love watching Friends. So, when Revolution released their Friends inspired collection in late 2022, it was immediately of interest. The packaging was beyond cute and the products turned out to be stellar. (In case you missed it, you can read my review of the collection here.) I have been using these items fairly regularly since then and more recently used them to create a simple little #FOTD look. It was just a regular day at home, so the look wasn't anything crazy or over the top, but I love that this colourful eyeshadow palette can be used to create something bold and colourful or a little more subdued. Need a reminder of what the palette looks like? Take a look at this #FOTD? Here goes...
