Lifestyle – The Luxi Look

By Amy Zhang January 2, 2023 in Lifestyle No Comments

How to Make a Vision Board

Happy New Year! I have a really good feeling about this year, and I’ve heard the same from so many of you. Whether you typically make resolutions, have a “word” for the year, or set intentions (my personal favorite), one of my favorite ways to bring it all to life is through a vision board. I get a lot of questions on how I make my vision boards, so I wanted to outline it in detail here. Even if you haven’t made one for the year yet, it’s not too late! The January 1 hard date wasn’t really resonating with me this year to start the new year, so this is your reminder that the new year starts when you’re ready! I’m a big believer that you start making small changes and take action on any day of the year towards your dreams.

Why You Should Make a Vision Board

There are so many different ways to set and track goals. There’s really no right or wrong way as long as you find a method that works for you. What I love about vision boards is they can be as specific or general as you want them to be. There’s also something so soothing and motivating about a visual representation of your dreams that you can look at everyday (or as often as you want to).

I like to set mine as my phone or laptop background. This is so I can be reminded everyday of what I’m working towards. When I look back at my vision board at the end of the year (you can also do monthly or quarterly ones) I’m always shocked as how many of my goals seem to come true. Plus, they’re also fun to make and a great solo activity or something to do with friends.

How to Make a Vision Board

I usually start by writing down my goals for the year, bucketing them into different categories (mine are usually personal, relationships, health & wellness, and financial). You can get as granular here as you want – I try to have at least 2-3 per category, with a mix of achievable goals and BIG dreams. The key here is to really go big – in my opinion big goals are critical to your vision of what you want your year to look like. It never hurts to put it out there in the universe!

Then, you can go physical or digital – I always use Pinterest and find images that align with my specific goals, or just generally fit the vibe of what I’m feeling or looking for. Again, you can be as granular here as you want – it helps to have each image tie back to one of your goals, but they can also just be photos that make you feel inspired or motivated.

Once I have my images chosen, I use Canva to create a blank template and drop in the photos one by one, rearranging them until I’m happy with how it looks. I usually make one vision board for my entire year, this year I opted to make a different collage for each of my yearly intentions. There are no rules 🙂

And that’s it! From there, you can set it to your phone or computer background (you may need to crop or resize your image).

Happy vision board making, and be sure to share yours with me – I’d love to see what your goals and intentions are for the year. Wishing everyone a happy new year filled with joy, love, and good health! xx

By Amy Zhang October 10, 2022 in Home, Lifestyle No Comments

Everyday Luxuries to Elevate Your Life

This year has been all about self-care for me, in many different shapes and forms. One way I like to practice self care is to elevate some of my basics or everyday items with versions that feel more special or luxurious. With the end of the year and holiday season coming up rapidly I wanted to share some of my favorite everyday luxuries that I’ve found to really elevate my daily life. These are some (small) ways I’ve made everyday rituals and activities feel more luxe, wherever I am in the world.

Elevated Versions of Products I Love

Candles

Might be the most basic and obvious thing. However, I love a bougie candle to instantly brighten up any room (and my mood). Candles make great gifts, for friends & family or even for yourself. I really don’t think you can ever have too many. My favorites are by Voluspa. They have so many scent options and have a clean coconut wax blend I’m obsessed with and love burning in my own. I have so many scents and sizes scattered throughout my own. However, my current favorite is the Hearth Size (makes such a fantastic holiday gift!) which is a decorative statement piece on its own.

Flowers – Products I Love

I started buying fresh flowers from the farmer’s market this year. I do this whenever I could make the weekly market, and needless to say. I’m now obsessed with having fresh florals in the house. On the weeks I can’t get to a farmer’s market, I also love having “eternity” florals from Venus et Fleur in my home. These not only look and smell incredible, they are also a gorgeous decorative centerpiece that can be used anywhere in your home. The craziest part is these flowers stay pristine for a year (and with proper care, even longer). I get so many compliments on my arrangements . They are pricey, but really so worth it when you factor in how long they last for. They have an instant WOW factor that elevate any room instantly.

Pajamas

This past year is the first time I truly invested in quality pajamas. By that I mean cute matching sets that I wanted to wear to bed instead of a ratty mismatched t-shirt and short combo. Nothing wrong with this at all, but I figured my 30’s were a good time to find some appropriate sleepwear. I love how luxurious washable silk feels and how easy it is to care for. And, for printed matching sets you can’t go wrong with Show Me Your Mumu.

Cozy throw blankets

A cozy throw blanket makes your home feel so much more luxurious. My favorites are by Barefoot Dreams. I have several and love having them in all of the different rooms in the house. I have them when I want to watch TV, lay on the couch, or even travel with them or take them outside. They’re machine washable which makes them really easy to clean and I don’t feel guilty bringing them out with me. If the price tag feels a bit steep, keep an eye out on Nordstrom Rack. I’ve scored several for 50% there! Also, I have an Apparis faux fur throw I’m obsessed with. It feels so incredibly soft and thick, and looks gorgeous wherever you put it.

Glassware – if you’re like me and have to be drinking a minimum of 3 different beverages at any given time, updating your glassware at home is the easiest way to feel ~fancy~ without spending too much at once. I love these clear mugs for my coffee and tea, and while these ripple glasses are a little pricey, I love the aesthetic they bring to any home. Also a big fan of collecting glassware at flea markets or when you travel, whatever your vibe is you’ll be able to find glassware that fits.

What are your favorite products to elevate your everyday life? xx

By Amy Zhang June 6, 2022 in Lifestyle, Wedding 1 Comment

How I’m De-Stressing Before the Wedding

gummies for De-Stressing Before the Wedding

Wedding stress and anxiety are real. I heard from countless friends and former brides the month before your wedding is a blur – time is flying and the to do list is never ending, plus the added pressure of being, you know, a bride. I told myself I wouldn’t get stressed and that at a certain point I would have to let things just be… but truthfully this is SO much easier said than done.

I’d like to think I kept it mostly together, but I did have a few mini meltdowns and a full blown panic attack that came seemingly out of nowhere. Determined not to let pre wedding jitters get the best of me, I went into full on “relaxation” mode the past few weeks. Now we’re officially 8 days out from the wedding (!!) and I’m feeling surprisingly… mellow? Chill? Not stressed? Who is she?

How I’m De-Stressing Before the Wedding

Everyone talks about “self care,” I think self care looks different for everyone. It took a lot of trial and error to really define what “self care” looks like to me (as much as I thought it was taking midday breaks to buy $7 iced coffees, the truth is it’s often much simpler than that). As someone who is perpetually stressed and anxious, these are the practices I’ve implemented the past month that have gotten me to a place of (relative) calm and chill before the wedding.

+ Journaling

I saw on TikTok someone mention starting a journal in the weeks/months leading up to her wedding. I loved the idea and started a fresh journal to write about my wedding planning experience and feelings – it’s tough to commit to every day, but on the days I remember I make a solid effort to write 3 pages of free flow, stream of consciousness thoughts. I’m happy to have this time (somewhat) documented as I’m sure it will be interesting to look back on my mental state during this time.

+ Exercise

I don’t know who I would be without a consistent exercise routine!! Will share my entire pre wedding routine/regimen separately, but carving aside an hour for myself every day made a huge difference in my mental health. Losing weight was never the goal of all the pre wedding working out, it was honestly one of the only practices that calmed me (hello, endorphins!) and gave me a much needed energy and mental boost during extra tough times. My favorite thing to do would be to go on extra long walks, but life gets in the way of that sometimes. I really made a point to prioritize daily movement and it went a long way in keeping me grounded.

+ CBD

ok I never understood CBD until I tried Molly J. Ask AJ, I’m a different person when I take one of these gummies. I learned a few things about CBD after taking these regularly. There’s a difference in quality among most CBD lines, and the amount (dose) you take is V IMPORTANT!! These are 25mg, come in the yummiest flavors, and are like unwrapping a little present for yourself at the end of the day. I cut out drinking so it’s become my new evening ritual and I’m obsessed with these (get 10% off your order using AMY10).

+ Breathwork

I’ll be honest, I have failed at meditating more times than I’d like to admit. It’s a really wonderful practice I’d like to get better at, but for whatever reason it keeps slipping from my routine. I recently connected with a wonderful breathwork coach and did the most transformative session 2 weeks before my wedding. More to come and I’m excited to share more as we continue our breathwork journey, but it really opened my eyes to the power of our breath and mind. This was super game changing to get me in the right “headspace” before the wedding and the effects have been long lasting.

By Amy Zhang May 9, 2022 in Beauty, Lifestyle 1 Comment

How to Get Glowing Skin for Your Wedding

woman showing Glowing Skin for Your Wedding

Let’s be honest, what bride doesn’t want their best glowing skin for your wedding day? With my wedding about a month away, I’ve been kicking it into overdrive on several fronts – especially when it comes to my skin. The truth is, with skincare oftentimes less is more and it really does come down to the basics. I don’t have any magic serums or secrets – for me, my best skin occurs when I am consistent and mindful with my lifestyle and practices.

The below is what works for me and helps me achieve my best skin – but I also realize everyone is different! Of course, always speak to a dermatologist or other licensed professional if you don’t know where to begin. My routine and habits are established from years of research and trying different things myself. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it!

My Tips & Tricks for Glowing Skin for Your Wedding

+ Water

The most obvious answer, but in my experience nothing makes you glow from the inside out more than being well hydrated. It’s so much easier with a big water bottle you can refill throughout the day to keep count. I aim for as many ounces in the day as my weight (for ex: if you weigh 120 pounds, I would aim to drink 120 ounces in a day of water). If it sounds like a ton of water, it is! I add lemon, cucumber, and mint to mine to liven it up.

+ Diet

This is probably the most challenging one for me, but I’ve found that my skin really reflects how I’m nourishing my body from the inside out. Foods that make me happy – healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, avocado, salmon) and lots of greens (I mean LOTS. Like handfuls per meal).

Foods that aren’t so kind to my skin – lots of salt, processed food, sugar, alcohol, fast food, too much caffeine – basically all the fun stuff. I haven’t cut it out entirely, but the couple of weeks before the wedding I probably will just to make sure there aren’t any last minute skin freak outs.

+ Less is more when it comes to products

A really important lesson I learned recently is to find products that work for you and stop testing new products/experimenting around 3 months before your wedding. Due to the nature of my work trying and testing new skincare products, I ended up having a HORRIBLE allergic reaction a couple of months ago that I am still recovering from.

I would really recommend dialing in your skincare routine and any treatments at least 3 months before your wedding day (again, consult a professional if you aren’t sure where to begin!) and then stick to it. Don’t add anything new that could irritate your skin. If it’s working, don’t mess with it.

+ Tailored facials

This is where bringing in professional help is a must. If it’s in your wedding budget to spend a little more on treatments, you’ll be able to more specifically target any skincare concerns or goals you have. I’ve been personally focused on hydrating facials and microcurrent treatments, but I know there are so many other treatments out there from lasers to peels that may help you reach your bridal skin goals faster.

+ Lots of sleep

Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and needs adequate sleep and rest to repair and restore itself. Of course, be sure to use a silk pillowcase! This helps to protect your skin and hair. Now is not the time to be messing with your sleep schedule. Getting enough and consistent sleep is one of the keys to managing stress, which brings me to my last point…

+ Less stress

Finally, as hard as this is to do in practice, don’t stress!! Stress is the skin killer of all skin vices. Nothing causes freak skin problems more quickly than stress – usually a cortisone treatment will fix any last minute flare ups, but it really is a vicious cycle where your hormones are all over the place, your skin reacts, which leads to more stress, etc. I’m doing my best to stay zen and not stress in these final 5 weeks. If I crack this code, trust there will be a post on this as well!

Again, this is just how I am choosing to focus on my skincare and self care in the final weeks leading to my wedding. How are your prepping your skin for your big day or other event? xx

By Amy Zhang March 14, 2022 in Beauty, Lifestyle 1 Comment

LOLI Beauty Review

One of my goals this year is to try more clean skincare and makeup (in addition to bringing back the blog!!) and I’m really excited to share this new clean beauty brand I recently came across – LOLI beauty. The brand was super kind to send me over some products to test, and I wanted to share my experience with LOLI firsthand.

About LOLI Beauty

LOLI — which stands for Living Organic Loving Ingredients — is the world’s first zero waste, organic and MADE SAFE® certified skincare brand. On a mission to stir up a clean + conscious change in beauty, LOLI Beauty’s multitasking products are upcycled from organic food supply, waterless, vegan, non-GMO and cruelty free. Going a step further, LOLI mindfully packages using recycled, recyclable, reusable and garden compostable packaging. LOLI Beauty also offers carbon free shipping and is plastic negative, cleaning up to 2 LB’s of plastic in the universe with every order.

Most beauty products are made with 80-95% water and over-packaged in plastic, despite the double threat of global water scarcity and proliferation of planet polluting plastics. As a beauty industry veteran, LOLI’s founder, Tina Hedges, witnessed the industry’s waste and pollution firsthand and decided to become part of the solution. From sourcing and formulating to packaging and fulfillment, LOLI is transforming the way consumers experience clean beauty.

Recognized for its efforts, LOLI has received the CEW (Cosmetic Executive Women) Beauty Award for Sustainability Excellence, a Fast Company Fashion Design & Innovation Award, the BYRDIE Eco Conscious Award and a Shorty Social Good Award, in addition to being named “one of the 250 disruptive brands to watch” by IAB. LOLI also is the first and only beauty member of MADE IN A FREE WORLD and FRDM, two platforms that help assess the risk of people trafficking in its supply chain.

https://lolibeauty.com/products/purple-corn-grains

LOLI Beauty Review

My first impression of LOLI was the packaging – cute and sustainable. I loved that everything was in clear glass (note to store in a mild temperature away from the sun!). What I really love about natural and organic products is the ingredients they focus on (ones I recognize and can pronounce!) as well as the scent – LOLI is FULL of superfoods which I love. These make you glow from the inside out, so naturally it makes sense they would benefit your skin as ingredients in your skincare as well! These are the products I tried and focused on – when testing new skincare I always make sure to patch test first and then slowly introduce the products over the course of a few weeks so I can have a better sense for how my skin reacts to the ingredients in the product.

Purple Corn Grains – I’m cautious of exfoliating scrubs. I know some that I have tried in the past have been way too harsh for my skin. LOLI’s version is super gentle and left my skin feeling soft and smooth. This was even after a day in the sun on vacation. With ingredients like purple corn, almond flour, and pomegranate. These are natural product is one I feel comfortable using 3-4x a week or any time I want to give my skin an added natural glow. It’s honestly gentle enough for daily use. Also, a good gentle exfoliant is key to sloughing off dead skin cells to refresh your skin. Also, it helps your other skincare products penetrate your skin to be more effective. It helps your makeup apply on more smoothly as well.

Chamomile & Lavender Tonic

This smelled AMAZING, I love chamomile and lavender individually and was super excited to find a toner that combines two of my favorite ingredients!! It smells heavenly and makes your skincare ritual feel more luxe and spa-like. The toner itself was hydrating, gentle, and removed dirt and makeup from my skin. I’ve been looking for a more natural makeup remover for the days I actually do a full face, and this was a welcome addition to my routine.

Tea Seed Elixir

I LOVE a good face oil – especially with a gua sha to sculpt you face. I use one everyday and love the glow it gives my skin and how soft it leaves it feeling. Also, I had no issues with breakouts or clogged pores and would apply as a last skincare step before sunscreen. Also, I really feel like a good face oil helps to lock in all of the other products (serums, moisturizers, etc.) you use in advance! This one contains tea seed oil, flax seed oil, and apricot oil to naturally hydrate and nourish your skin.

Overall, I really loved LOLI products.

These products are gentle yet effective, and priced fairly given the quality of the ingredients. Of course, an added bonus is they’re natural and organic! I’ll definitely continue to use these products in my daily routine, but am also dying to try some of the other products in the line. (Specifically: this date nut brulee – YUM! and the aloe blueberry jelly).

As many of you know, in addition to writing about fashion, lifestyle, and beauty, I’m also super passionate about digital marketing and social commerce. The marriage of my 9-to-5 side with my blog side and I’m always the first to try out the latest and greatest on these frontiers. Along with the brand LOLI, I’m trying out this new commerce tool built by Fermat Commerce that allows you to buy products directly from the brand while staying on my page. I’d love it if you purchase with me here and let me know what you think – any feedback is welcome! xx