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) .





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Sunday, February 15, 2015

Sunday Sentiments: Smile.

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

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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.









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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

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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
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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
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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


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