Hit the Ground Running

Hello and good morning to all of your lovely selves! I'm back from my longstanding hiatus, and I come bearing a wallpaper to help motivate you to hit the ground running this week. I don't know about you, but personally, I think that this semester has been the longest, weirdest semester of my life. But fear not, the finish line is fast approaching before the sweet relief of summer.

Maybe you don't roll out of bed beaming, thrilled to sit in a cold auditorium for three hours secretly wanting to bang your head on the desk (if only you had kept up with the "assigned" reading before finals week, am I right?), but that's nothing a good cuppa coffee and determination can't help. It is what it is, and you can only give it your best. Keep your heads high and grind it out!

Through the laughs, tears, love, loss, and everything in between, it's been a hell of a journey. Like any transition period, I've had my share of growing pains. I have learned so much about myself and those I choose to surround myself with, and I don't regret a minute of it. My wish for you all is that you can take your experiences for what they're worth and see the beauty through the ups and the downs. Finals may be stressful, but a number on a piece of paper doesn't define you. What you make of the obstacles and rewards thrown your way define you.

The fight isn't over yet, and it's time to end the semester with a bang--as all fabulous people do.

Fingers crossed and lots of love,

Madison

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Pretty in Ink: Que Sera Sera

Whatever will be, will be... What a wonderful song. While it does not imply that we should throw caution to the wind and say, not study for finals ('tis the season), it is a nice reminder to stop wasting time dwelling on future uncertainties. Do your best and the rest will come.

In true perfectionist fashion, I began to get frustrated with the gold paint splotches that were not a part of my original vision... Until I realized that frustration was entirely hypocritical to my quote of choice. Go figure. Simply another reminder to laugh it off and not take every detail quite so seriously. But in all reality, as finals loom and holiday shopping ensues, keep it low key.

I hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving, and good luck to everyone taking finals. Breathe, de-stress a little, and go make some coffee (or take a nap? Your choice). Stay healthy, stay happy, and find your zen.

Let the exams begin, and may the curve be ever in your favor.

Much love,
Madison

Fresh Faced & Ready to Go!

It's that time of year again. While the approaching holidays are a time for celebration and love, the transition of the season also marks time to study for finals, register for upcoming classes, and on top of all of the chaos and stress, the change in weather tends to be hard on your skin. Personally, I have the most skin trouble when the weather starts to cool down; it tends to dry out and break out simultaneously *yuck*.

Have no fear, though! There are a few things you can do to minimize the issues at hand (face?). Of course there are the basic rules of taking your makeup off, washing your face twice a day, and moisturizing, but often overlooked is the extremely helpful routine use of masks. They may be an extra step often reserved for a pampering night, but I promise your skin will thank you. Here is a quick rundown on a few of my favorite types of masks.

*Disclaimer: Much like over washing your face can do more harm than good, so can the overuse of masks. While using them a couple of times a week is beneficial, don't go overboard and use them every day! These are intensified treatments for your skin.


Mud Masks// Mud or clay masks are great for drawing the impurities out of your skin. They can be a bit intense and drying though, so definitely don't overdo these. Additionally, you may break out a bit right after using them, but only because all of the collective oil and dirt is brought up to the surface of your skin. Inevitably, these will help to shrink your pores and get a deeper cleanse than your daily cleanser will provide.

1. My favorite classic clay mask is the Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque. It is the stereotypical green monster mask that leaves your skin feeling smooth and refreshed after use--partly because of the crisp minty scent. Even better? It's budget friendly and easy to find in almost any drugstore.

2. A slightly more expensive option is the Lush Cosmetics Mask of Magnaminty (applause for the clever word play). This mask feels a bit less harsh to my sensitive skin. It doesn't feel too drying, it also has the note of mint, and it has added ingredients to calm and soothe your skin. As an added bonus, it is mildly exfoliating to get that dry winter skin off! However, this does have an expiration date and needs to be refrigerated.


Exfoliating// To get all of the flaky, dead skin off, exfoliation is key! The buildup of dead skin cells leaves your complexion duller and clogs your pores. Over-exfoliation can also strip your skin, increasing oil production. Again, moderation is necessary. 


3.  I absolutely love my Freeman Charcoal & Black Sugar Polishing mask! The charcoal has similar properties to the clay in that it draws the dirt and oil out of your pores, but this particular mask does not feel stripping or drying in the least. The black sugar exfoliates and dissolves as you wash it off. After using this mask, my face feels so soft and healthy. Bonus: this is also a wallet-friendly drugstore product that also doesn't have to sit and dry for very long. This is a go-to product a couple of times a week for me.


4. Of course I also have another Lush favorite for exfoliation. The Love Lettuce face mask is a fantastic option for softening and brightening your skin, while also balancing it. It is more exfoliating than the Mask of Magnaminty, and also possesses calming properties. While this is also a clay mask, it has more impact on the softening and balancing aspects of a mask. This is truly a great all-around product. I used this right before I took my senior pictures, and it made my skin absolutely glow! It wasn't too harsh and didn't make me break out. If you couldn't tell, I love this mask.


 Moisturizing// While using a regular moisturizer--or even a heavier nighttime moisturizer, is important--a moisturizing mask can definitely be beneficial to make sure your moisturizer thoroughly sinks in for healthier, happier, and potentially less oily skin.


5. Personally, if I don't use my normal moisturizer, I really enjoy the Korres Greek Yoghurt Sleeping Facial. It is wonderful in the sense that it takes no more time than your regular routine because you sleep in the mask and wash it off in the morning when you cleanse. My face always feels soft and (you guessed it) moisturized in the morning. This is a pricier option, but a little goes a long way. The scent is a little odd, so I would recommend trying a sample from Sephora to see if it works well with your skin and if you can handle the scent before purchasing. On the whole though, I find it extremely useful for my dry, slightly sensitive skin.


As you can tell, I love a good face mask. If you're looking to explore more options, I would definitely recommend taking a trip to your nearest Lush! The representatives are always so informative, and the products are all great quality.

Stay warm and make sure to take care of those pretty faces!

Xoxo,
Madison

5 Ways to Start Your Morning Off Right

The alarm rings, I groan, trying to justify setting the alarm back just 5, no 10, actually maybe 15 minutes back. Eventually I sigh, roll out of bed, and trudge off to the bathroom, my hair rivaling that of a troll doll. Does this routine sound familiar to you? Unless you're a morning person--in which case I am jealous, and you are much stronger than I.

As painful as waking up and leaving the warm, comfortable, happy space that is bed can be, a good start to the morning can completely change how you feel for the rest of the day. After washing your face and brushing your teeth, here are a few things that will help start you off on the right foot!

1) Make yourself a drink// And no, I do not mean of the alcoholic variety--it's too early for that. Whether it's coffee, tea, or a smoothie, the extra few minutes it takes to prepare your beverage of choice is extremely worth the benefits. You will thank yourself later.

2) Take a few minutes to yourself// Regroup your tired brain by sitting for 5 minutes in silence to do whatever you want. Check social media, read emails, check out new online sales, or maybe even read the news. Whatever you want to just sit and do while you wait for your coffee/tea/smoothie to start working. 

3) Organize your day// Take a few minutes to outline the assignments, appointments, and miscellaneous activities you need to accomplish for the day. This process will put you in the frame of mind to get started, and it will also help your prioritize where to begin.

4) Be grateful// A new day, a new opportunity to do something amazing. Think about something you're excited to do (even if that something is to take a nap in approximately 4 hours... Kidding. Kind of.) today! Send someone a quick text to say good morning to let them know you were thinking of them--mom, dad, grandparents, best friend, whoever.

5) Put on your lipstick and check your smile at the door// This one is pretty self explanatory.

Happy Monday, lovelies! I hope you all have had a wonderful day so far.

xoxo,
Madison

Pretty in Ink: Confessions to Self

 

Just stop. Pause for a moment to step away from the list of things to do and things to perfect and things you wish you would have done differently. Stop worrying because you can't predict out the outcome of every single action or plan out exactly where you will be 10 years, 10 months, 10 days, or even 10 minutes from now. Not to say that we shouldn't maintain a set of goals and aspirations, but the future is not a promise. Life is constantly changing, whether it's because you directly made certain decisions or you indirectly found yourself in a situation. Sometimes you can come to a realization that entirely alters the path you thought you were on, and that can be scary. But guess what? It will be okay.

Lately, I've been on the verge of making a very big life change. I've realized that what I thought I wanted doesn't make me happy, and I'm not sure that it'll be worth all of the insanity and stress in the end because in the end, it's not my passion. I am absolutely terrified coming to the realization that I went from having one set course for so long, and now I kind of know what I want, but I have had absolutely no time to plan how to move forward with it. But with that token, how much worse would it be to end up resenting my decisions and wondering "what if"? 

In the wise words of a good friend, "You're neurotic, but you aren't that neurotic."

In all reality, type A people such as myself probably especially struggle with this, but no matter who you are, taking a leap of faith can be scary and uncomfortable. If your gut is telling you something though, there is probably a good reason. Do what is best for you long term, including mentally and emotionally. Take the time to evaluate payoffs. Most importantly, know yourself and love yourself. Someone else can't always call the shots for you; make your time count. It's impossible to do everything, so keep in mind what is really necessary and worthwhile.

Stay happy, stay healthy, and keep on hustlin' as always!
xoxo,
Madison

Back in Session: Fall in Line

It's the beginning of September, so you know what that means... fall is coming (yay!) and school is back in for most students. Back to school shopping is one of my favorite times of the year. I love fall clothes, coffee, and most of all, school supplies--I know, weird. Something about cute paper goods and colorful pens warms my heart, right up there next to a Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte. No shame. Here are a few of my essentials to start off the semester in tip-top shape!

1) Fresh Start A cute coffee mug goes a long way. Here's a really cute Audrey Hepburn mug that I'm loving!

2) Best Dressed Places like TJ Maxx or even Target are great to find bags to carry your books in! Also, Sole Society has a great selection of smoking loafers (obsessed with these), and they also have some really cute totes in. A great one-stop shopping trip!

3) Busy Bee I generally find my cute notebooks from (you guessed it) TJ Maxx! I can't help myself in the stationery isle. The Kate Spade Gold Dots planner is also definitely on my wishlist, and incidentally matches my other notebooks.

4) Study Hours Most of these items are pretty basic, but my pencil case is actually a makeup bag from Charming Charlie. They don't have the same one in stock anymore, but I love using inexpensive clutches or makeup bags as pencil cases because they tend to be roomier, cuter, and also easily cleaned.

What are some of your back to school favorites?

xo,
-Madison

Bold Prints, Bolder Bricks: Street Walking, Blake Lively Inspired Hair, & More

Recently, I had a friend in town (hence the slacking on posts, oops), and one afternoon we took a trip down to the Miami Design District. The artwork is amazing: block after block of vibrant, graffiti-covered walls. It was almost surreal.

Dressed in our bold boho prints, this outdoor gallery made the perfect backdrop for my latest Style post. 

 

A healthy dose of goofing around is good for the soul.

We both opted for flowy, breathable outfits (it was a new level of scorching outside) with fun prints. Paired with cute sandals, and we were ready to go!

I have a new-found love for jumpsuits. I didn't know that they even came in such short sizes, but I found one that was the perfect length for me at the Saks Off 5th sale! They're so easy and comfortable to wear, and they make my legs actually look kind of long. Unheard of.

Another easy summertime favorite is this Blake Lively inspired braid.

 I used a large barreled curling iron to achieve a bit of wave and body. Then I pulled back half of my hair and braided it to one side. Super easy for second day hair! (Please excuse the mid-blink.) The half-braided look carried over perfectly to the rest of the afternoon spent at the beach: hair out of my face, but still partly down so I could feel like I was taking advantage of the body my hair mustered up from the sea water.

Also, I found a little sidewalk inspiration.

And with that, I bid you adieu! I hope you're all having a great week.

xoxo,

Madison