Eyelash Extensions
Fashion/Make Up · Uncategorized

Eyelash Extensions

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

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.

Buff City Soap
Lifestyle · Ohio

Buff City Soap

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Oh my goodness. Bridget and I had the best time last night over at Buff City Soap! If you aren’t familiar with who/what they are it’s all about the fresh soap made in store and the bath bombs (also made in store)!

Last night I was invited to come and check them out and make bath bombs! I went over to their newest and in my opinion greatest store the Newport, KY location. Living downtown anything with easy parking is a huge plus for me and this is a stand-alone location where you park in front and just walk right in!

When I first got there I did have a moment of overwhelmingness. However it passed in a second when I started smelling all their wonderful scents! I started with their local scents that the store designs themselves! Spoiler alert: they were wonderful and I left with a soap!

Then I moved over onto the fall scents and of course the pumpkin spice soap came home with me! I also checked out their laundry detergent. Recently I wanted to switch it up to something that is more environmentally friendly and they have soaps and dryer balls that are scented! I actually grabbed a set of both and will report back.

For the main event of the eve we actually made our own bath bombs. If you haven’t done this before it is an experience you have to check out! They have all the ingredients right there and have a recipe book to make sure they are perfect. Plus we mixed everything up in a stand mixer. I felt like such a pro!

After mixing you then roll the dough into the molds to make the actual bath bomb. It’s harder than it looks. You can’t twist you have to smash! Once you have that mastered it’s super easy to make! (Bridget who routinely bakes was able to handle the molds much more quickly than me🤣). Once we had them molded we were able to decorate the tops! Mine is beautiful if I do say so myself.

Did I mention you can also make your own scented soap? No? Well you can! Plus they have space available for parties where you can all make your own scents and have customizable soaps!

Overall I loved this and I hope it was a lot of great things to smell. They have a huge space so it isn’t overpowering at all! Now for the best part the pricing is great! The huge bars of soap and bath bombs are around $7! When we were there they were doing specials where you could get 4 bars of soap for $20. Trust me if you haven’t been yet you are missing out. Take this as your initiative to go and explore. The store was great and the staff were perfect!

Hey Sweet Cincy Review
Food · Lifestyle · Ohio

Hey Sweet Cincy Review

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

I had the most amazing date night with Grant! I booked a romantic picnic with Hey Sweet Cincy for the two of us to help familiarize him with some of the amazing parks around my apartment. Grant and I had the picnic over at Eden Park at the overlook. When we got to the picnic Julie had set up the most amazing picnic layout I have ever seen! Like really though, if you don’t believe me take a look at the pictures below. It was the most beautiful turnout I’ve ever seen.

In addition to the picnic layout, we booked a photoshoot with Julie the picnic organizer (also the boss babe behind the brand!) As many of you know Grant is a lot more introverted than I am so getting him to warm up for pictures could be tough but Julie was able to get him to open up and take the most beautiful photos. At one point to get a better smile (an authentic one too) she had us telling each other jokes. Mind you I had no jokes come to mind except for one the Bushman kids loved when they were little (Guess what? Chicken Butt. Guess how? Chicken pow!) I know it’s the lamest joke you have ever heard but it’s all I could think of at the time.

Then have I mentioned the food? If you think these pictures are a work of art and talented then you clearly haven’t had her food yet! The white chocolate covered rice crispy treats to the chocolate covered cherries, everything was exceptional! There was no detail overlooked. We even had craft sodas in cute glasses.

Plus, if you are looking into booking one for a first date, she has a speaker included with small board games to make sure to break the ice. These parties are also great for proposals or girls’ night. They are literally the perfect date night idea. I couldn’t have been more impressed with the food, the setup, the professionalism like literally I could go on and on for hours raving about the picnics.

When we took the pictures, I did have to wait (as expected when using a professional) to see the final results and oh my! The pictures turned out perfect I am absolutely in love with how they turned out and I am already looking to book a fall (okay all four seasons) photo shoot with more picnics!

The Taste of Fitness
Lifestyle

The Taste of Fitness

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Oh my goodness! I have to tell y’all about the event I went to yesterday, it was the taste of fitness. So they had four different fitness classes and a pop up market. Plus it was at a brewery. (Sonder Brewery)

So I’m not the most likely to exercise and I won’t lie. I was really nervous going to a taste of fitness where you’re working out in front of a big group of people who are actually in shape. I talked to the host Paige and OMG I couldn’t love her more. She told me there was something for everyone from a less intensive yoga, to meditation, with body alive, vinyasa yoga and dance fitness! There was 💯 something for everyone. I didn’t feel out of place at all and I really enjoyed the clarity and stretch from morning yoga.

Then if you were not wanting to try a set class you could shop their market. They had different fitness class options and really interesting products. (Side note. I love going to these events since you can get the most unique gifts for people while shopping local.)

Then after you’ve gotten a great workout you had a ticket for a beer at Sonder. Heck yes! I wanted a lemon lime hard seltzer after yoga. It was the perfect amount of refreshing after working out!

Overall I’d give this a 10/10. if you get the chance to check out one of their upcoming events you should! I’ll paste the link below. Better yet comment below and we can go together!

https://thebeautyboost.squarespace.com/cincinnati

Thirsty Thursday: Habanero Blood Orange Vodka
Food · Lifestyle

Thirsty Thursday: Habanero Blood Orange Vodka

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Happy Thirsty Thursday. It’s hot outside and we needed a little spicy to accommodate the heat so tonight we’re making a habanero blood orange vodka!

The recipe below is for one drink with two shots if you want more adjust accordingly.

Ingredients:
◦ Habanero Vodka
◦ Blood Orange Juice
◦ Lime Juice
◦ Ice

Recipe:
◦ Grab your shaker.
◦ Add ice.
◦ Pour 2 shots of the habanero vodka.
◦ Add 1 cup of blood orange juice.
◦ Add 2 ounces of lime juice.
◦ Shake your drink to perfection.
◦ Enjoy!

It’s super simple as evidenced by our guest bar tender Sarah! The drink is a bit on the spicier side. If spicy isn’t your thing you can use regular vodka to make the drink less spicy.

Thirsty Thursday: Frosé
Food · Lifestyle

Thirsty Thursday: Frosé

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Happy Thirsty Thursday. It’s August and therefore still summer! So for this summer occasion I made my own rose slushy! This is the perfect summer drink as it’s not a heavy drink and yet it’s cool and refreshing.

The recipe below is for two cups of wine. If you want more adjust accordingly.

Ingredients:
◦ Rose
◦ Frozen sliced strawberries
◦ Agave

Recipe:
◦ Grab your blender.
◦ Pour 2 cups of Rosé into your blender.
◦ Add 2 tablespoons of agave to the blender.
◦ Add 2 cups of frozen sliced strawberries into the blender.
◦ Blend your drink to perfection.
◦ Enjoy!

I know! It really is that simple! Plus it’s much much cheaper than grabbing a frosé at a restaurant and allows you to enjoy your drink at all the last minute summer parties.

Newport on the Levee
Lifestyle · Ohio

Newport on the Levee

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

I can’t wait to reintroduce you guys to one of my favorite places in High School. This is where Grant and I spent the majority of our dates. Where I saw more movies than I can count and bought more books than I can remember.

About ten or so years ago this was the coolest place to go. It had a bookstore, movie theater, Game Works, tons of stores and just a great place to hang out. I’m thrilled to share that while a lot has changed it’s still the cool and exciting place I remember with different stores and places to hang.

Bridget and I went over to spend Friday night and while Gameworks and AMC is still there (okay even they have updated and become better than ever!) everything else feels refreshed. When we got there we parked in the garage and went up to explore.

When we first got to the Levee we saw this green space and maybe ten or so food trucks, pop up venues and built restaurant stands. We decided to go in the main building to start our exploration and saw a great local market with tons of artisan shops, a new brewery going in, a great grab and go restaurant and a cafe!

To say there were too many choices is an understatement! But the Tiffany blue walls sold me on the cafe (The Little Spoon Bakery and Cafe) so we had to go in there first! The had bakery items, cupcakes, dog bones and coffee. The cupcakes were phenomenal!

Bridget and I took our cupcakes and headed back outside to enjoy our desserts. We grabbed great adirondack chairs and sat down to snack. Much to our delight the cupcakes were huge and needed a fork to eat… So we decided to grab dinner instead then eat dessert.

For dinner we grabbed crepes from the food truck (The Crepe Guys) right next to the green space. I had a pepperoni pizza crepe and Bridget had a chicken salad croissant. They were both fresh and delicious plus buttery! The perfect mix to just enjoy with sitting in the sun.

After dinner we did chomp down on those cupcakes. They were fantastic; like mouth watering. I would happily go back and get another cupcake any day of the week. I grabbed the salted Carmel cupcake and Bridget got a chocolate raspberry cupcake. Both tasted as good as they looked.

After we had dessert we walked around the Levee and checked out all the bars. We decided on Kon Tiki for fun tropical drinks to sip on and people watch. The drinks weren’t too pricey and tasted really good. We changed seats and sat closer to the bars. The seats were still great and we really enjoyed all the seating options they had available.

After we finished our tropical drinks we walked around a little more and decided to grab another drink I went to Bee Line on the Levee and grabbed one of their house cocktails. We sipped our drinks on a bench overlooking the river and all the wonderful views of Cincinnati. The best part of our seats was we were able to enjoy our cocktails and watch the fireworks from the Reds game.

After the fireworks we headed back to the car and headed home. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with how our night turned out. We had a blast! The food was great, the drinks were delicious and the atmosphere was right on point. Plus every single bar had fun nonalcoholic options for people who prefer not to drink and kids. I did see a lot of little ones playing and really enjoying the views and open spaces to play. This lived up to every expectation I had for the place I spent so many nights at as a teenager.

Also the Levee is dog friendly so while a pup named Dex didn’t get to go with us this time he will be going with us next time. If you are in the area and looking for something to do this summer with friends or the family I highly recommend it.

Cincinnati Drive Through Christmas Lights
Lifestyle

Cincinnati Drive Through Christmas Lights

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

So I think I’ve been to all the drive through Christmas displays this year and I have a review of all of them below. They do include the prices and pros/cons so you know what to expect when you get there. I really liked all of the three but I think some were better than others this year.

Pyramid On The Hill 6/10

So this one is great if you are looking for something closer and not wanting to shell out a small fortune. It costs 25 per car load and you can bring your own hot coco. The lines weren’t too bad and constantly moving so it helped keep us filtering through. They don’t have their own Christmas music but the way the lights work you could easily throw on Spotify Christmas music and rock out to the jams. The artists behind BLINK took over pyramid and created Journey Borealis. It was really impressive; however, this show loses serious points. It’s a great light show but it doesn’t compare to their designs of the past. It’s not a holiday theme. For me that was a serious deal breaker. I’m not sure I saw a single Santa. They did have the swan lake which is my favorite but most of this display was just underwhelming. I’ve been coming every year since I was younger and seeing the lack of their traditional holiday display was just disappointing. However, since it’s after Christmas it could still be really fun for the the family.

Coney Island Christmas Nights of Lights 8/10

This one is a bit pricey it’s charged per person but it’s $7 a person and children under three are free. If you have a smaller family or are going on a romantic date night it’s perfect. They have Christmas music that will play over the radio and you can see all the animations playing out over the lights. The trees change and every thing comes alive. (Be warned if you are at risk of a seizure this is not the option for you. The only downside to this show is the lines can be a bit long. They do have bathrooms along the line so it’s great for parents with kids. The line does move quickly and it doesn’t disappoint even if you’ve been in a prior year.

Lights Under Louisville 9/10

Okay so this one is a serious trek for my Cincy followers. It costs 29.99 (they do not accept cash) plus gas money since it’s almost two hours from us. We decided to give this a try and because it’s underground you can go anytime which I highly recommend. We arrived around 3pm and were able to drive right in even on a Sunday. It was really cool to see the lights lighting up a cave. They had modern Christmas traditions like the grinch and the classic to a nativity scene. The best part though is that it encompasses all holidays which is something the other two could have done better. It’s the farthest away and could possibly be the most expensive but I recommend this the most.

Overall you can’t go wrong with any of the three and they are a great way to extend the Christmas spirit a few extra days while still keeping safe from Covid. If you go be sure to tag me in your photos. I can’t wait to see the joy it brings you and your families.

Dex’s Corner: Bark Box
Dex’s Corner · Pupper!

Dex’s Corner: Bark Box

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Hi guys! It’s me Dex here and I’m taking over Mom’s Blog today. I want to tell you guys all about my favorite Box in the mail. (I actually do get a lot of mail so when. I say this is my favorite, trust me, it’s the best!)

**I want you to all know that this is an unaffiliated post. I’m not getting free toys to post this. If you sign up I do get a free box as reward but that’s only if you sign up using my referral code**

So with the Pandemic going on my mama has been trying to avoid going into stores and shopping. Well this put a hinder on shopping for my Birthday! Mom decided to take a risk and sign me up for Bark Box. (You guys know my mom. She is super over protective of the toys I get and what treats I’m allowed to eat. She says this will help me live forever.)

I’ve been getting Bark Box since May and let me tell you it’s amazing! I get two toys a month, two bags of treats and a chew! They are all themed too. It’s so much fun. I think my favorite box so far has been Fairground Hounds. I love my cow!

Also mom says they do a survey after each box to make sure I like everything and it’s the right size for me. I know that they make an option for smaller dogs and bigger dogs. Grandma Thomas even signed Uncle Troy up for a box.

I’ve added a video of my getting to open my November box because it was so much fun I wanted to share it!

If you guys want to try to use your puppy eyes and ask your mom and dads for a box feel free to use my link below.

Dex’s Bark Box Referral Code

Thirsty Thursday: Hot Toddy
Food

Thirsty Thursday: Hot Toddy

TherealellewoodzLeave a comment

Happy Thirsty Thursday! It’s officially getting really chilly outside and as a result my allergies are kicking my butt! Like literally kicking my butt. As a result I am breaking out one of my family’s home remedies that always make you feel a million times better! Have you ever had a Hot Toddy before? If not pay attention, the recipe is below. There is one thing you should know. This recipe is very customizable. If you want it sweeter add more honey, need it stronger add more alcohol. The sky is the limit. This can be made kid friendly by not adding alcohol but I’m not sure it will be quite as effective.

The recipe below is for one cocktail. If you need more just adjust accordingly.

Ingredients:
◦Boiling Hot Water
◦Fresh Lemon
◦Honey
◦Bourbon or whiskey of your choosing

Recipe:
◦Boil water (you will need at least one cup for the drink. You can add more or less water if you prefer.)
◦Once water is boiling pour one cup into mug,
◦Add 2 ounces of Bourbon or Whiskey to mug, (I had Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey in the house so that is what I picked.)
◦Add fresh squeezed lemon juice to you mug, (Again this is to taste. You can use as much or as little as you want. I did about 2 ounces)
◦Add honey. (This is to taste. I personally added about half a tablespoon to the drink.)
◦Enjoy!

Trust me, this is super simple. Even I can make this when I am super sick. Its a great comforting drink and will be an easy get well soon tool for your arsenal.