hello, emy

milk + peony launch!

2021-04-26T16:58:00.005-07:00

My best friends & I started our little brand at the beginning of this year creating something we are passionate about. The idea behind milk + peony is empowerment. We grew through so many stages in life— stages where we had nothing, graduating college, and starting our lives. Through it all, we always encouraged and motivated each other to keep growing and we want milk + peony to be an expression of that. We hope to spread our message with others in hopes we can create a positive message to empower and support other women.

We would greatly appreciate your support In any way you’d like!

✨ follow us on IG https://instagram.com/milkandpeony

✨ check out our Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/milkandpeony

Epilepsy Awareness | Purple Day

2020-03-30T14:41:00.002-07:00

March 26 was officially Purple Day. Purple Day is a global event to increase worldwide awareness of epilepsy. On March 26th annually, people in countries around the world are invited to wear purple and host events in support of epilepsy awareness. Last year, people in dozens of countries on all continents including Antarctica participated in Purple Day! I’m excited to announce that Coach Rock Apparel is a company that is passionate about supporting and promoting Awareness and this past month we wanted to raise awareness of Epilepsy. Who has given me these goodies and inspired me share and spread the awareness.

As an Epilepsy Warrior, I am passionate about spreading awareness and eradicating myths about the condition.

There are approximately 50 million people around the world living with epilepsy.
It’s estimated that 1 in 100 people have epilepsy
There are more than 300,000 Canadians living with epilepsy.
There are approximately 2.2 million Americans living with epilepsy.
Epilepsy is NOT contagious. Epilepsy is NOT a disease. Epilepsy is NOT a psychological disorder.

There is currently no “cure” for epilepsy. However, for 10-15% of people with epilepsy, the surgical removal of the seizure focus – the part of the brain where the person’s seizures start – can eliminate all seizure activity. For more than half of people with epilepsy, medication will control their seizures. Additionally, some children will outgrow their epilepsy and some adults may have a spontaneous remission.

Not everyone can identify specific events or circumstances that affect seizures, but some are able to recognize definite seizure triggers. Some common triggers include:

Forgetting to take prescribed seizure medication
Lack of sleep
Missing meals
Stress, excitement, emotional upset
Menstrual cycle / hormonal changes
Illness or fever
Low seizure medication levels
Medications other than prescribed seizure medication
Flickering lights of computers, television, videos, etc., and sometimes bright sunlight
Street drugs

Photo courtesy of Edmonton Epilepsy

Not everyone understands Epilepsy and as a public health specialist, I would like to raise awareness to something so common but oftentimes misunderstood. We must come together as a community to ensure that every person with epilepsy has access to the care and treatment they need, and the opportunity to live free from stigma and discrimination in all parts of the world. It is important to highlight epilepsy as a public health imperative in order to strongly encourage investment in reducing its burden and to advocate for actions to raise awareness in epilepsy, knowledge, care and research.

Caring for your luxury handbags

2020-01-23T09:43:00.001-08:00

Ever since I dove into the world of luxury bags something that I have learned that is equally important is prolonging the life for your bags. You want to "get more bang for your buck" as they would say. There are some key tips for prolonging the life of your well-spent money on a bag. Here are my top tips for cleaning and maintaining your bags!

Base inserts for your bags

For smaller/mini bags I highly recommend getting a bag insert or base of some sort. I get my base inserts from M Boutique which is based in Australia (shipping is fairly quick). Their inserts are all made in Australia with premium faux leather that's somewhat pebbled so give it that luxurious feeling. If you're going to invest in an expensive bag this is the best way to help better the experience and look. I recently got CHANEL's 2020 cruise wallet on chain. This is one of my absolute favorites but because it is a wallet style bag the base is oftentimes "mushed" and loses its shape. I got a base insert made specifically for the woc bags from M Boutique in the color charcoal in order to match my grey bag. Use my code "LOVELYEMY" for a special discount if you decide to pick one up.

Bag Organizers

For larger bags like the popular Louis Vuitton Neverfull I highly recommend getting a bag organizer insert. Most large bags tend to be the ones we throw everything into therefore it is more prone to getting dirty, stains, and markings. A stylish insert that matches the interior can help you organize everything and give it more of the luxurious feeling while keeping its shape as well. Check out Ztujo organizers because they can custom make sizes and have so many to fit your bag. This is my favorite because it has so many components and is incredibly soft and light-weight. There is a detachable pouch for more safe storage, 3 exterior pockets, 10 interior pockets, as well as a detachable fashion metal chain with a round key ring to help you find or attach your keys. Use code "LOVELYEMY" for a discount off any order.

Cleaning, Conditioning, & Maintaining

In terms of cleaning, if I ever have color transfer or small pen marks for some reason I just use a leather cleaner I got from Amazon called Angelus Easy Cleaner. It's roughly $5 and I only use a small amount each time so the bottle will last you quite a while. Just use a white cloth and gently wipe stains away. I found that it works very well on my lambskin and caviar bags. And something I was recently introduced to is caring for caviar leather (specifically with Chanel bags). I've been using LuxDR the caviar edition in order to finish off the cleaning and maintain the shine/protect the bag. It is a bit on the expensive side at about $35 for a small container but in my opinion, it's been worth it. LuxDR developed this formulated conditioner and hydration coating that can be applied right over old leather to restore and revive your bag looking brand new again. This worked very well with one of my vintage Chanel bags as well. It's a perfect solution in order to maintain the value of your favorite bag. Not only will you add more value with the Caviar Rx Treatment but it also adds on as a protection from the natural elements and get to enjoy it more and give it a longer life.

Also, I love buying pre-loved bag from FASHIONPHILE xx

2019 Reflections

2020-01-06T05:52:00.001-08:00

I wanted to take some time out to reflect on this past year. *this might be a little personal but..* I went through a lot of change in such a short amount of time that I did not allow myself to process my feelings which evidently manifested into severe anxiety. I learned this year that it is not something that I need to hide or put away. Feelings are what make us human and you are allowed to feel the way you do. However, instead of allowing it to consume you, you can use it to fuel your strength and push through the difficult times and allow for yourself to see all of the positive moments.

Something that I am actively learning is that you should be proud of yourself. No progress is too little. Celebrate yourself. Feelings are what make us human and we are not mean to be perfect human beings with controlled feelings. 2019 was filled with a lot of pain but it was also a year filled with love, joy, and accomplishments. That being said, I'd like to share on some of the positive things I enjoyed/am proud of for 2019.

I allocated more time towards self care i.e going to therapy, taking more time to myself when needed, listened to more self-help podcasts, and spoke up for myself more often like saying "no" to things you genuinely do not want to do.
My boyfriend finally met my family after 5 years together. It was so memorable and I was so happy to take him to some LA museums.
I got my Master's degree in May and started my Doctorate in August.
I was promoted in my company and joined an amazing research team. I was also able to get my very first academic publication in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Adopted my furbaby Sam, the pomsky. He's brought us so much joy.
Even though time is always the limitation, I am so glad to have been able to make time to go on many brunch adventures with some amazing people.
I am going to be a co-maid of honor for my amazing friend Thithi.
Got matching best friend tattoos with my friend Fiona.
Did a lot of shopping haha of course and dove into the world of luxury (i.e Chanel)!

Goodbye 2019 and Hello 2020!

Omakase: Umami Cambridge

2019-12-09T07:36:00.002-08:00

I recently had the honor of dining at a new Omakase & sake bar in Cambridge, MA called Umami under the direction of chef Gary Lei. The restaurant is still fairly new opening just in October 2019 and currently only serves dinner. Omakase is a very personal experience where the sushi chef decides what you will have and can be a bit difficult to cater to everyone's desires because everyone has such different preferences in food and fish. I highly recommend making an appointment for currently omakase times that are only served at 6pm and 8pm daily which will also ensure you receive the best experience possible.

During our visit, we opted for the Umami Omakase which is the highest tier priced roughly at $138/per person and was 18 courses. They do offer two other tiers which are: Value with 12 courses ranging $68/pp and experience with 15 courses ranging $98/pp. Though the price of the Umami 18 course option may not seem appealing to many, I assure you that you will receive far more than what you pay for. There is no drop in quality and everything was above expectations and left us wanting more.

The Umami included an appetizer, soup, assorted sashimi, Japanese wagyu A5, foie gras, langoustine, caviar, truffle, assorted sushi, seafood egg custard, handroll, and of course an umami dessert. All photos of each course are displayed in the exact order we received them. Nothing was rushed and there was just the right amount of time in between each dish for us to enjoy a personable experience while enjoying our sake.

I tried Omakase in the past and had a lovely experience but what really sets Umami apart from its many competitors is their versatile dishes. Many omakase places tend to sear their dishes or repeat certain fishes and dishes a bit. Each and every dish at Umami is unique in its own way and with Chief Gary's extensive knowledge and training he is able to create and share such unique flavors that will leave you wanting more.

Overall I have nothing but positive things to say about this experience. My boyfriend and I have already planned our next trip to visit and dine again. Everything was incredibly fresh, memorable, and creative and we appreciate the experience and the Chief. I am very excited to return and try new flavors Chief Gary has to offer!

Ladyfinger Tea Lounge making you feel as though you're in London

2019-10-28T09:45:00.002-07:00

I wanted to take some time out to talk about one of my recent experiences at the Garrison Inn, a luxury boutique hotel where the guest experience includes daily afternoon tea. At Ladyfinger Tea Lounge (inside of the Inn), from the hotel to the lounge you feel as though you have just traveled to London rather than finding yourself in a small town on the northern coast of Massachusetts. This gorgeous tea pretty-in-pink tea lounge can be found in Newburyport, Massachusetts. Enjoy finger food, tea & art!

“Welcome to the prettiest room in Newburyport”

The interior includes marbled inspired flooring, gorgeous pink velvet chairs, and femininity everywhere. Here you are able to indulge in your feminine side and sip fine tea poured from historic hotel silver tea pots and served in our curated collection of English bone china tea cups, surrounded by pastel-hued antique portrait oil paintings; a ladylike experience embracing all of your senses.

Come reserve your time here and enjoy some finger foods, which include scones, sandwiches, and sweets as well as their finest loose leaf teas available. The tea lounge is also now open to the public who are not guests of the Inn. Reservations are available after 2pm on the weekends. This experience is a MUST for anyone wanted to enjoy a gorgeous afternoon with good company. Also should you stay at the Inn, as a guest of the Garrison Inn, you have the option of staying in one of the 24 elegant and luxurious suites, which range in size from a cozy queen studio to a two-story penthouse with a living room and working fireplace.

Ladyfinger Tea Lounge is something everyone need to experience!

Why you should shop pre-loved luxury handbags vs new

2019-10-15T17:45:00.001-07:00

I am fairly new to the whole luxury bag bandwagon. I have learned a lot from my mom growing up because she would have her special collection of Louis Vuitton and Chanel and she was always very careful with how she invested and how she cared for them to ensure they would return in value.

One of the luxury bag guru's I follow is Chase Amie and before I ever pulled the plug on my first Chanel bag I did all of the research I possibly could. It is 2019 now and I am not sure if it's just me but I feel as though I see more people now than ever with luxury bags. Something that Amie had mentioned is that since so many people keep buying the bags that the company needs to supply and produce more bags. That being said, in order to keep up with demand, they have raised retail prices and many have been noting that the leather quality has not been consistent or has been pooer than the earlier bags.

1) Buying pre-loved in the earl 2010s means you can have one of the better quality Chanel pieces. My first Chanel bag is the classic wallet on chain pre-loved and produced in 2010. That being said, I compared it to a more recent 2018 bag and you can tell that the 2010 bag still feels fantastic if you take care of it. These bags are meant to last a very long time.

2) Another reason you should shop pre-loved is because of course, it is much more financially feasible! Chanel continues to have price increases especially on the classic bags and has rarely produced caviar leather bags which resulted in caviar bags skyrocketing in resell value. It is unfortunate but prices continue to rise due to demand for these gorgeous bags. There are many articles out there also explaining how investing in Chanel bags can be worth your while because of their resell value. That's definitely something to consider in case one day you want to let go of your bag and make money back (maybe even more than how much you bought it for).

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same."- Coco Chanel. Of course! Although I admire unique bags and new styles coming out, the only way I would consider splurging on a bag is if I feel as though it is a classic. The Chanel classic (and double flap) flap and wallet on chain are honestly classic to me. These pieces are timeless and will always remain a classic. Don't splurge on clothes you know you will only wear once, splurge on a classic.

3) Lastly, of course, it is much more sustainable. I know that there are many advocating for us to strictly use vegan leather. But for those who still very much enjoy the quality of these bags, it might be best to consider sustainable fashion because "used is the new new" according to designer reseller Fashionphile.

I hope this was helpful! I try my best to stay informed and help out in any way I can. Also, if you're interested in ever purchasing any of my pre-loved luxury goods or clothes feel free to check out my shop here or one of my favorite authentic reselling markets is FASHIONPHILE. They've worked very hard to be a trustworthy and their revolutionary vision of a safe and easy shopping destination for the buying and selling of luxury handbags.

Colette at the Porter Square Hotel

2019-09-17T09:56:00.003-07:00

Colette Wine Bistro opened not too long ago. Colette is the sister restaurant of the famous Frenchie located in South End, Boston. They offer a blend of the best french culture right to Boston with a dynamic dining experience in the Porter Square Hotel through food and conversation. Something I value is a lovely place that allows us to enjoy our food while engaging in conversations without feeling rushed. I understand that some restaurants are primarily high volume with high turnover, but one of my favorite things about Colette is that there is the best service without you feeling rushed.

They offer a range of small plates from hot and cold, which remix French classics like Steak Tartare (an absolute must have complemented with a quail egg), Mussels, Steak Frites, Salads, along with Cheese and Charcuterie boards and French desserts like Nutella Chocolate Mousse, Crème Brûlée, Beignets...and so much more. Everything is made in house with love by Chef Cyrille Couet and his team.

How gorgeous is that interior? Anyone who knows me knows that florals are my absolute favorite. Wallpaper was designed by artist Ashley Woodson Baily. Also, there is a lovely bar right there for those who want to bring any gentlemen.

Come for brunch or lunch! Brunch is only served on the weekend and the waffles steak fritas are a MUST have complemented with a glass of mimosa for the Sunday brunches. Absolute perfect brunch for anyone. I cant stop recommending Colette to people who need a brunch spot for the weekend of a weekday lunch/dinner option. Thank you for reading & have a lovely rest of your week!

Need more brunch options? Check out my Boston Brunch Guide here.

City adventures with the inspiring Kira

2019-08-27T08:06:00.005-07:00

Outfit details:

Massimo Dutti white linen blazer / Ronny Kobo Ginerva high waisted pants

Victoria's Secret black satin bra top / Louis Vuitton monogram toupie bag

I have always admired passionate individuals who are able to pursue their dreams while working towards their own growth. I had the pleasure to collaborate with my stunning and inspirational friend Kira Maclean of @Kiraamaa as we explored the depth of Back Bay Boston. Kira is based in Boston, but is constantly traveling all over the world and following her dreams. Additionally, she works as a UX Designer and Developer and documents her travels and self-growth.

One thing I have learned as I grew up is that you can choose who you decide to surround yourself with. You have the power to decide what direction you want to take your life. As you develop, the people you choose to surround yourself with empowers you to support each other's growth and to be the best versions of ourselves.

Photography by yours truly.

Reflections on friendship, growth, and depression.

2019-08-01T09:07:00.001-07:00

This is going to be a much more personal post somewhat self-reflecting on some things I have experienced in recent years. I have had this draft written up for the past several months up just to help me formulate my thoughts and rationalize through my feelings. I found a few entries I wrote in a private blog I have kept.

"How is it that at such a young age
we can be so unhappy with ourselves?"

- December 2013

"It’s so natural to me
To detach myself from everyone in due time

I will always push those around me away
Silence is my comfort."
- August 2014

I was always told that it was a "phase" of my life and that I needed to just push through it. But in due time I realized that the depression and anxiety was affecting my own life as well as those around me. I was spiraling down a dark path where I felt that my existence was not meant to be. I was not able to manage friendships and was constantly "people pleasing" to the point of where enough was enough and I easily shut people out of my life. It was easy for me. I enjoyed being alone. I never felt lonely except for when I had those thoughts. There was no one to speak to because there was no way of putting my feelings into words. I always struggled with finding that balance between friendships and room for my own self-growth.

Moving forward, I came to realize that we should not ever feel bad about putting our own goals and ambitions before others no matter how close. I know it is easier said than done but in recent years I came across this situation over and over again. My heart was torn between being a "good friend" and being able to reach my own goals. Recently, I sacrificed a piece of my friendship in order to focus on myself. I was not in a healthy place mentally and I was at the home stretch of closing a chapter of my academics. Long story short, I made it but at the expense of friendship. I got through my obstacles and made it to where I wanted in my academics and career but lost a piece of my friendships.

As you grow older and begin to settle down with your daily routines the phrase “I can’t because I have school or work commitments”. Many people assume that is simply an excuse to not put them first or make an effort. However, 2018-2019 was one of the hardest years of my life. I was juggling work, school, research collaborations, mental health issues, relationship, social and familial changes and on top of waitressing on the weekends. Why do I feel the need to justify my actions? Why do I feel as though every "excuse" required an explanation? I take so much longer to absorbs information than the average person. I need to read things twice the amount of times to remember and digest new information. I need to spend more time than my classmates reading articles and journals for my literature reviews. “I have work commitments in the morning I can’t go out” I know my limits when it comes to having a night out. I know I cannot be 100% if I stay out late. I need to teach myself things so that I am able to perform my job to the best of my ability. I need to prepare for presentations, meetings, seminars and so much more. I have generalized anxiety disorder so I mentally prepare so much in order to succeed and be confident.

“But you’re always making time for other people and you update your Instagram a lot!” Social media has evolved so much in a way that has become a way to present ourselves in a certain light that may not be an accurate representation of our real lives. I am at fault for doing so. I choose to post and present only details that I want to share. Why would I want to post and share all of the hundreds of times I have experienced darkness? unwanted thoughts? struggles of my life? I opt out of doing that. As for social commitments, I make time for those who make time for me. Friendship needs to be a two-way street. Many just assume I have so many friends because of the way I present myself but in all truth, I have a very small few of friends I consider family and will do whatever it takes to make time for them. This is not because I favor them for no reason but because they have also demonstrated effort in our friendship. Friendships need to be fair and double-sided. You cannot expect love and support without being able to give it in return.

I am not entirely sure as to where I am trying to go at this. I am not writing this about anyone in particular. This was a collection of my thoughts, experiences, and rationalizations throughout my recent years. I have come to realize so much more when I was able to open my mind to others' perspectives. We all see and process things so much differently and if we cannot be open to other's thoughts and feelings then how can we truly grow? Growth, however, for me is occasionally delayed due to the depression I live with and the anxiety I experience regularly. I am managing and seeking help but it continues to feel like a heavy and burdensome journey at many different points. But nothing in life is meant to be easy and just because something is difficult does not mean that it is not worth it.

Growth is not only something we can work on superficially but internally as well. The pain I have felt growing up from my depression has taught me a valuable lesson in that I must learn to truly grow with it. I will not allow a diagnosis to define me. I must learn to live with it to the best of my ability.

Welcome to the family sam!

2019-07-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY SAM!

We finally did it! My boyfriend and I adopted a little 6-month Pomeranian/Husky mix. Anyone who knows me knows that I have always wanted to get a dog ever since I moved away from home. It's been tough just because I have only lived in apartments but now live in a lovely and cozy condo with my boyfriend. We spontaneously picked sam up one day and have never regretted it since.

Originally we were going to name him Snacks because he loves his snackies (just like me) but ended up going with Sam because of our favorite show Supernatural. Sam had a brother and originally we thought we would pick up his smaller brother who looked like a Dean. If you know the show, you know the dynamic of Sam and Dean and they definitely looked like a Sam and Dean. We didn't know who we would end up with and agreed to name them depending on which pup we picked up. I love calling him SamSam (I thought of TsumTsum at the time) and he likes his name too! He's wonderful around people but gets a little too excited around other pups. Hopefully, in the coming months, we have more time to take him to dog parks to socialize more.

Of course, I also made Sam an Instagram. Please feel free to follow Sam and his adventures:

https://www.instagram.com/pomsky.sam/

Follain Clean Beauty Skincare

2019-03-25T09:21:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take some time out today to share this amazing company Follain. Their philosophy is that we should never have to compromise our health for beauty no matter what. Collectively they're taking a stand against toxins in personal care, refusing to settle for anything but the safest, most effective products. Basically, they're building a community of activists who want a better kind of beauty. So that being said I am so excited to now be considered a Follain ambassador! They curate a selection of the highest-quality, safest, non-toxic products. You should never have to compromise your health for beauty.

As a brief introduction, I’d like to share with you my clean essentials kit. This contains the absolute skincare basics that are essentials in your daily regimen. Your healthy skin starts here whether you are new to clean beauty or just looking to try some new non-toxic products. Cleanse, tone, moisturize, and more with this reliable routine. The kit includes: 4 trial size products plus canvas pouch, Non-toxic & vegan, and are suitable for all skin types.

OSEA Ocean Cleanser contains Sea minerals and organic red algae gently detoxify without disturbing skin’s protective barrier. It should be applied to damp skin in gentle, circular motions. Rinse and pat dry. After cleansing, apply Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner all over with a cotton pad. Avoid eye areas. Indie Lee's Toner contains Hyaluronic acid and aloe balance and hydrate skin. Antioxidant CoQ10 boosts collagen and fights free radicals. Smooth Ursa Major Golden Hour Recovery Cream between palms then apply to your face. This cream contains meadowfoam seed oil delivers rich hydration; neroli oil promotes healthy glow; calendula extract soothes irritation. The Follain Refillable Soap contains Antioxidant-rich olive and jojoba oils gently hydrate and protect skin, while aloe vera gel soothes dryness. This refillable soap can be used just about everywhere else: from hands and body to dishes and delicates. It also works great as a gentle pet shampoo, too.

Shop the Clean Essentials Kit! I'd also like to share my discount code with my amazing readers. Use code "ref_lovelyemy" for a special discount & feel free to reach out with any questions or if you need recommendations!

Omakase: Laughing Monk Café

2019-02-26T07:40:00.001-08:00

Valentine's day just past and I had the pleasure of trying out Omakase for the very first time thanks to my boyfriend (for all of his research). "Omakase is a traditional Japanese dining style in which the chef provides a quality meal based on availability, budget, taste, and seasonality. It is basically like a “tasting menu,” but omakase is so much more than that. It is an incredibly intimate experience and very human experience that is best thought of as a verbal and non-verbal dialogue between you and the chef.

After all of his research, we ended up at the Laughing Monk Cafe at Brigham Circle, Boston. It was only recent years that I have come to appreciate raw fish (I use to be that girl that only ate shrimp tempura rolls). I am so incredibly thankful that I was able to experience all of the diverse favors this Omakase experience has brought to us. Chief Nick is incredible! The hybrid Omakase offered here focuses on incorporating Thai and Japanese flavors together with fresh ingredients including sushi menu, pad thai, drunken noodle, curry.

I highly recommend trying Omekase here if it's your first time. I had such a memorable time, the waitstaff was incredibly kind, patient, and informative. Many of the dishes were seared but nonetheless incredibly delicious and had delightful flavors. One thing to note is that Omekase dishes all vary depending on when you go and where you go. Many restaurants will showcase dishes of fish that are in popular or in season.

Boston Brunch Guide

2019-02-03T09:58:00.001-08:00

This has been one of my most requested posts and I figured it would be more helpful to share my favorite go-to brunch and lunch spots in Boston since I share it so randomly on social media. It would be way more helpful to organize it into a list. Boston is not the biggest cities out there but there certainly are a lot of delicious spots to grab a small bite or grab brunch with friends.

So let's get started!

Juliet | Union Square, Somerville, MA

Union Square is one of those places that are a bit tucked away but worth the trip. I stumbled upon Juliet when I was grabbing donuts in Somerville. To my surprise, it was much more than a cafe! They have seating, a bar, and a cafe. Brunch here is definitely worth the wait (especially if you come on a Sunday). The portions are perfect, not too much and not too little. One bite into my toast and I could taste the freshness in the meal. This is a lovely place to grab a quick bite and catch up with friends, or even if you need a relaxing place to get away and work on some things on your laptop, there's a lovely window seating.

Earls Kitchen & Bar | Prudential Center, Boston, MA

Earls was always one of those places that sounded like it would always be crowded and standard meals but to my surprise, their brunch options are delightful. There's also a special happy hour for brunch! I mean how can you not right? Everything I've had so far has been delicious but my absolute favorite is the chicken and waffles. The syrup is sweet and spicy and perfect to complement the waffle and chicken. This is definitely worth the trip! And if you're here...you might as well check out all of the shopping surrounding Earls!

Jonquils Cafe & Bakery | Newbury Street, Boston, MA

Jonquil is derived from a flower that spans countries and cultures. This is a cosmopolitan cafe with that touches all parts of the globe. The space is modern but makes you feel as though you're in London. There's delicious hand-picked selection of fine coffees and teas, fresh juices, exquisite baked goods and healthy lunch options. This is a gorgeous location to sit back and enjoy some delicious snacks and catch up with friends or family. I love the ambiance so much!

Ogawa Coffee | Downtown, Boston, MA

Ogawa was the place I went to because of their matcha goodies. But recently they've introduced some new food options to their menu. They're more so lunch/dessert options but nonetheless still absolutely delicious and worth every penny. I've had many of the sandwiches but this egg salad sandwich has got to be my favorite. I love how they have little sets that come with a side of salad and yogurt too. All of this paired with their delicious matcha latte makes the perfect meal!

By CHLOE. | Fenway, Boston, MA

For those who want a vegan option, this has got to be my favorite! I use to be vegetairan..once upon a time.. but oh my goodness I love love love the brunch and lunch options at Chloe's. The mushrooms taste like bacon... the avocado burger is way more satisfying than any typical burger joint, and this taco salad is the perfect bowl. Nothing is too heavy so you won't be in a food coma after. There's also delicious acai bowls, freshly pressed juices, and of course a mini bakery with vegan-friendly goods.

Jugos Supremo | South End, Boston, MA

Jugos was introduced to me by a friend and I have been crazy obsessed with the supremo location for so long. The meals range from sweet to savory and the portions are just right. You can stop by for a light smoothie bowl or if you want something more hearty, you can grab one of the larger dishes. The juice is also freshly pressed and I never left feeling anything less than satisfied. I also love the location, right smack dab in south end on Tremont street. If it's nice out it's definitely worth taking a walk down Tremont and visiting other small stores as well. My absolute favorite dish is the "sexico" filled with sweet potatoes and avocado and toast!

Frenchie | South End, Boston, MA

I love love love Frenchie. This is one of the holy grails of brunch food. Though they offer dinner and a full bar I cannot stop coming back for their brunch options. There's a perfect balance of the right amount of savory dishes and sweet dishes. Frenchie always satisfies all of my brunch cravings. Best to make a reservation because there is always a wait. The crepe is filled with bananas and Nutella and melts in your mouth, the potatoes are so fresh and delicious, and the croissant is the perfect balance of buttery yet crispy. I cannot stop recommending this place!

Colette Wine Bistro | Porter Square, Cambridge, MA

Colette is the sister restaurant of Frenchie (mentioned above) which provides a dynamic dining experience in the Porter Square Hotel through food and conversation. Something I value is a lovely place that allows us to enjoy our food while engaging in conversations without feeling rushed. They offer a range of small plates from hot and cold, which remix French classics like Steak Tartare (an absolute must have complemented with a quail egg), Mussels, Steak Frites, Salads, along with Cheese and Charcuterie boards and French desserts like Nutella Chocolate Mousse, Crème Brûlée, Beignets...and so much more.

Caffe Bene | Symphony, Boston, MA

Caffe Bene has had a special place in my heart since I first tried it in New York. I was so happy to hear that they opened one in Boston! It's right at Symphony near the Longwood medical area and the schools. It's about a 15-minute walk for me from school and work so it's one of my favorites to grab something sweet or have small sandwiches. But more so I'd say that this cafe is geared more towards sweet tooths like myself. The shaved ice and Belgium waffles are my favorites!

Tatte Bakery & Cafe | Greater Boston, MA

Oh Tatte, the "it" cafe of Boston. It feels like it's impossible to ever grab a seat here but now due to popular demand, there are so many locations scattered throughout the greater Boston area. I really enjoy the small pastries and the fruit/nut cups the most but food wise, I love the quiche which is complemented with a small side salad. But I've also had their meals here and I must say the quality is phenomenal. It's a lovely cafe with a gorgeous aesthetic and definitely "instagram-worthy" and a cute place to hang out with a small group of friends.

Zinnekens | Cambridge, MA

I LOVE WAFFLES. Anyone who knows me knows how much I enjoy waffles, especially Belgium waffles. Zinnekens holds a special place in my heart because it's so delicious I don't need any type of syrup or toppings. But I do enjoy having these with some Oreos and fruit. I love taking friends here for a quick snack or breakfast. But let's be honest I don't care about the time of day I can enjoy these bad boys at 10pm for all I care.

OAT Shop | Somerville, MA

I was never a fan of oatmeal growing up (probably because I've always had microwaved oatmeal) but WOW the OAT shop makes the best sweet and or savory bowls ever. My go-to favorite is the bacon and egg one drizzled with some sriracha in it, the sushi bowl, and the berries and nuts. Don't underestimate the size of the bowls, they're incredibly filling! It's located right at the T station in a lovely area that's exciting to walk around after brunch.

PRESSED | Boston, MA

Yes I know I'm obsessed with acai bowls. I had one of the best acai bowls at PRESSED. It's perfectly sweetened with almond butter, honey, delicious granola and has just the right amount of toppings so that it doesn't feel like you're just eating a fruit smoothie. I've also enjoyed their squash lasagna bowl and their avocado toats, both also excellent choices. A lovely hole in the wall if you need a quick and healthy brunch. Something to also note it's a tiny bit of a small shop so it's nice for one on one brunches.

sweetgreen | Greater Boston, MA

Okay, don't be upset that I'm listing a salad joint as a brunch option. I thought the same thing when I first heard of sweetgreen. But a friend of mine highly recommended it and I decided to try it one day. OH MY GOSH how can a bowl of salad taste so delicious and perfectly filling? I have no clue how they did it but I am so happy it exists and I love sweetgreen so much. The stores are all so lovely and a great place with lots of seating. My favorites are the kale caesar and the miso bowl. Yes yes yes!

Blackbird Doughnuts | South End, Boston, MA

I am crazy about donuts and went through a huge phase where I tried out almost every since gourmet donut place in the greater Boston area. Blackbird has my heart because of the option to cut your donuts and stuff them with ice cream. Cheat breakfast meal? I think Yes! The donuts are so delicious and fluffy and perfect with ice cream. I love the unique flavors. I know this doesn't technically count as a brunch joint but donuts are breakfast too right?

Dig Inn | Copley, Boston, MA

Dig inn is one of those places I cannot stop coming back to. This is one of the first cafes I always take people to when they ask me for a lunch spot. I never really come early enough for their breakfast options but they are just as good! All of their products are fresh and organic from local farms ensuring nothing but high quality. Trust me you can taste the amazing quality. My favorite is the salmon with broccoli and brown rice. That's just my personal go to but you can pick pretty much anything to make your own perfect lunch bowl.

JJ's Caffe | Brockton, MA

Have you ever been to a place where it was 5 stars with over 400+ reviews? JJ's caffe definitely lives up to the hype but is located a bit further away from the city. Expect a long wait but trust me when I say it's worth the wait. The staff is incredibly kind and literally, everything tastes just as good as it sounds. The creme brulee french toast will forever hold a special place in my heart as well as the hangover benedict. If you have a means of transportation JJ's caffe is a must!

Loyal Nine | Cambridge, MA

I always knew about the cafe part of Loyal Nine because I dined at their actual restaurant first. It wasn't my favorite but the cafe part made up for it. I had the best breakfast sandwich of my life here. I'm still dreaming of it too... the cafe is a bit small but still a lovely place to play catch up on work or with a friend. Matcha tea and their soy latte are also incredibly delicious when paired with their lunch!

And you've reached the end! To be honest this isn't even everything on my list. I've been living in Boston for well over 5 years now and I made it a habit to constantly try new places because it was so easy to get too comfortable. I know Boston isn't New York or Los Angeles, but there's still plenty of delicious places to try and so much food to eat! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all and I hope that this post helps!

Love Street Apparel Haul

2019-01-25T10:32:00.001-08:00

I hope that everyone's off to a strong start for 2019. A lot has been happening but I am doing my best to juggle multiple things. I am primarily on Instagram sharing the little bits and bobs of my daily life but I wanted to share things more in detail on my blog. To really start off the year I thought I would take some time to share a mini haul I have from Love Street Apparel. I love their clothes and here are a few of my favorite pieces I would like to share.

A little bit of background information about the boutique: Their entire collection is carefully handpicked to embrace the philosophy that you have the freedom of expressing your unique, free-spirited self. The styles shared offer an outlet to dress in a way that embraces who you really are as an individual, beautiful, wild and free.

Details:

Motel Kavon top in size Medium

Gracie Polka Dot Crop Top in Medium

Delilah Peasant Top in Small

I haven't done any sort of fashion-related post in a while but I am looking to do more as spring rolls around and give myself more of a reason to dress nicely rather than living in my gym clothes. I recommend sizing up if you have a larger bust. Sizes do tend to run a tiny bit small for non-stretch items. However, any items like sweaters or tops with a stretch I recommend getting your exact size. I generally get small on stretchy pieces. The quality of each item is phenomenal and I highly recommend getting your shopping spree on!

I am also pleased to share my discount code for Love Street.
Shop with me and you can get 15% off your entire purchase with my code EMQU15.

Year of Realization.

2019-01-03T11:10:00.002-08:00

"2018 WAS THE YEAR OF REALIZATION"

Throughout 2018 I learned so much about myself and those around me. I thought that 2018 was going to be just like any other year except for some reason it was not. I was able to step back and observe rather than react at the moment. I experienced many failures, but behind each failure I let out my grief and gathered courage from my failures and continued forward, overcoming the many challenges I thought I could not endure. I went through many moments of sadness and darkness but through these moments I was able to realize the kind of people I needed to keep around me. Those who stayed by my side through my failures helped support each breath I took and enabled me to grow into the person I am. That being said, knowing who to hold close, allowed me to learn about what I can do best to help them. I learned to open my mind to even greater perspectives and was able to maintain an open mind when exposed to different views.

I had many sad days that made me question my purpose, but later on, remember all of the happy moments that filled my heart with joy and a sense of completeness. So much has changed and 2018 has truly left a powerful mark in my life that serves as a reminder that 2018 was the "year of realization". Though I am enduring my own struggles of mental health illnesses, change can only be initiated by oneself. It is up to yourself to learn from the many lessons life teaches you. It is up to you to apply everything that you learned, everything that life has given you, trough all of the good and bad so that you can make 2019 an even better year. Change does not happen instantly, but progress is what you must aim for in 2019.

May 2019 be your year filled with growth, self-love, confidence, and the power to let go of toxic relationships in order to open yourself up to those who support your breath and happiness.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

2018-10-29T10:55:00.001-07:00

SUNDAY ADVENTURES

I hope that everyone is doing well and I am so thankful for those who still follow this very inconsistent blog I somehow manage. I haven't necessarily had the time or energy to set aside some time just for myself excluding school excluding school and work. This semester has been incredibly draining because it is my last academic semester before I work on the final stages of my culminating data research project for my master's program. I am very excited to announce that I am working on one more creative photography project before the end of 2018 for a fall editorial. I am very excited to share it when it becomes live!

I apologize for my slight life update and tangent but I had the pleasure of visiting the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum again this past weekend with my dearest friends. I wish I visited this museum more often because it is literally down the street from my school. They offer free admissions for any of the Fenway based universities so of course, I had to take advantage of that!

Isabella Stewart Gardner was an amazing American art collector, philanthropist, and patron of the arts. This museum showcases all of the amazing art pieces that she's collected within her very own home. If you're from Boston or even visiting this museum is a place you must visit!

Girl of My Dreams || Archive Magazine and TGS Collective

2018-09-11T10:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful and eventful summer. I wanted to share this brief editorial that I worked on that was published in Archive Magazine issue 11. We wanted to incorporate the remanence of spring into summer with the neutral color tones and the lightly pigmented flowers.

Model: Charlotte Gardner of Maggie Agency

Hair + Make up: Fiona Hoang (@FromOgreToBeauty)

Floral Designer: Amy Tram (@Petals.OnPetals)

An additional announcement that I am excited to share, I am now a photographer working as a member of the TGS Collective. I'm super excited to be part of such a wonderful and creative community of creatives throughout the states. I cant wait to work on more creative projects with the collective and share with everyone.

Feel free to read the entire editorial here.

Microblading ft. Ellebrow NYC

2018-07-05T11:49:00.000-07:00

Let's talk about one of the biggest trends, microblading. I naturally was not blessed with eyebrows so of course, I did not even hesitate to jump on board with the latest trend of microblading. I never knew how to draw in my eyebrows without it looking incredibly fake or uneven so this was such a deal breaker for me. I have been long overdue for sharing my experiences with semi-permanent eyebrow tattooing and have been asked many questions. So here it is! All of the frequently asked questions I am asked about microblading eyebrows!

Where Did I go?

elleBrow based in NYC and conveniently located on the east side of midtown Manhattan.

What is Microblading?

Individual hair stroke eyebrows are drawn in manually by the technician using a micro-needle hand tool with specialized pigments placed into the outer layer of the skin. The result is an ultra-natural almost 3-D look. This is also known as eyebrow embroidery, micropigmentation, 3-D eyebrow tattoo and other terms which all essentially mean the same thing.

Who was my technician?

Ant is the woman who does it all! She I believe is the only person at elleBrow actually performing the procedures with the help of her assistant. Don't underestimate how much one person can do. She's amazing, professional, highly detail oriented, and the best there is.

How long does it last?

I would honestly say 1-3 years before it almost completely fades away. I had my first microblading session by Ant back in early 2016. I came back a few months for a minor touch up in a small area. But other than that I did not come back until 2018 to have my brows done again and have a new look because I was blonde when I first came in and now I have dark brown hair. However, if you go in for retouches regularly at least 6 months then these babies can last you a LONG time. Since I live in Boston it was a little challenging coordinating mini trips to NY but alas elleBrow is the BEST out there and worth the trip. Below is a photo from my very first microblading session back in early 2016.

Before microblading (top), Immediately after microblading (middle), 6 months after (bottom)

Are they easy to take care of?

Absolutely yes! The first week is the most tedious where you have to clean it and apply the cream she provides very frequently. A formal guide and needed materials are provided before you leave. After the first week you really just want to avoid too much sun exposure or facials on the brow area for that can cause the tattoo to fade away faster.

How much do they cost?

The prices have changed a lot from when I first came to elleBrow but I do believe that their regular price is $850 but currently on promotion for $750. I know it's a little on the pricey end compared to many upcoming places that offer this service but don't be fooled because getting your brows done at elleBrow is worth EVERY penny. The professionalism is of the highest, Ant is highly skilled and detail oriented and will not rest until she designs the best shape and color for your own personal desires.

After 2 years before microblading (Top) and immediately after microblading (bottom)

Overall Experience?

Eyebrow microblading is worth it! The techniques crafted by Ant looks so natural and blends in with your existing eyebrow hairs perfectly (and if your brows are sparse, it can substitute for what is missing). You won't find more natural looking semi-permanent eyebrow work anywhere. The aftercare is a little tedious the first week or so but once the peeling ends your brows look amazing! I am currently at my 5/6 month mark after getting the second session done I still see the fine lines clearly and do not feel the need to add any extra shading.

Thank you ElleBrow for keeping my brows perfect all of these years! If you guys have any question at all please feel free to reach out with any questions at all!

Interview with Boston Voyager Magazine.

2018-06-26T09:40:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share my most recent interview with Boston Voyager Magazine. I haven't been able to work on too many creative projects this past year but I am hoping to do so this summer. This magazine conducts interviews and creates articles to share all of the hidden gems and local business in the Greater Boston Area. I had the honor of sharing my story with them.

Emily, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.

When I was 16 years old, I started a blog and youtube channel more focused on beauty, fashion and lifestyle. Things blew up quickly for me, but by the time I was 18, I realized that my deeper passion was for photography. I didn’t go to school for photography but I worked on teaching myself every detail including understanding the mechanics of photography and cameras. I allocated every Saturday to be mentored and shadow well established Los Angeles based photographers which inevitably led me to professional pursue photography part-time. My inspirations and why my work is so bright and overexposed are Emily Soto and Yuna Leonard. When I first moved to Boston, I started fresh with my work and worked with local Boston boutiques like Crush Boutique, Pinkyotto, and Bobbles and Lace. And aside from that, I worked closely with Maggie Agency for my more creative photo shoots that I would shoot for publications. They all provided wonderful opportunities for my work to truly grow...

Read the full article here.

self love + mental health awareness

2018-05-15T09:07:00.003-07:00

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month

As a public health graduate student, mental health is something I am truly dedicated to advocating for. Mental health is significant and should not be taken lightly. If you or anyone you know is suffering from any mental health conditions, take action and get help. I grew up in a household that did not believe in mental disorders or illnesses like anxiety and depression. When I was younger I was always raised with the mentality that if you were sad that it was a sign of weakness. If you were anxious or depressed it just meant that you did not try hard enough to not feel that way or overcome it. As I grew older and experienced more I have learn that it is okay to have those feelings. The thoughts and feelings never truly went away and I didn't understand why. Not everyone experiences anxiety and or depression on the same level but there are many people out there like myself, that experience it on a day to day basis. It is difficult but manageable and there are resources available to help. The topics I would like to focus on today in honor of Mental health Awareness Month is Depression and Anxiety.

I choose mental disorders as my topic of choice for my graduate research. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. For some individuals, major depression can result in severe impairments that interfere with or limit one’s ability to carry out major life activities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), the prevalence of major depressive episode was higher among adult females (8.5%) compared to males (4.8%) and the prevalence of adults with a major depressive episode was highest among individuals aged 18-25 (10.9%). The NIMH is an excellent resource that aims to transform the understanding and treatment of mental illnesses.

My story? I did not realize I suffered from depression and anxiety until early college. At my lowest points, I would just imagine what everyone's life would be like if I did not exist in it. The thoughts progressed to the point where I couldn't control it and I would go days just staying at home and crying. These thoughts did not come often but did so during my darkest hours and felt like a disease with no cure. It sounds so extreme but the thoughts and emotions were so amplified when in that state of mind and getting through it felt almost impossible. In high school, I did not realize that having panic attacks was where I was short of breath and feeling so nervous and scared. These were early signs of anxiety I did not realize I had. Today I am living with my depression and my anxiety has been diagnosed as Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Clinical Depression (MDD).

How to live with it? Acceptance is so much easier said than done. I have found a few outlets that enabled me to channel and somewhat manage my anxiety and depression. I know that you might hear these things often but I mean it, hobbies help so much. I have been doing photography for quite some time and even though I do not have the time to shoot as often, every time I am able to shoot I feel so at peace. When I am depressed I feel as though I lose my sense of creativity and there is a void I feel where I am unable to be creative or even productive. However, overcoming the sadness is incredibly difficult but doable. Exercise has been one of the greatest outlets recently when I am unable to endure the dark moments. Something about pushing myself while at the gym has given me the feeling of self-fulfillment and accomplishment even if it meant just being able to do one extra push up or adding an extra weight to my workout. Finding your own outlet is important but I never realized how having a strong support system truly helped. I always felt like I was a burden and that people would become overwhelmed by my problems. I love my family, boyfriend, and friends to pieces because they have stuck right by my side, pushed me to better myself and help me continue to grow and move forward.

I know that there are a lot of self-help books out there but here are a few books that have helped me overcome some difficult time and that I cannot recommend enough: Moments of Being by Virginia Woolf, Salt. by Nayyirah Waheed, Milk and Honey by Rupi Kaur, and She Felt Like Nothing by r.h. sin.

I am working so hard on loving myself and being the best that I, personally can be. There is no cure and I have come to terms with that. I am living with this and I am doing the best that I can by myself and with the support of those close to me.

Some resources + additional information:

National Institute of Mental Health

Mental Health America

4Mind4Body Challenge

National Alliance on Mental Illnesses

every girl + her bff's essentials.

2018-05-07T11:15:00.000-07:00

I have recently partnered up with the amazing Pop & Suki to share with you my absolute favorite products from their online shop. But first, let me tell you a little about the company.

Pop & Suki was started with two best friends, Poppy Jamie and Suki Waterhouse. I love love love how that is their true foundation and many of their products are geared towards matching with your bff. All products are designed by them and made from the highest quality with low and reasonable prices.

They're well known for their make up bag. I got the bigger one because I have a lot of stuff to pack in there. The quality is superb and it has now become my travel essential where I squeeze in all of my skin care and make-up!

Speaking of cases... their laptop case was a must have for me. Whether I go to school, meet with clients, or just need a cute little something to keep my laptop in, their customizable laptop case is the perfect addition. I was able to print my brand directly on it and I have received nothing but complements!

A little more loving for yourself? Got myself their Camera Bag in Noir Nubuck. I have a giant camera so I usually use this bag for a casual day out for a small bag for travel and or night life. I love how the quality is and the inside is their beautiful signature soft pink color.

And lastly my two smaller favorites are their compact mirror because who doesn't need a good little reminder everyday that FYI you look really good today? And their new vegan leather card holder. I hate clutches and large wallets so this card holder was the perfect thing for me. I am also surprised about how much can actually fit in the card case. It';s not too tight and holds everything in perfectly.

I hope that you enjoyed this little haul from Pop & Suki. Please feel free to reach out with ANY questions you may have. I am here to help!

All customizations are complete free AND you can save 15% off on any purchase with my discount code "HELLOEMY669715" sorry I know for some reason my code is so long but hey it saves you $$ and why not treat yourself a little? You deserve it!

glowing skin + st. ives skincare

2018-04-24T10:09:00.000-07:00

GLOWING SKIN FT. ST. IVES

Those who know me or have been with me for a while know that I LOVE to try out new skin care products. Preen.Me recently reached out to me to try out St. Ives newest Korean inspired products. I already love St.Ives and have some of their products already so I was 100% on board to try their newest products before their launch. So let me share my experience with you!

CLEANSING STICKS!

St. Ives recently released these cute little on-the-go cleansing sticks which make cleansing your face extremely easy. All you do is simply splash some water on your face and roll away and massage then rinse. These all smell so amazing and are 100% coconut oil based. I've been using them for a few weeks now alternating between the different formulas they have.

These bad boys deliver insane benefits while making it super fun to use. My current favorite cleansing stick is the Matcha Green Tea + Ginger cleansing stick because it focused more on detoxifying all of the toxins on your skin leaving it glowing.

NEXT UP THE SCRUBS

I love love love scrubs! I love that feeling of buffing out all of the dead skin or excess junk on my face.

Next up I have the Black Head Clearing Scrub + Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub.

I don't really have an issue with blackheads but I was excited to try out the green tea scrub. It has a moderate exfoliating factor. I like using this for when I feel like my pores start to get clogged (usually from lack of sleep or me eating way too many fried/greasy foods). Problem skin has met its match with this scrub! The key ingredient is a salicylic acid which packs a big punch and unclogs pores and calms redness for glowing, bump-free skin!

I was so excited to get my hands on the cult classic. St. Ives' beauty editor's favorite the deep cleaning apricot scrub. This scrub has100% natural walnut shell powder and works so well for exfoliating because my skin ends up SO SO SO soft, smooth, and of course glowing skin. The smell is spectacular. I am usually not a fan of really fragranced products but these just smell fruity and all natural which is a huge plus. I just use a dime size and scrub it all over in my face in the shower or some nights roughly two times a week.

I hope this post has helped! There are so many steps to a skincare routine and St. Ives is meant to reduce that and make skincare easy and on-the-go!

Eyelash Extensions x WinQ Lash Bar

2018-04-06T10:03:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to share a lovely lash bar I have been recently in love with. Eyelash extensions have become one of the most popular beauty services people are getting done. I never thought I would get them done regularly but it has saved me such a great chunk of time in the mornings and I have been much more comfortable going makeup-less now of days!

I generally wear makeup on a daily basis, but when I go to work, I usually just slap on foundation, concealer, and mascara. On the days I go out with friends or just out I need my eyes to stand out (yes because they're small and round shaped) so I add on some eyeshadow and some cat eye winged eyeliner + maybe double stacked falsies. I love makeup, especially lashes because it makes you feel + look more alive.

Alright, let's get down to business.

Where did I go?

Winq Lash Bar based in Boston, Massachusetts (in the Allston/Brighton area also T accessable).

Who was your stylist?

The amazing Katherine Toker. She is incredibly kind and patient and will work with you every step of the way to achieve the look you desire.

Why did I decide to go for it?

I wore false lashes so often on top of my mascara regularly because of how thin my lashes were so why not just wake up with some fluffy and curled lashes?! With a little bit of budgeting, I was sold. I'm just so busy with work and school this is a great way to make me look more alive and spend less time trying to get ready. Also, have you seen the studio?! It is drop-dead gorgeous.

How much is it?

Full set lashes start at roughly $200 and fills start at $49. Just an FYI Winq always has a ton of promos so if you're interested, subscribe to their mailing list to receive goodies + scroll down if you want my promo code!

How long did it take?

A full volume set took roughly 2.5 hours. My fills take roughly 1.5 hours. Be prepared to take a long nap.

How long do they last?

They honestly last around 2-4 weeks (some people 5 weeks). But I love getting my fills at the 2-3 week mark to keep them fluffy and voluminous.

What style did you get?

I got the Yas Queen! Volume set. I am not 100% positive about what length she has me in but I got cat-eye D curl. Cat eye is essential for me because it creates the illusion of a winged eyeliner without actually wearing eyeliner.

Are they easy to take care of?

I am someone who has a bad habit of rubbing my eyes so having these babies made me more conscious of that. Don't rub your eyes, don't sleep on your face, don't get them wet within the first 24 hours, and brush them often! So easy and worth saving time in the morning getting ready.

Overall experience?

WORTH IT. Me being someone with naturally boring small, narrow eyes and straight lashes, these babies give me so much life and confidence. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is like me and is lazy but needs lashes, or if you are going on vacation and don't want to deal with worrying about lashes, or if you just want that extra lash fluff. Also, the store's vibe is like you're treating yourself to a vacation. Palm trees everywhere and long naps.

Also, if you're hesitant about trying it out, use my code lovelyemy10 for 10% off any services! If you have any questions about lash extensions, my experiences, or the store in general feel free to reach out and ask away!

Thanks so much, Winq Lash Bar for my amazing boss b lashes! ♡

sessions with lesley.

2018-03-22T10:01:00.002-07:00

I just wanted to share with you guys a few of my favorite photos with Lesley Anderson.

This series is inspired by just wandering the city and exploring new places. It was lightly slowing this day which I love because cloudy skies mean beautiful soft photos.

All taken in South End Boston. Thank you Cynthia for inspiring me with photography.