Hey y’all. I went to a sweet friend of mine, Sophia, who performs eyelash extensions. For a full set the price is just under $100 and a fill in is around $50. I had a Q&A box on instagram to make sure I can answer all of your questions. If you want to check Sophia out here is her instagram link.
Q: How much does the full set cost?
A: It costs $95 for a full set.
Q: How long do the sets last?
A: The full lash effect lasts about two to three weeks. After that if you want to keep the full lash extension then you will need to have a fill in.
Q: How much is an extension set?
A: The refill/fill in usually costs around $50.
Q: How long does it take to have the extensions put on?
A: It took Sophia about an hour to put the extensions on.
Q: Did it hurt?
A: No, not at all. It does feel a little weird when they are applying them since you have to keep your eyes closed. (I won’t lie, I felt a bit impatient when they were being put on since I just wanna see how they turn out but it doesn’t hurt at all.)
Q: Are there any short term restrictions?
A: Yes, you can’t take a hot shower for 24 hours after. This helps the glue set and makes sure they stay on as long as possible.
Q: Are there any long term restrictions?
A: None that I know of, I can shower, swim, sleep like normal and just live my life.
Q: How do you care for them?
A: I brush them with an eyelash brush, eyes closed, brush on top first; then with eyes open brush from the bottom up to keep them aligned and looking great. Otherwise I wash my face with Tula face wash and I am just very gentle when washing and drying around my eyes. (Honestly it’s pretty similar to how I wash my face around my eyes normally.)
Q: Would you do it again?
A: Absolutely, I am thinking of keeping them on through the holidays to make it easier to get up and get ready in a hurry. Plus I just feel like it helps me look more put together overall.
Alright. Before y’all judge me for having two coffee machines, which I know might be a bit insane, let me explain the method to my madness. One is for regular coffee and the other is for espresso.
Keurig:
The first coffee machine I have is my Keurig Cafe. It is an upgrade from the regular Keurig. You insert a K-Cup, select the size of the coffee you want (6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz and 12 oz) or you can select the shot function which gives you the equivalent of an espresso shot. The Keurig also comes with a milk frother to make lattes or cappuccino. The milk can be done both hot or cold depending on the drink you want.
What I love about this coffee maker it gives me a full cup of coffee it. I can customize the size of my coffee from a petite cup to a full on. The full on is if I’m going to to be living in my car all day and need a coffee surplus. Plus I like to froth my coffee cream and make the coffee just that much better! I’m a big fan of an 8 oz cup with my coffee creamer steamed; then poured into the mug. Plus the K-Cups are super easy to find and the variety is top notch, even in my kitchen you can find anything from Starbucks to Snapple.
However, the downside to this is that the shot functionality is a really strong packed coffee cup, it is not the same taste as an espresso shot. I’ve been trying to play around with it but to no avail. During quarantine I was craving a regular old latte from Starbucks and this wasn’t living up to my expectations.
Overall if you want a latte or cappuccino but the taste of the espresso shot isn’t top priority I love this machine for it. I also love that it gives me the first real shot of awareness I get most days! If you want to buy one click the image below.
Nespresso:
The second coffee machine I have is the Nespresso VertuPlus Coffee Maker and I have the milk frother. Overall this coffee machine is a little more specific. It is designed to be used strictly with their pods. (They do have off brands that will fit with the machine.) This coffee machine is really straight forward to use, simply insert the pod and push start. The machine does it all on its own. The size of the cup is predetermined by the pod you select. They make all variations from espresso to full sized coffee cups. You can get a sample pack and determine the type/size of coffee that suits you best.
What I love about this coffee machine is that it gives me my perfect espresso every time. I don’t have to think about it. I just insert my pod, press start and froth my milk. After that I add the milk to the espresso and bam! Coffee! The espresso I receive from my Nespresso is fantastic. I have an amazing coffee and really enjoy it.
However, there is one downside to this machine. Its hard to customize the coffee if you want something slightly different that the traditional cup it brews. Plus you are predetermined to the cup size by the pod. If you want a larger cup of coffee and you don’t have the pod for it you are stuck.
Overall if you want a fancier cup of coffee and you don’t want to be able to customize the coffee this machine is perfect for you. I love it because it can happily brew my espresso and from there I can make my lattes however I choose which is exactly what I want in my coffee machine. If you want one click the image below.
To be brutally honest I don’t have a favorite of the two. I love them for what they can do individually. I also understand that it is not feasible for everyone to have both so I would ask you which is more important The everyday coffee and a latte that is great but maybe not exceptional. If yes, go with the Kreurig. If your everyday coffee is important to you but the latte is what its all about then you should go with the Nespresso.
Hope this helps you in making the perfect coffee choice.
Here are the weekly sales for this weekend beginning on 5/1! ◦ American Eagle 20-50% off all AE Collection. ◦ Aerie 50% off Swim Wear and Bras ◦ Loft 40% off purchase and an extra 15% off with Code XOXO ◦ Michael Kors 25% off everything. ◦ Old Navy everything on sale $25 and under. ◦ Steve Madden 40% off with code Spring40 ◦ Anthropologie free shipping ◦ Macy’s up to 30% off with code Foryou ◦ Nordstrom up to 50% off selected styles also buy $150 in gift cards and get $25 for yourself. ◦ Famous Footlocker 25% off with code FamousTogether ◦ Adidas 30% off with code Style ◦ Torrid 30% off clearance and 2x the Torrid Cash ◦ Altar’d State 40% off everything ◦
Athleta 25% off select styles ◦ Target 30% off women’s clothing, shoes and accessories online only (ends Saturday) 20% off Women’s shoes, starts on Sunday
Okay, before we start the actual post I just wanna say how thankful I am for my besties for constantly watching my house as I’m traveling nonstop! I couldn’t do it without you guys.
This weekend we packed up the civic and headed over to South Bend, Indiana to visit Grant’s Grandma Marty. She lives a few hours from our house and we decided to make the trip for the weekend.
Marty is one of those women who was a pioneer in her time and blazed trails for women like me to follow. She worked full time, has an engineering degree and an MBA. Plus she had five kids. (I’m not gonna lie. I’m overwhelmed just imagining it.) She’s an incredible woman and I’m honestly lucky to know her.
When Grant and I first arrived we met up with Marty and Grant’s Uncle. We got settled into her house and then the four of us went out for Mexican. We split a pitcher of margaritas and Marty might’ve egged Grant and I on to keep drinking up! After dinner we went back and hung around the house just having an easy night. We might’ve all crashed around 10pm… I blame that on it was a Friday.
The sun is shining and it was Saturday morning! (We might’ve cheated and set an alarm to make sure we didn’t sleep in too much.) Grant, Marty and I had bagels and eggs for breakfast. Then Marty had an appointment and so Grant and I took Dex and headed over to Notre Dame for a little exploration. (That is a full blog post on its on so be on the lookout for that!)
After we got home from Notre Dame we hung out with Marty who suggested we go check out Lake Michigan over in New Baltimore. (There is a full post for this too!)
After Lake Michigan we went back to the house. We all were feeling a little exhausted and watched the end of the Notre Dame game. (Brian Kelly got lucky if you ask me…) Then we had dinner! Marty made (we helped like good small children) spinach and cheese ravioli with marinara sauce, Grant cooked the vegetable and I made the salad. It was really good!
Despite utter exhaustion we all gathered in to watch a movie or two… We started with a Morgan Freeman classic; Along Came a Spider, which actually had me guessing at plot twists. Then a quick check on the IU game to make sure IU was winning. Then Marty for the win recommended a Netflix movie Highwaymen about Bonnie and Clyde. It was after midnight when it ended and all of us stayed up to see the end!
We did get a break though with daylight savings when we woke up this morning it didn’t feel as early as it really was! Grant and I took Dex for a quick walk before we headed over to breakfast!
We had breakfast at the Pancake House and it was really good. Everyone loved their food. Marty and I might’ve fought over who gets to pay and I’m happy to announce I won!
After breakfast we went to Costco and omg it was like Black Friday at the mall! The place was packed! We grabbed everything Marty needed and partook in a few yummy samples. On the way home, as if she could read my mind, she said, “oh there is Starbucks. Does anyone want to stop?” Let’s stop! We got coffee! She fought Grant for the bill this time and he didn’t win… (We’ll keep his training continuing; he’ll get there next time.)
Unfortunately after we got back to her house it was time to unload groceries then pack up to hit the road. We took one last selfie, gave lots of hugs and said goodbye.
For all of those who know me or follow my blog know how much I love shopping. There is nothing better than when you walk into a store and find that perfect piece that just makes an outfit. It’s like heaven. You walk in, you find the one, then it’s gift wrapped in tissue paper for you; it’s basically a present to yourself. Is there anything better than that? (If your answer is anything other than of course not I don’t get it….)
Well, on the opposite end of the spectrum is my Mama Bear. She HATES shopping. Since her heart surgery she has lost weight and her clothes have become too big. (I know right? Way to go Mom. I’m super proud of her. She had heart surgery and turned a bad situation into a positive.)
She and I have been slowly looking at clothes that’ll work best for her. She wants something that will look amazing on her which I completely get. On the weekends I am home ( presumably because after the pAssing of the Bar Exam and her birthday she was in a great space ready to do this.) She l and I went to the outlets to look at more clothes for her. (She needs an outfit for my swearing in ceremony.)
We went into The Loft and found these cute quarter length sleeve dresses that are tighten on top and flow out on the bottom. Mom agreed to try them on and like a light shined from the heavens it fit her perfectly, she liked it and the best part it was 60% off! (Can I get a hell yeah?) It’s a really cute black dress (we also got a wine colored dress with flowers too). Then we found this amazing black and grey vest that really worked with her dress. It dresses it up and makes the outfit look spectacular. (I love that this dress can be dressed up or down its perfect for fall and winter!)
I must admit my anti shopping Mom really stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with her shopping experience. Plus we were able to go into Lindt and get coffees with a chocolate truffle in them! (She has mint, whereas I had salted caramel.) It was a really productive and fun trip!
So I need to make a confession. Over the summer I took a really big risk. I signed up for the Ohio Bar Exam. I was very fortunate that my coworkers, family and a very select few friends knew and supported me. I signed up in the winter time; then I picked a bar study course (Barbri huge shout out!)
We made it one of my goals at work to study for the bar and to prepare; they were behind me every step of the way.
Then around mid June the anxiety kicked in. I confided in Mom and Grant that I was really struggling with the amount of studying and working. We all agreed that it was time to put my two weeks in. I told my boss and while she wished there were other options she was still my mentor and supported me. We decided that after the bar, when I was functional enough, I had a home to come back too.
I traded my 8:30-5 corporate job for an even more challenging job. A full time studier! I was really really fortunate and my law school found out through Barbri that I was planning to retake and they offered me guidance and a customized study plan. I met with my Criminal Law professor and she helped me decide a plan of attack (around 100 multiple choice questions, then four essays a day.) It was tough and grueling but I knew if I put the work in then it would pay off. I also met with our career guidance counsel, Shari, who couldn’t have been a better accountability partner. She had me bring in my score every week and go over where I was struggling and excelling. She even was there for me with the anxiety ridden text messages to remind me to stick to the plan and if I did that I had a good chance.
I woke up everyday at 8am, got dressed, packed my lunch and went over to campus to study. I watched lectures from 9-1; then lunch. Next it was multiple choice time for about 45 questions and then you guessed it, essay time! After essay time my amazing fiancé, Grant, usually had dinner for us so I could come home or leave my home office to eat dinner, watch an hour or so of TV and have puppy cuddles. Then it was back to the multiple choice with a review session of what I’ve missed since the start. He took care of the house, worked full time and provided as much support as I needed. I couldn’t have done it without him.
Suddenly it was time; the weekend before the bar. I am hunkered down in the library in Cincinnati putting in last minute reviews. When Sunday night came we did a big dinner out (I was allowed to study on the way there but it had to go in the trunk on the way home mom insisted. For those of you who don’t know my mom, well she is a force I still don’t wanna question.) Once we got home I watched tv then headed to bed.
Monday before the bar I did a little self pampering, I had one of my best friends and hair stylist (she really should just be called a hair goddess) squeeze me in for a de-stress session. Did I say that I meant hair transformation (lol!). Then mom and I loaded up her car and we were off to Columbus. We got to our hotel early evening and mom was already scoping out getting me out to keep me from stressing (she’s really great that way). We walked and walked then decided on this cute little Mexican street food restaurant. The tacos were amazing, the margaritas were to celebrate for! Then we walked some more before settling into the hotel for the evening.
It’s Tuesday Morning and it’s time to wake up for the bar. Mmy alarm goes off with it’s “Perfect Day” by Hoku. It’s kinda my theme song when I need good luck. (Yes it’s the opening song in Legally Blonde. I’ve already warned you it really is my movie.) Mom and I grab breakfast then walk over to the convention center. I said good bye to mom, my Apple Watch and my phone, but it was worth it! After two multistage performance tests it was time to grab lunch, see mama bear and breathe. I felt like it was going well so far then back in for six essays. I left feeling exhausted but still good. I had a mini panic attack when I couldn’t get my answers submitted online but that passed quickly when I got it submitted in the lobby. Then mom and I did pedicures and hit Melt up! When we finally got back to the hotel we were understandably exhausted.
Okay Wednesday is here. It’s time for 200 multiple choice questions overall. I did one hundred in the morning, had lunch with my mom, then back in for another hundred questions. After I walked out I just felt dead and exhausted. Thankfully I didn’t need to upload essay answers tonight. The good news when I was too exhausted to want to do anything I got really lucky that mom had plans for us. We went and did candle making! My candle turned out smelling like a freshly baked bakery. Then we grabbed burgers and vegan shakes. Once back in the hotel we watched the Lake House and went to bed.
Okay last day six more essays then freedom! I picked up all my bags (thankfully mom loaded up the car while I was in the bar.) We walked over to the convention center I got all my exam stuff ready and boom we’re off. I wrote all my essays then time was called. I packed my bag, walked back to the hotel, submitted my essays, got in the car and drove away!
Fast forward to today and I’m hyperventilating as I see my name on the list! Its official I’m going to get sworn in and I’ll be an attorney. Hello I’m Monica Carson attorney at law.
Recently a friend of mine asked me how I do it all. This was after a day full of running around. (See the last two blog posts for all the details.) I ended the night over at Muldoons Bar.
To be honest I would have loved to go home and crash on my couch but one of our group members is leaving to move to California so this was our last hurrah of sorts. We picked this bar because it’s our local favorite. The food is good, the drinks are wonderful and the prices are great. It might also help we love the staff!
We went on a Saturday night which as we know is Karaoke night. Normally I refuse to sing in public; however, a few weeks ago bets were made and everyone but me was forced to sign….However I got roped in due to the fact that I got there a bit later than everyone else.
I don’t know how it happened but Sasha and I were up first to sign to Frozen. We belted out “Let It Go” like pros. We didn’t even die of laughter! Then next up was Priya and Rishab. They did “Rude” by Magic.
It was a great time although I should’ve ordered the motzerella cheese sticks I was thinking about. (Yes I know of all the things to regret from karaoke night it was not ordering cheese sticks. I’m aware of the silliness of the situation.)
(Editors note I’m sorry there aren’t videos but it’s been decided no videos of that night should be shared your ears will thank you.)
Over the weekend I got to experience this cute little town Fenton. It’s further up north and the entire group confirmed that it wasn’t just me that thought this was right out of the Gilmore Girls set. The town was decorated all over with pretty flowers (Mums), old fashion homes and Halloween decorations everywhere!
We started off this adventure at “The Laundry” with a waitlist so what do you do when there is a thirty minute wait? You wander over to Crust Bakery where you find sea salt chocolate chip cookies! The bakery was mildly overwhelming to say the least but they actually bake everything in house.
I honestly just stood there mesmerized as I watched them make the crust they were working on. (Like kneading the dough and everything.) Maybe it’s that I’m not a huge baker but it’s absolutely fascinating watching them make the dough and take that dough turning into the raspberry danish I also bought.
After Crust we were just in time for our spot on the waitlist. We were just walking to the door when I got the text saying please check in with the hostess! I couldn’t have loved the timing more. (Side note: I honestly really appreciate that technology has made waiting for a table so much easier. I really value my time and having the restaurant text me and allow me to monitor my place in line from my phone has made my life that much easier. The really old way of doing it where we all just crammed in the entry way of a restaurant stunk. It was cramped and uncomfortable. Then we went to the pager system, which was nicer, but you could still only move so far. Now with the texting you can wait comfortably outside the building, you can walk around or even wait in your car. I appreciate that I can monitor my progress and be back on time without cramming in with fifty other people.) When we first sat down we decided to look over the drinks menu. The names were hysterical.
I decided on the MakeShift Love. It was a vodka based drink with blackberry and ginger-beer. It was really good and had a nice sparkling taste. The funny thing was the whole table ended up getting the same drink!
From there we had these sandwiches which I honestly couldn’t get my mouth around! I had the Ron’s Lifesaver it was a turkey sandwich with Pesto and it was heavenly. I also tried Grant’s sandwich. He got the French dip and I’ve had one or two at max before but he honestly loves that sandwich and I am happy to report that it was fantastic. It was hot and juicy with great flavors. Once we finished lunch we were able to explore the city a little.
The home we parked in front of was all decorated for Halloween with tombstones, they even had some pretty scary dolls!
We explored for a while. We got to see the art work they are installing around the city. The giant butterfly with colorful lights illuminating the wings was fantastic. It looked like a scene from a movie. (It did seem fitting as we were in Stars Hallow.)
There was also the old firehouse which they have turned into a restaurant. It was really cool to see the way that an old firehouse was repurposed to become a hot spot on Saturday night. (45 minute wait for a table and everything.) The restaurant was called Firehouse (the same owners also own Vinsetta Garage; which I promise to blog about at some point but not today.) They even had a clock tower which was really impressive.
Since it’s now night time and my tummy declared it needed food we ventured over to Ciao for dinner (no wait time). It’s an upscale Italian restaurant. We were seated really quickly. While walking to our seats I was amazed at all the hanging chandeliers. There is just something about them that really inspires me. I love the color and ambiance it adds to a room. Now we are given an opportunity to browse the menu. For starters we ordered a round of drinks there was a bit of diversity we had a Diet Coke, a Blood Orange Martini then two Mules one Blueberry and the other Apple. I had the Blueberry Mule and I will say it was sweet but not overly sweet; very refreshing. Then it was time to order dinner Grant got the Chicken Parm ( Did you know you have to confirm that it comes with pasta? If you don’t you could have it with mashed potatoes. Thankfully Grant checked and ordered pasta instead of mashed potatoes!) Then I had the Pasta Con Apollo. It was chicken, bacon, mushrooms and spinach. Hello yummy in my tummy! It was creamy without being overly heavy.
After dinner came dessert. Our table shared a slice of white chocolate raspberry cheesecake and cannolis. The cheesecake was good but I went for the cannolis. They are my weak spot. It’s the combination of sweet and carbs I can’t help myself…. They also usually taste fantastic!
Sadly after dessert we got our bills, paid our checks, said our goodbyes and headed our separate ways. My way included heading home to see a Dexy. (Be on the look out for what I did later Saturday Night I’ll give you a hint there might be singing.)
So yesterday Grant and I met up with a few friends to explore Saginaw and Bay City for a pumpkin patch!
We started our adventure at Johnson Giant; a pumpkin Farm. They have hundred of pumpkins, a corn maze (for adults and a bean maze for children. (I really appreciate they thought of the little ones.) There is also a full concession stand with fresh apple cider and donuts. Plus the petting zoo! It led to a great photo opportunity.
Also there is a pumpkin trebuchet (where they launch a giant pumpkin into the air and see how far it flies!) They were supposed to have launch times at one, three and five but the three showing was postponed until 4:45. So while we did see it we didn’t get the up close and personal experience we were hoping for but it was still awesome to watch.
They also had pumpkin carving and displayed the winners up by the trebuchet. They were really interesting to see. (They had started and ending the expert carving before we got there so we were just able to enjoy the results.)
I did possibly grab (they were purchased for $.50 each; HELLO win win) two baby pumpkins to help decorate my house with. The pumpkin selection was really cute and adorable I love that they had a great selection of pumpkins including gourds, and fire engines red pumpkins!
They also had Alpacas and a Zebo I’m all about me a good petting zoo! They even had chickens, ducks and geese. They had the ducks and geese in the same pen but separate sections. Someone really missed out. They had them duck, geese, duck. It so should’ve been duck, duck, goose! Then there was the peacock which had the most beautiful coloring.
After the pumpkin patch we headed over to Bay City to grab ice cream over at Cream and Sugar. Its this fantastic new ice cream shop that opened up in September. I couldn’t recommend them more! The flavors were fantastic!! The pumpkin ice cream I had was made with pumpkins from Johnson’s Giant Pumpkin Farm! They also offer flights (yes like a beer sample flight!) of ice cream! (Stop hyperventilating. I know this is fantastic! Three mini scoops where you can try any flavor you want!).
We might’ve gone a little crazy We got to try all the following flavors: Strawberry Field Forever, Bay City Brownie, Creme Brûlée, Mixed Berry, Cinnamon Basil, Michigan Sugar Cookie, Johnson’s Pumpkin Spice, Birthday Cake, Dairy Farmers Delight, Pumpkin Sage, another round of Johnson’s Pumpkin Spice and finally last, but certainly not least, Ooey Gooey Maple Bacon. I’m not sure what my favorite was. I loved the bacon and maple combo, the pumpkin spice! It was all drool worthy!
Plus the best part of this little shop of wonders is that it’s right on the water. We were able to walk down to a river walk and just walk/explore the waterfront. It was absolutely breathtaking and an unexpected find! We were able to see a bridge ride and separate so a boat could pass through to art work lining the walkway from the city.
This was so so worth it and I’m really glad we were able to go and explore it.
My love hate relationship continues with Michigan. I came home from Physical Therapy to change then Grant and I were off! We ran to Yates Cider Mill over in Rochester Hills to grab fresh apple cinnamon donuts and fresh apple cider!
When we pulled into Yates it was very busy, to say the least, between families with the day off and school tours we were in for a treat!
Our first stop there was to walk down to the creek and just enjoy listening to the water moving with the sun behind it. The view was spectacular. We took lots of pictures.
Then we walked to the attractions. The first one was a pumpkin tent that had tons of pumpkins to choose from for carving. They did also have cute painted pumpkins.
Then we managed to walk into the gift store and I couldn’t help myself. I might’ve smelled every candle in the store twice… (No regrets right?) I did end up buying a perfect fall candle. I’m a big fan of it. I also bought some local honey. I really want to test seeing if you eat local honey if it improves your allergies. I have doubts but people swear by it.)
After that we somehow wound up in the fudge tent! (I know your all thinking, oh god, this is going to get dangerous for both my jeans and my wallet…. But it didn’t!) They have a special right now where it’s buy two slices get the third free so we sampled a few and decided on cookies and cream, sea salt caramel and chocolate peanut butter to take home and enjoy. Let me repeat, no regrets, and this is a judgment free zone!
Okay the part you’ve all been waiting for! We got in line for the fresh donuts and cider. The line was a little long but moved swiftly. Then we were in the building deciding what to eat. We settled on a half dozen with a pint of cider. When we got our food we took it and went to search for a place to sit. To avoid all the bees we went back down to the creek.
We set out our cups and napkins and had a picnic for brunch with donuts and cider. It would’ve been picture perfect except for the damn bees! We had to keep the donuts covered, plus napkins over our cider. (There was a close encounter where a bumblebee who tried to go for a swim in my cider. I was not a happy camper!) Anyhow that’s life it’s all about handling anything and making it fun so we just kept the drinks covered except to take a sip. (Even then the napkin was only removed as it hit your mouth.)
Did I enjoy fighting the bees for my food? No, but it was totally worth it and I plan to go again a few more times before the seasons over!
The Real Elle Woodz 