Wednesday, February 18, 2015

Good Coffee, Good Friends



Isn't it beautiful?! I love finding new, hole-in-the wall coffee shops. This place makes the foam into shapes like leaves, bears, and hearts. I ordered a mocha and it was amazing. I love the vibe of places like this. Always be on the look out for unique coffee shops...they are usually quaint and eclectic at the same time--a completely different experience than going to a busy Starbucks (although I love Starbucks, it's always so loud) .





Sunday, February 15, 2015

Sunday Sentiments: Smile.

Love this quote! It puts things into perspective. Don't let the world change you.

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Ulta Haul: Hair Care and Beauty

This past week, I went to Ulta and picked up some really great products and I thought I'd share. Most all of these products are really affordable too!

The Products I Purchased:



Batiste Dry Shampoo- this comes in a light/blonde shade and light brunette shade. The tinted spray smells amazing and insures that your hair won't be left with a white cast you get from regular dry shampoos.



 Essence Metal Eyeshadows-  (left to right) hello goldie!, choco-chic, coffee to glow
The price is great and the colors are good. I thought they'd be pure glitter eyeshadow, but once you get past the top glitter layer....it's not as glittery.



 Love the Not Your Mother's Lock Luster Argan & Macadamia Oil Treatment! Gives light, shine, and dimension to dull, lifeless hair.









Friday, February 13, 2015

Late Night Thoughts: Is it Okay to Have Regrets?

Today, I'm gonna talk about regrets. I'm a strong believer in the idea that sometimes the wrong choices lead us to the right places. If I let the full gravity and weight of my regrets weigh down on myself; I would collapse under the pressure. I can't tell you how many regrets I have about the wrong friends I've had, the bridges I've burned, and the chances I never took, but I know it is all part of a greater plan. I could write all day about taking chances, but I'd be a hypocrite. I've always played it safe, being careful to not hurt feelings or make waves. I've been scared to color outside the lines. I've always cared so much about how people perceived me. One thing, I've learned is that the people worth pleasing will see the good in you and the people who aren't worth pleasing will already be looking for the bad. 

My advice on living with regrets:


1. Surround yourself with people who are supporters. Life will be really hard if you choose to live with people who bring you down and bring others down. Wasting time in bad relationships will surely lead to regrets. If you think you'll be alone without these bad "friends"; that is NOT true. There are good, encouraging people out there; you just have to find them. Keys for finding good friends: 1) can't be gossips(can't stress this one enough) 2) can't be easily angered 3) must be loyal and encouraging.

2. Make your own Sunshine: Don't put your happiness in hands of others. If you are alive and breathing, you obviously have a purpose. Living life is a privilege, though somedays it may feel like a burden. I start my day listening to positive, uplifting music. I'll link some of the songs below!
"I Make My Own Sunshine"- Alyssa Bonagura
"Shine"- Laure Izibor
"It's Your life"-Francesca Battistelli
"Pumpin Blood"-Nonono

3. Life is Beautiful. I can tell you right now, I feel like I've had enough pain and heartbreak for a lifetime, but for every dark day are a thousand good days. The people, the places, and the experiences--good and bad-- shape us as people. I would not be the person I am today, if it hadn't been for the people who hurt me along the way. A popular quote is "Life is like photography, you use the negatives to develop".

It would be seem like a lie for anyone to say "I don't have any regrets", because we all do. Everyone has made the mistakes. The key to living with regrets is to understand that everything happens for a reason. Every mistake is a lesson. Every friendship/relationship ending leads to new relationships. I believe every negative has a positive counterpart.

My answer to "Is it okay to have regrets?" is yes, I think it is normal. The key to living with regrets is to embrace them head on and believe that your past has made you a better person than before.

I'm not saying this is easy, but life becomes a lot easier when you embrace the fact that it is okay to make mistakes and regret things. It is normal.  Choose to be happy in the present and not sad about about the past.
 xoxo, Maddie

Friday Favorites: Fav Foundations


I believe a good foundation is key. Despite the unpleasing price tags attached to these foundations, I truly believe; they are worth every penny.

1. Yves Saint Laurent LE TEINT TOUCHE ÉCLAT Illuminating Foundation - Rating 5/5

I've gone through about 10 bottles of this foundation (literally! I love it so much) and have been using it for years. It was first used on me while I was getting my makeup professionally done. I liked it so much, I brought it and my love for this foundation has never ended.

How many shades available? It comes in 13 different shades.

Why is it so great? It is formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, Petrochemicals, GMOs, Phthalates, or Triclosan. This foundation is very lightweight and will never give you a "cakey" foundation face. 

What is the cost? It is priced at $57.00. Except for the expensive price, I have no complaints with the quality and performance of this product. 

How do I apply it? First, I use my MAC Foundation stippling brush and stipple foundation all over my face. Next, I use my favorite Sephora foundation brush and buff it in. 


2. Dior Airflash Fondation- Rating 4.5/5


Easy at-home diy airbrush makeup! This foundation allows you to imitate the effects of professional airbrushing at home. It blurs any and all discoloring, fades freckles, and leaves the skin with a flawless finish. It claims to be "light coverage", but I would have to disagree. In my opinion, this foundation is heavy coverage, but light enough it does not look cakey. I don't have oily skin, but I have to set this foundation with Makeup Forever's HD Setting Powder; because otherwise I'd look oily.  

How many shades available? Only 10  shades, which is a bummer, because in the winter my color (the lightest) is too dark for my skin.

How expensive? $62...this is barely justifiable, but it is great for special events.

Why is it good for special events and photo shoots? Unlike a lot of foundations, the Dior Airflash doesn't have sunscreen(Titanium Dioxide) in its formula. This is great for pictures; because Titanium Dioxide is what gives faces a white cast in pictures. You definitely want your face to match the rest of your body.

How do I apply it? Dior recommends applying it directly from the spray bottle to the face; which for starters gets everywhere and also wastes product. I shake the canister well then apply it directly to my favorite foundation brush and buff it into my skin. The link to the brush (on sale) HERE.


3. Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick- Rating 4/5

Easy and Quick application and beautiful results!


How many shades available? 24 shades= more chances to find your perfect shade.

How expensive? $44-- still pretty expensive, but it is cheaper than the other two foundations mentioned

Why I love it/how I apply it? 
I love this foundation, because I can apply it quickly when I'm running short on time and it still looks good! My only complaint is that I like it, but I know other foundations like the YSL or Dior one look better on my face. I stick to using this when I'm in a hurry.  First, I apply it directly to my face with the stick and then buff it in with the same Sephora brush HERE.


ALL the products are linked. Click the name of the product and it will take you to the website to buy it.

xoxo, Maddie

Monday, February 9, 2015

Sick Days: How I feel better in 5 steps

Sick Days are the worst. I would know after experiencing a nasty spell of food poisoning in the middle of the night, last night. I assume that was what it was...I have never had food poisoning before last night, but it is rough. Although, I have to get out later today to fulfill prior commitments; I'd rather stay on the couch all day. If I could stay home all day, these are the things I would do. 

My Personal Favorite Sick Day Pick Me Ups:

1. Pets-- if they are able to be cuddled, they are included (reptiles probably excluded haha). My dog just seems to know when I'm sick and she will cuddle up next to me and it's a good feeling knowing somebody has got your back. If you don't have a pet, a good stuffed animal or pillow will have to work.

2. Smoothies-- If you have a stomach virus, you probably won't be able to keep it down, but a berry smoothie always makes me feel re-energized. I feel like all the vitamins from the fruit help revitalize my body.

3. Pillows and Blankets -- If you have a fever as tempting as it might be to cover up you should let the heat escape your body. But if you are just feeling crappy with a cold or have a virus without a fever, create yourself a cloud of pillows and blankets to lounge in. Being comfortable when you are sick is near to impossible, but it is good to try.

4. Watch some Netflix/ Catch up on some shows- Right now, I'm about to re-watch an old show called October Road, which is free on Hulu. I highly recommend it! I barely remember the plot because I watched it so long ago, but I remember it was good. I also enjoy catching up on blogs or YouTube channels I'm subscribed to.


5. Online Shopping- Probably not good to encourage my shop-oholic tendencies, but treating yourself is necessary on sick days. If you want to stay frugal just hop onto Pinterest and pin items to a wish list board. This is a great way to "online shop" without the guilt of spending money.

These are just 5 ways I make sick days a little more bearable! If you are sick, I hope you feel better soon!
xoxo, Maddie

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Galentine's Day Plans

If anyone is familiar with the tv show, Parks and Rec. You know, February the 13th is a sacred day. It's Galentine's Day--a day where women celebrate women. So gather up your closest girlfriends and plan a special night to celebrate y'alls friendship!

How to Plan the Perfect Night with your gal-pals:

1. Fancy Dinner or Lazy Pig out- 
Dress up or Dress down, Get fondue or Get junk food. It's your choice.
2. Get a Rocking Women Empowerment Playlist together-
1. Taylor Swift- anything she has ever written. Some of my favorites are Blank Space, Style, 22,  Bad Blood, Should've Said No, and The Way I Loved You.
2. No Scrubs- TLC- the motto.
3. Leave (Get Out) or Too Little too late by JoJo
4. Any throwback song of your choice- Christina Aguilera has some good songs.
5. Us Against the World- Play
6. Muse- OCAD
7. Wannabe- Spice Girls- perfect for any good jam out session.
8. You Oughta Know- Alanis Morissette
9. Wanted- Jessie James
10. Beyonce- really anything of hers, but my favorites are Drunk in Love and Irreplaceable. 

3. Get a fun dessert-
Either make a fun, new dessert from Pinterest or go out and indulge in some cupcakes, acai berry bowls, or popsicles.
4. Pull some shenanigans-
This is childish, but a night full of prank calls or Toilet Papering a house can prove to be fun and memorable night.
5. Movie/ Television Series marathon-
Pick your favorite series or movie and grab your favorite junk food. Some series I recommend are One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights, Parks and Rec., Gossip Girl (all of these can be found on Netflix). Some movies I recommend are Clueless, Dear John, any Mary Kate and Ashley movie (my favorite as a kid and they are still good haha!), What a Girl Wants, Mean Girls and A Cinderella Story.

6. Shopping
You can never go wrong with a little girl time spent shopping and treating yourself.

xoxo, Maddie


Sunday Sentiments: A Good Heart

Despite the layers of makeup or the clothes we wear, its important to not forget without a beautiful heart; it is all worthless. Having a good heart does not mean you have to be perfect, because none of us are. It just means you have to strive to be kind, compassionate, and loyal everyday. Don't let anyone with an ugly heart, let you feel less than you are.
xoxo, Maddie


Friday, February 6, 2015

Dorm Decor Series: DIY Glitter Monogram Pillow



                                                            
   Today, I'm going to show you how to make your own personalized monogram pillow for $30.50!

This may sound expensive, but it is almost impossible to find a glitter monogram pillow! There are two or so that I found on Etsy, but you couldn't customize your glitter or pillow case cover. 
This similar pillow retails for around $50.00! And it is smaller!!
By using this tutorial, you can personalize the color and texture of the pillow and the color of the monogram! It will only take you about 30 mins to make.





You'll need:
an Iron/Ironing Board
a 12 inch Iron-on Glitter Monogram-the one I purchased is from Etsy HERE -$14.50
a pillow case-Mine is 18x18 in Hot Pink from Amazon HERE -$15.99

How-to:
1. Take the pillow insert out.
2. Heat up your iron to 320 degrees Fahrenheit (it should be just above the cotton setting).
3. Iron the surface of the pillow case before you place the monogram on it.
4. Take the protective wax paper off of the sticky side of the iron-on monogram.
5. Place the monogram in the center of the pillow.
6. Take the protective parchment paper and put it over the plastic.
7. Once the iron heats up, place the iron over the monogram for about 10-20 seconds.
8. Peel the plastic and wax paper off slowly, if the glitter monogram comes up--repeat process and iron again until it sticks.
9. Once it sticks, pull off the plastic and wax paper and you'll have your wonderful personalized monogram pillow!






 The Final Product!




10 Valentines Day Gifts under $50



With Valentine's Day coming up in less than 10 days, I thought it would be appropriate to do a "10 VDAY Gifts under $50" gift guide. I think almost every girl would love at least one of these gifts, but I love all of them and know all my friends would too! Hopefully this gift guide helps! All these products are linked below!

1. Kendra Scott Skylette Turquoise Glass Stud Earrings - Turquoise- $50
2. Victoria's Secret Pink Boyfriend Jersey-$39.95
3. Dogearred Pearl Necklace- $50
4. Kate Spade "LOVE" phone case-ON SALE- $31.15
5. Lush Valentines gift set- $39.95
6. Netflix giftcard-$30
7. Godiva Box of Chocolates (8 piece)- $15
8. Buxom Lipgloss-$19
9. Tory Burch Cosmetic Case- $38
10. Burberry Brit Perfume 1.7oz- $29.59

xoxo, Maddie

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Healthy Snacks: Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry




Now this is not technically a "snack", but it is a healthy and delicious dinner that I couldn't help but share! 
Ingredients you'll need:

Teriyaki Sauce 
Chicken
Zucchini
Broccoli
Carrots
Rice
Butter
Olive Oil

How to:
1. Chop the zucchini, carrots, and broccoli up and sauté it in olive oil.
2. 1 -1.5 lbs of Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
3. Stir in the teriyaki sauce with the chicken
4. Mix the vegetables into the teriyaki chicken
5. Cook a cup of rice-- follow the instructions on the bag/box
6. Add butter to the rice (optional)
7. Place stir fry on top of the rice! and voila---you've got a delicious stir fry!




Healthy Snacks: Mini Zucchini Pizza Bites

 Mini Zucchini Pizza Bites:
Ingredients You'll Need:

Salt and Pepper
1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
3 Zucchini
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Marinara Sauce

1. I washed the zucchini and cut it into slices.
2. I sautéed the zucchini in a frying pan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil
3. I moved the sautéed zucchini slices to my pan and put salt and pepper on them.
4. I then put marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese on them.
5. I set the oven on Broil and baked them for 1-2 minutes.
6. Voila! Your zucchini "pizza" bites are done!

Pictures of the zucchini bites in the making!(below)


These may not look like the prettiest haha, but they were absolutely delicious. These are much healthier than high fat/calorie frozen pizza bites/bagels! These would also work for a great party appetizer.

 xoxo, Maddie



Wednesday, February 4, 2015

My Top 5 Beauty Tips

I wanted to keep this semi-original and unique, because for years I've seen articles like "50 Beauty Tricks No One Told You" and I'd go read through them and I either already did their "secret tips and tricks" or no way was I gonna use a plastic spoon to help me put on mascara on my bottom lashes. The things I am about to share are by no means original, but they are either products or techniques that I have found that work.

1. The Wet Brush- If only my mom had this, when I was a little girl! Even though it is perfect for kids, its great for adults as well. If you have easily tangled hair, this brush glides through it with ease and DOESN'T HURT AT ALL. You can use it on wet or dry hair. I've gone through about 4 of these brushes (not because they don't last, but because I periodically I buy new brushes to prevent buildup).

2. St. Tropez Tanning Mousse- If you are pale, this is THE PERFECT TANNER. I will never try another tanner and I'll never be orange and smell like tanner ever again, because of this tanner. It is a true brown shade...you can be as pale as a ghost and this looks amazing on you. It is applied with a mitt, which can be purchased in beauty stores or online. By using the mitt, the application is flawless (I rarely get streaks and never hand marks). If you are darker, they sell a darker shade of mousse HERE

3. Post-It Flags- My favorite!! I use these for creating a straight cat eye. I tried the "tape trick" where you put tape from the outer corner of your eye to the outer tip of your eyebrow, but I found that tape pulled on my skin too much, because tape is meant to stay and stick, once it is put on. Post-It flags on the other hand are removable. These can be found at your local drugstore, office supply store, or supermarket. 

4. Black Eyeshadow- I always set my gel, pencil, or liquid liner on my upper lid in black eyeshadow. I feel it intensifies the eyeliner and makes sure it doesn't smudge and lasts all day. I've been doing this for years and I love it!

5. Brushes- The right makeup brushes can get you far in life. My two must-have brushes are both from Sephora. I could not live without the Sephora Foundation Buffing Brush or the Sephora Fan Brush. I always use the Buffing Brush on my foundation. The worst makeup mistake I've seen is foundation lines. I'm just screaming inside, "Girl, you HAVE to buff it out!". It is such an easy problem to fix with this brush. The Fan Brush is perfect for powder over liquid foundation/concealer. The fan brush applies the powder lightly so you don't get a cake face or look overly powdered.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Daily Smokey Eye Makeup


I wear eye makeup almost everyday-(for some people that sounds crazy, but I love makeup and I just feel confident with it on..so why not?)! If I only have about 5-6 minutes to do my eye makeup this is my go-to look! Its easy and looks gorgeous! 

My version of a wearable brown smokey eye includes these following steps:
1. I start with Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eye Primer Potion-I find that the "Anti-Aging" version is much creamier than the regular.

2. I apply Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze all over my lid (not into the crease)- this is my FAVORITE!

3. I use my Elf eyeshadow brush and Naked 2 Palette to apply the color Suspect (similar to Bad to the Bronze) all over the lid.

4. I use my Elf contouring brush and Naked 2 Palette to apply the color Snakebite (a darker brown) into the crease.

5. Not pictured, but I recommend using a blending brush to blend the crease color out. This creates the smokey look. I own one by Sonia Kashuk--here.

6. Eyeliners: I use the Kat Von D Tattoo Liner for my upper lid. I create a subtle wing. Then for my upper and lower water lines I use L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner (its another favorite of mine)!

7. I finish the look with my L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara!

I've linked all of the products so if you click on the names of the products, it will take you to the site to purchase the product!

xoxo, Maddie