Wallpapers

Obviously I have an issue with what I like to call "productive" procrastination... However, it seems to get me in the right frame of mind to focus and to do what I need (read: should, but generally do not want) to do. Such activities often include something organizational, inspirational, or pretty, and changing my desktop wallpaper is often times a combination of all of the above.

Something about a new desktop wallpaper makes me feel refreshed and geared up to accomplish a new set of tasks. I prefer more simple, clean designs that prompt me to organize the files on my screen. So much of my time is spent on my computer that it's nice to have a clean and orderly, background to look at. Here are a few of my favorite desktop wallpapers!

I love the simple text and outlines of these animals! The patterns are adorable and add a fun--but not overpowering--jolt of color to my desktop.

My favorite motivational word of 2014 is 'hustle'. I like the reminder to work hard so I can play hard... Or lay in bed and enjoy a Netflix binge. I'm not too difficult to please.

So elegant and simple. I'm swooning. This is my current wallpaper!

Often times, I need a reminder to take a deep breath and stop over thinking. No need to stress! And who could be stressed out with such a pretty design? I'm a sucker for gold script.

I actually used this background and added a shape and monogram from PicMonkey. I love that the colors, shapes, and fonts are completely customizable. To make one of your own, just download any background that suits your fancy, choose the 'Design' option on PicMonkey, and create away!

My feelings regarding this design? Obsessed. Simple white background, scripty gold font, and coffee... I couldn't ask for much more. This was actually my wallpaper during first semester finals when I drank an other-worldly amount of coffee to keep me semi-functional. No shame. The link to the site I originally got this from is no longer working, but here's a link to the image so you can save it!

The quote for this one says it all. Reach for the stars, but realize that a goal without hard work isn't worth much more than a daydream.

This one definitely makes me think of summer, but with such a happy color and meaning, it's even perfect for the cold winter blues.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and organized? Leave a comment below and let me know!

xoxo
-Madison

Style Edition: Feeling Dottie

 

 

Okay, first off, this park is like a jungle and enchanted forest all in one... most amazing place ever. The mosquito bites that I am coincidentally allergic to? Not so much. Here is another take on a cool yet flirty, sophisticated style to keep cool for the coming month of July.

I adore my Express Portofino shirt (they don't have the long sleeve black with white polka dots anymore, but here is the reverse! And they do have it in a sleeveless shirt that I must check into ASAP.) It is so flattering, lightweight, classic, and it can be dressed up or down. I am definitely guilty of over-wearing it because anytime I can't decide what to wear, it's an easy choice when I'm crunched for time. From interviews to afternoons shopping at the Bay, it's perfect.

As for the shorts, I can't get enough of scalloped hemlines. Who says shorts can't be dressy? (Similar in pink (!!!).)

Since the mostly black ensemble isn't exactly bright and summery, my Kate Spade crossbody adds the perfect pop of color. 

But my actual favorite part? My puppy, Coco. Look at that puppy smile (or, more likely, pant)! She is a bit of a diva and an attention hog, but she's just too cute to resist.

PS. SERIOUSLY, check these trees out!! So. Cool.

Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Tropical Breeze

I don't know if it's just the spirit of Summer getting to me or if it's the Miami influence, but I am loving all sorts of tropical prints right now. From flamingos to palm trees, I'm obsessed. Here are a few of my most wanted items right now:

Flamingo Skirt

Flamingo Studs

Kate Spade Phone Case

Lilly Planner (I used to have the flamingo print!)

Tropical Bikini

And of course, the big pineapple moment that's happening:

Pineapple Bikini

Adorable Pineapple Print

Pineapple Studs

Since the pineapple prints are trending so much, here's my DIY print for my magnet board. Organization, monograms, pineapples, and pink: a few of my absolute favorites! All you'll need are pink, yellow, and green markers, a gold paint pen, ribbon, hot glue, a magnet, and some card stock. Mod Podge is optional if you'd prefer a shiny finish!

Let me know if you have any DIY prints and what your favorite summer trends are in the comments below!

xoxo

Style Edition: Peekaboo Back

I recently paid a visit to my local TJ Maxx in search for some new (and affordable) summer pieces that would be nicer than the well-loved summer staples of cut offs and casual shirts, while keeping me cool in this Miami heat. I absolutely fell in love with this romper. It has a beautiful summery color and a bold print balanced by feminine lace details and a bow above a peekaboo back!  The best part? It's one piece. SO easy to slip on and go. Who said cuter meant more effort?

*Note: I don't know if 'peekaboo back' is an actual term, but my mom used it the other day and I thought it was adorable. Thanks, Mom!

This breezy summer favorite reminds me of a picnic, a stroll by the bay or through the park, lunch at a cute coffee shop--you get it. Here's my roundup of must-haves inspired by this outfit!

(P.S. The sunhat is from Forever 21.)

What are your favorite summer staples? From clothes to beauty to music and beyond--let me know!


xoxo

Pretty in Ink: Liz Taylor Inspired

Personally, a pretty picture and a good quote always put an extra pep in my step and a better pace to my hustle—a mantra to keep me focused. This is the first of a new series I’m starting called Pretty in Ink, where every other week I’ll be posting a new illustration and inspirational quote.

As a style icon and a reminder of the glamorous days of Hollywood past, what isn’t there to love about Elizabeth Taylor? I’m a big fan of this quote, particularly when I start feeling like a crazy lady (more so than usual) because it’s just one of those hectic days. Hello, fresh mug of hazelnut coffee and MAC’s Cremesheen in Speed Dial.

 I hope you enjoyed it! If you have any suggestions or anything in particular you'd like to see, leave a comment!

xoxo

The Daily Grind

Okay, so I am a bit of an obsessive avid list writer. I use them for absolutely everything—from prioritizing schoolwork to cleaning to “productively” procrastinating, you name it, there’s a stylized, color-coded list just waiting to be checked off. My favorite list, however, has recently become a list of daily reminders.

            Sometimes, it’s good to take a step back and realize what simple habits need to be integrated into your daily routine. Here is a list of my top 10 things to self-improve:

One//Wash face twice every day

This one should go without saying, but expectation and reality do not always go hand in hand. It can be so easy to convince myself that I’ll be fine if I go to sleep without washing my makeup off “just this once”. Wrong. Pick yourself up, walk to the bathroom, and wash your face. Your skin will thank you.

Two//Sunscreen

This one has been getting a lot of buzz. Sunscreen can seem like a hassle of an extra step in a daily routine, but taking care of your skin is important! Not only can excessive UV exposure cause skin cancer, but it is also a culprit of premature wrinkling. The best remedy for a youthful complexion down the road is prevention, not reaction, ladies. At a certain point, the damage can’t be undone.

Three//Swipe on some lipstick

Who doesn’t love a little extra color? Lipstick automatically brightens my mood. It makes me feel pretty, put together, and ready to take on the day!

Four// Do at least one creative thing

It is so easy to get bogged down with the mundane, day-to-day tasks. Even ten to fifteen minutes of inspiring myself (Pinterest, anyone?) and doing something creative as a break can be a great stress reliever. We all need a pause from the ordinary once in a while! Maintain some balance, loves. 

Five//Perk up & have a cup of coffee!

I might have a little bit of an addiction to coffee. It’s warm, it’s delicious, and it helps me focus. It makes me feel like I’m prepared to get down to business, and it makes me happy, okay?

Six// Straighten up (your posture)

Confidence, positive presentation of yourself, and back + core health. Next.

Seven//Smile more, complain less

Pretty self-explanatory, but chill out and enjoy the ride. Nobody enjoys a Debbie Downer.

Eight// Remember to be grateful

Personally, I take so many aspects of my day to day life for granted. I am surrounded by wonderful, supportive people, I have so many amazing opportunities within arm’s reach, and my life is full of blessings not afforded to many. Don’t forget to zoom out your focus and think about all that you have to be thankful for. You’ll be happier, and in turn, so will those around you.

Nine// Indulge a little

Take a bubble bath, enjoy an episode of your favorite TV show, paint your nails, do whatever it is that helps you unwind a bit. I’m a firm believe that a certain amount of TLC each day is necessary to maintain sanity. 

Currently my favorite little indulgence is burning this fabulous candle from Anthropologie (and check out the cute little match box my mom made for me!)

Ten// Say “I love you”

Often overlooked, but don’t forget to remind those closest to you how much they mean. Regardless of petty arguments or a hectic day, don’t forget to let your mom, dad, puppy, annoying younger brother, best friend, or whoever else that you love them.

I ended up attaching this list to the inside of my new cream and gold journal from TJ Maxx (that will coordinate beautifully with the Kate SpadePlanner I want for the upcoming school year). I’m in love with it. The first page came with a quote printed on it:

“Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.”

–Buddha

Fingers crossed that seeing these reminders regularly will make an impact on my daily habits.

I hope you liked my list!  These are just my personal suggestions; make sure to tailor your list to your specific needs. Let me know what your ideas are and comment below!

All the best,

-Madison