Wednesday, March 18, 2015

HUGE Haul: Burberry, Lilly Pulitzer, Jack Rodgers, Tory Burch, and TJMaxx




This past week, I've gone shopping quite a bit and have purchased some really exciting things.

In preparation for spring and summer, I have being scouting the stores for the perfect summer clothing items, sandals, and accessories.

Burberry Tortoise Light/Brown Gradient Polarized Sunglasses-$240 BUY HERE



Lilly Pulitzer Pearl Lace Detail Shift Dress-$195 BUY HERE


Lilly Pulitzer Marigold Skort-$88 BUY HERE

Jack Rodgers Clare Whipstitch Leather Sandals-on sale $84.99/ reg. $178-out of stock -similar Here

Tory Burch Miller Metallic Sandal-Gold-$195-BUY HERE

Michael Kors Sweater reg. $98.00/ sale for $20.00-TJMaxx


TJMaxx Blue Tie Dye Vest-$14.99




TJMaxx Max Studio Navy Pleated Sleeveless Blouse- $19.99


TJMaxx Blue/Purple Tie Dye Flowy Pants-$14.99
This wide leg pants will be perfect for the beach!




xoxo, Maddie

Monday, March 16, 2015

Music Monday: Current Favorite Songs

I was listening to my music from my phone while getting ready the other day and classically was in deep, profound thought while getting ready (makeup, hair, etc.) I thought it might be interesting to weekly post on my favorite songs from that week. I go through music like crazy. I love finding new interesting music that is not mainstream...but don't get me wrong I like mainstream, too...I really like all types of music. Here are some songs I've been loving! Please check them out, I have a good feeling you'll love them, too!

Pretty Mainstream but I can't stop listening to it...its raw, beautiful voices without lots of editing over them. 


Ummm my FAVORITE Hozier song! Ever since the Longest Ride trailer(which looks amazing)...I've been obsessed with this song. I love the low, melodic sound; it is mesmerizing. 

This is the only published song of Bahari, I could find and I'm so sad. I love their voices! I'm patiently waiting for more releases because if they are anything like this song; I'm excited.

Its amazing...what more can I say? I think found it on a Spotify curated playlist (which is like the best place to find new, amazing music) and bless whoever put this on that playlist.

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Sunday Photo Diary-Austin Edition: 3.15.15


I thought I might share my Sunday with you! After a lovely morning spent at church, we headed over to a Cafe Express for lunch.

I got grilled chicken with pesto and a bowl of New Potato Soup.
Love the gorgeous street art in ATX!
Love the flowers from Whole Foods.
 Then I passed a pug rescue adoption event in front of a pet store....and of course I had to stop, get out. and play with them. This was my favorite..a little 10 month old pug mix girl :)
I also went to TJMaxx...which I'll show in a haul including Nordstrom and Lilly Pulitzer soon!

xoxo, Maddie

Sunday Sentiments: Encourage Don't Discourage

Through my personal experience, when others try to put you down, it is because they want to make themselves look better. It is true that you can't be anyone but yourself. It is important to love yourself and know that no one could ever shine the way you do.
xoxo, Maddie

Saturday, March 14, 2015

What's in my purse?: Crossbody Edition

Hey Guys! Today, I'll be sharing what is in my bag. I carry a Louis Vuitton Eva Clutch in the "brown Damier" (not sure exactly what its called, but I'll link it HERE)! It's pretty small, but I love carrying it as either a cross body or clutch on nights out with friends or running errands during the day.

An Overview: I carry my phone(not pictured because I was using it), my kate spade wallet, two lip glosses, compact mirror, headphones, car keys, cough drops, sunglass "cleaner cloth".

Kate Spade Wallet- The Cedar Street Stacy in Fresh Air- $100 but I purchased mine at Nordstrom's rack for only $45! It comes in several other colors.
Buy IT HERE!
 Car/house keys, VS compact mirror, Essence XXXL shine lipgloss in Big Night Out, Orgins Liquid Lip Color in Lotsa Luxe, cheap pink headphones
 Random: but I still have some Burt's Bees Honey& Pomegranate cough drops from when I was sick--I thought they were really good when I was sick. Now I keep them, in case anyone else is coughing and needs one. And I keep this cloth in my purse because the Louis Vuitton plaque on the front gets fingerprints and dirty easily.

I hope you enjoyed this quick What's in my Bag post! Don't forget to subscribe by email and check back for more posts coming soon!
 xoxo, Maddie

Friday, March 13, 2015

SXSW Austin: A Foodie's Paradise

If anyone is going to be at SXSW in Austin this week, I'd highly recommend trying these amazing food spots near/in downtown!! Here is an example of a full day of amazing unique Austin food. I'll show you some of my favorite breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert spots in downtown Austin.


Breakfast: Taco Shack- 402 Brazos St Austin, TX 78701 

With close to 10 locations near/in Austin, you are sure to find one close to you. I put the address for the downtown location. I personally love their simple "bean and cheese breakfast taco", but they have plenty of other delicious breakfast options such as Breakfast bowls, plates, and burritos. 
(photo creds: Pinterest/whoever took it) - (I've never taken a picture of my taco sorry!)

Lunch:Elizabeth Street Cafe- 1501 S. Street Austin, TX 78704

This unique French Vietnamese cafe serves breakfast, brunch (Sunday only), lunch, and dinner. Its charming decor and delicious bakery treats make this the perfect lunch/brunch spot. They serve noodle bowls, wontons, spring rolls, fried rice, BÁNHMÌ (vietnamese sandwiches served on French baguettes).

I ordered under BÁNHMÌ the #22 which was Homemade Spicy Pork Meatballs served on a delicious House-made Baquette Homemade Mayonnaise, Cucumber, Daikon, Carrot, Sambal, Cilantro, Jalapeño. I loved how the baguette represented the french inspiration and the inside represented the Vietnamese flair the restaurant had. By the way, I ate every single bite, it was that good.
  

Beignets w/ Seasonal Blueberry Jam
I saw in the Kitchen these were made with Cafe Du Mode Beignet Mix--these were heavenly.

**We also got a couple (4, haha) Vanilla Bean macaroons for the road-- and they were delicious, just as French macaroons should be. They also sell chocolate/nutella/pistachio eclairs, cream puffs, and other flavors of macaroons. 

Dinner:Numero 28- 452 W. 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701

This charming Italian restaurant with only 4 locations in Austin, New York City, Miami, and London is perfect for a satisfying a "no carb left behind" dinner. They had the best customer service and the sweetest workers.

Dessert: Delish: 209 W. 3rd Street, Austin, Texas 78701

I first saw this on an episode of Unique Sweets, on the cooking channel. I knew I had to go and it was fairly close to Numero 28. I was disappointed at first because their selection seemed small (mostly cupcakes) and all of the "featured" desserts from the episode I had seen weren't available. So I settled for a carrot cake cookie to split with my friend.... let me tell you that was the hardest thing I have ever had to share. They take two soft, moist carrot cake cookies and put cream cheese frosting between them (like a cookie sandwich). I went back literally the next day and they didn't make them at all. They must only make certain desserts certain days. But I know on Thursdays, the carrot cake cookie sandwich is available (at least it was the day I went). They also have Oatmeal Cream Pies-- which looked similar to the Carrot Cake cookies (just in case you don't like carrot cake--this may be a good alternative).
Disclaimer: Sorry, I don't know why these pictures are blurry.
I hope if you get a chance to come to SXSW or just a getaway to Austin, you'll get to check out these places because I know you'll be happy you did!
xoxo, Maddie

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Sunday Sentiments: Accept and Move on


To me an apology is closure, but we don't always get what we want or need. From personal experience, I've learned that when someone doesn't apologize it either means they 1) are stubborn or 2) don't care enough to make amends. Sometimes people are both stubborn and don't care. Either way, you cannot sit around and wait for an apology, that you're never gonna get. 

You have two choices to either accept that this person is not meant to be in your life or live with unresolved issues.
 If someone does something trivial that offends you, does not think they were wrong, doesn't think to apologize...I'd live with the unresolved issues. As long as your life and happiness are not at risk, you can move on...but it is still your choice.

 If someone does/says something that hurts you horribly, knows it, but refuses to apologize and accept that what they did was wrong. I'd personally move on and leave that relationship behind. If the person knows they have broken your heart and can't/won't apologize; that is a toxic relationship. You will be miserable and unhappy until you get out. 

When you accept an apology you never got...it does not validate their actions, but it strengthens you. 
I hope everyone can find the strength that is inside all of us to move on and live in peace surrounded by genuine, encouraging people.
xoxo, Maddie

Saturday, March 7, 2015

SPENDY SATURDAY-J.CREW Factory Haul & more

I'm sorry I haven't posted for a LONG time, but I had been sick for about a week(unrelated to the How to Feel Better When Sick post) and then this week I had a 15 page paper due :) that was horrible but I'm back!

A few days ago, I went on a study break excursion to J. Crew Factory (j.crews outlet store) and bought a lot of gorgeous spring clothes. Here is just a quick haul of what I purchased!! As always, there were lots of sales and promotions going on. I saved a total of $154!

I used a $15 off my purchase Promotion!
All of the products that can be found online are linked below next to the professional picture from their site!
Linen City Mini- reg. $64.50 
I paid $36.35. BUY HERE

Factory Brass- Plated Crystal Necklace reg. $54.50
I paid $25.53. BUY HERE

Factory Printed Drapey Sleeveless Top in roz floral- XS(runs huge--normally buy Medium in J.Crew Factory tops for length)- regularly $64.50
I paid $30.21. BUY HERE
Factory Tank- size 6- reg. $59.50 
I paid $27.87. BUY HERE



Taylor Stripe Maritime Dress - Small
I did not find this dress on their website. Maybe its a new arrival and they haven't posted it yet! But I love this dress! It is so casual, but perfect for summer.
reg. $74.50
I paid $29.80

Factory Printed basketweave mini skirt reg. $64.50
I paid $60.42 but it is $44.50 online so I don't know why the store is different, but if I had known I would have ordered it online! BUY HERE

I spent a total of $240.50......which seems like a ridiculous amount to me, but when I think about the fact I purchased 2 skirts, 2 tops, 1 necklace, and 1 dress (all nice quality) and saved $159.85 makes me really happy!

I also bought two items from Marshalls! I thought I'd share!







I hope you enjoyed this quick haul! I sure am feeling spendy, but I needed some good spring/summer clothing pieces.
xoxo, Maddie