Taking a Slow Morning

Taking a Slow Morning

Saturday, April 29, 2017

 

Happy Saturday lovelies! I don't know about you, but I dearly love to take slow mornings every now and then. The utterly splendid thing about slow mornings are that they give you time to breathe, take a step back and work on things you typically don't have time to. I love finding unique tasks or projects and enjoying my day relaxing in pajamas and sipping tea or coffee. 

I have put together the ultimate list of "musts" for taking a slow morning:

1. Wake up and make yourself a cup of coffee or tea. 
2. Make sure you are in your most comfortable pair of PJ's or coziest sweat pants. 
3. Start your day off on the right track by spending time in the word, reading the Bible. 
4. Take a moment to journal or write down your thoughts about your quiet time or thoughts about life. 
5. Now is a good time to catch up on your favorite bloggers latest posts :) 
6. While your at it, drop one of your favorite essential oils in the diffuser and let the calming aromas fill the room. 
7. Reach for the book that's been sitting on your nightstand for the past month and read a few chapters (or more if it gets good).
8. Go get a refill of coffee or tea:)
9. If you've had a new magazine lying around flip through it for some inspiration or learn something new from one of the articles. 
10. Practice your hand lettering (I will be using Chalkfulloflove's Hand Lettering 101 workbook)
11. Take time to be creative by working on an art project like painting or watercolor. 
12. While you are being creative put on movie soundtrack in the background like: Pride & Prejudice, The Young Victoria, Downton Abbey, or BELLE. 
13. If you don't want to listen to a soundtrack while letting your creative juices flow than put on a good period drama or British TV show like: The Abduction Club (if you haven't seen it you NEED to), Call The Midwife, Downton Abbey, Grantchester, or Foyle's War. 
14. If your feeling up to get a bit of exercise/stretching then pull out your yoga mat for 30 minutes to an hour. 
15. If you need something else to do go finish the sewing project that has been lying at your work station for weeks.....or better yet go learn how to sew:)

How do you like to spend your slow mornings?

-Madison

Being You is Always Enough

Being You is Always Enough

Thursday, April 27, 2017

Jeans: Thrifted (Nine West)

Shirt: Thrifted

Shoes: Thrifted Vintage

Purse: c/o Gamiss

Scarf: Vintage

Sunglasses: c/o Everly Oak

Along the way in life we often learn lessons we never set out to learn and never expected, but it is those lessons that make you take a look back on life and see your great accomplishments, even when you thought you were not doing anything special. With that being said, this semester I have learned something INCREDIBLE and definitely something I never set out to learn.

I learned that being you is ALWAYS ENOUGH! Okay....to be clear I truly have never been a person who tries to be someone else, I have always just been "me," but at times I think we struggle with asking ourselves "is being me enough?" Is being who I am enough to succeed in this class and get a good grade? Is being me enough to make my teacher or professor see my potential? Is being me enough to have others see the gifts and talents God has given me? Maybe you don't even ask yourself those questions......and if I am being perfectly honest I never really had asked myself those questions either until I realized the incredible lesson this semester has taught me. 

While I went into my Methods semester this spring knowing I would have some hard work and assignments, I was prepared to work hard and do my best. With that being said, setting out to do your best is the first step to answering the questions you might ask yourself, because if you set out to do your best and follow through you can have full confidence that you put the time and effort in and are totally 100% enough. The most important thing however, is not to set out and work hard to get peoples attention and to gain recognition. You should set out to work hard and do things well because that is who you are....not because it is what other people want you to do. 

With that being said, this semester I went into each of my assignments determined to put all of myself into every scope and sequence, every lesson plan, unit plan, rubric, etc. not caring what others thought. And you know what....I learned that even when I think my assignments are not amazing or that I didn't do as well as everyone else, as long as I put my heart and soul into what I was doing others actually will notice. You see, by just being me I won a scholarship that everyone else (including me) in my class had applied for and was praised for the work I had done on it, when all I really did was embrace my love for art and being creative. Furthermore, by just being who I am, my teacher saw something in me....she saw a girl who worked hard, was passionate about education and students, and always put forth her best effort on assignments. And somehow she took an interest in that. She took an interest in introducing me to her colleagues as one of her "star students" that semester, she invited me to a luncheon with professors at my college, she gave me a book on herb gardens (how she knew I loved herbs I will never know), and she even invited me and another student to a VIP reception for the National Book Awards where she bought us both the book to be signed by the authors (one of which happened to be a US Representative) and continued to introduce us as her star students and great future teachers. 

I was constantly flabbergasted because I didn't expect ANY of this!!! 

I didn't go into this semester expecting anything HUGE, but little did I know that by just being me my professor would see something special.....maybe even something I didn't yet see myself, and with that it encouraged me that being who I was would always be enough. I never tried to be the best or "star" student, I didn't try to sound like I knew everything, and I never tried to gain anyone's approval by manipulative means.....I was just always ME....Madison.....The girl who makes her own clothes, dresses like a teacher (I might take a little to much inspiration from Jessica Day), was confident in who and whose she was, and never tried to be anything but herself!!! 

So I hope you remember that BEING YOU IS ALWAYS ENOUGH!!!

___________________________________

Also....quick thoughts on this outfit:
1) You can never have to much pink :)
2) 60's meets casual and comfy oversized men's shirts is the best go to!
3) This look might be inspired by Audrey Hepburn and other fabulously stylish ladies.
4) My sister calls this look my grandma outfit...but it's probably 120% because of the shoes...LOL
5) Loving these sunglasses Everly Oak sent me...xoxo

Do you have any life stories similar to mine?

-Madison

End of The Semester Destress

End of The Semester Destress

Monday, April 24, 2017

Being a college student, especially around this time in the semester, things can become a bit stressful. Whether it's studying for finals, wrapping up projects, preparing for the next semester, or planning out graduation details, it's always great to take a step back, relax, and de-stress to keep yourself sane! 

One of my teachers this semester is constantly stressing "self care" in which you take time to focus on yourself, because so often we can get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget that we need to take care of our self every once in awhile:) 

With that being said, I am here to share some of my favorite de-stressing and "self care" techniques as the end of the semester draws near:

Spa Day: I recently received this 7th Heaven product free through Influenster and have been saving it to use after a long day on my feet. I remember grabbing these masks at the store when I was growing up and I can't wait to try it again to relieve my tired feet. 

Skincare Pick Me Up: I have recently started trying out different Korean skincare products, and I have been loving this Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence! It does such a great job keeping my skin moisturized, replenishing my complexion's health, and even smoothing out my skin (which is a plus)! This has been my morning routine for the past couple of weeks. 

Paint Your Nails: Okay.....if this isn't pampering I don't know what is:) I am so weird about going places without nail polish on, so taking time to paint my nails one night a week is always something I look forward to. 

Cup of Tea: Tea for the WIN! I am a coffee drinker in the morning, but an avid tea drinker at night and Bigelow's Chamomile & Lavender tea with a spoonful of honey is the perfect sleepy time drug and de-stress brew......plus it tastes Heavenly! 

Movie Soundtracks: Thanks to having a best friend who is OBSESSED with movie soundtracks, I am always kept up to date on any new scores from movies, but some of my favorites are those from period dramas or BBC shows. The 2005 Pride and Prejudice soundtrack is FOREVER my FAVORITE score because the music is breathtaking and soooooo very stress relieving. I love to cozy up with a cup of tea and put this soundtrack on:)

Face Mask: Face masks will forever be the number one thing you should grab to de-stress at the end of the day. Recently I have gotten into sheet masks (per me trying out Korean skincare) and boy and I LOVING them (plus they smell amazing) ! I have always loved face masks, but there is something so different and unique about sheet masks. I love that they replenish the moisture lost in your skin, and my face always feel so "dewy" after I take it off.

What are your favorite de-stress products?

-Madison

The Spring Jumpsuit

The Spring Jumpsuit

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Jumpsuit: Ross

 Shoes: Cato's

Purse: EverlyOak

If you follow me on Instagram you have probably seen my stories and posts about my spring style obsession....culotte Jumpsuits! This blue and white striped number is absolutely TO DIE FOR and I couldn't pass it up when I found it. If there is one piece in my wardrobe that's already been worn multiple times this spring, this jumpsuit would be it! 

Stripes have always been one of my favorite prints, and the colors in this combo are perfect for this season. The light airy fabric of this style makes you feel like you are wearing pajamas which is always the GREATEST thing ever:) I also love all the details like the front pockets, buttons, and front tie. 

I think the greatest thing about jumpsuits is that they are so versatile in styling. I can easily pair this with clogs and some fun statement pieces or throw on a denim jacket and sneakers to dress it down. For this look I knew I just had to pull out my new Everly Oak basket purse to pair with the look and opted for my sued flats and a floral head scarf to give it a vintage vibe. Whatever the case, occasion, or day might be this jumpsuit will be my ultimate go to this spring into summer so expect to see it even more! 

Also....on a side note, I am heading out tomorrow to speak at the 2017 Modest Fashion Guild conference and I am so SUPER EXCITED to meet everyone who will be attending and speak to all the girls about "Styling Outfits For Photo Shoots." Not only will I get to talk to a couple people I have met on Instagram, but I can't wait to visit with girls who love fashion as much as me. 

Have you ever tried a Culotte Jumpsuit?

-Madison

Easter Sunday 2017

Easter Sunday 2017

Tuesday, April 18, 2017

(Pictures taken by my brother) 

Dress: Ross

Shoes: Shoe Carnival 

Earrings: Sam Moon

Easter has come and gone, and we are back to another week of happenings, but not without remembering what Jesus did for us on the cross......because he defeated death and conquered the grave, and that is something to celebrate and forever renew our perspective on how we live out our life! 

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend, because I for one had a wonderful time visiting with family and carrying out yearly traditions. On Saturday we had our first (of the weekend) Easter celebration with my moms side of the family and that was a relaxing day visiting with everyone and eating BBQ. After we left that celebration my family and I went to go see a movie and then we decided to try IN-AND-OUT burger for the first time (and also because I have been wanting to go) and that was definitely a fun memory as we were all in rare form and laughing our heads off! 

Sunday morning we woke up and went to church with our grandparents and our aunt and uncles family. Then after church we headed out to my other grandpa's house for our second Easter celebration with my dad's side of the family where we also ate BBQ (apparently it's kind of a small town Texas tradition). As always there was our annual Easter egg hunt, and the funny thing is that all the cousins are now 17-23 years old, but we still hunt Easter eggs! 

This Easter I didn't get a chance to make myself a dress, but I did find this lovely dress at Ross and fell in love with the color, cut, style, and print. The print actually reminds me of something you would find on The House That Lars Built because it has such a natural and earthy print which I LOVE! It's also great because it is 100% wash and wear so this will be seen in the classroom on many occasions (like yesterday). Since the floral print of the dress is so unique and natural, I decided to style my hair in a crown braid and even found some wildflowers (or weeds) to sprinkle amongst the braid which made me feel so whimsical. 

How did you spend your Easter?

-Madison

Wind Blown

Wind Blown

Tuesday, April 11, 2017

The realities of taking blog pictures! 

Dress: c/o Zaful

Tote: Hobby Lobby

Shoes: Keds

Sunglasses: Charming Charlies

I think you can guess why this post is titled "wind blow"! On this particular day I had every intention of taking "really great" blog pictures but then once I got to the top of the parking gaurage I realized it was VERY windy, but by then I was running out of time and didn't want to walk all the way to another location, so in came wind blow pictures! 

Truthfully, I think life is a LOT like this shoot. We can have every intention of doing something (thinking it will all be fine or that the hiccups will smooth out) but in the end we are NEVER in control. Just like on this specific day, God decided that he wanted to fan the earth with a GIANT piece of paper (i.e. wind) which was the catalyst to what I thought was a "perfect plan." But that is the reality of life....that as much as we try to have control we really have no say over what happens in the next hour, the next day, or even the next year, and if we are being honest that is one of the HARDEST things to accept! 

For me personally, I like (okay, that's putting it lightly) to know all the plans, details, times, etc. for when or if something is going to happen, and when things don't go as I think they should it totally stresses me out because I have no control. However, life doesn't play by my rules, it's God whose ultimately in control over what happens in my life and I have been on enough journeys of TRUST and FAITH over the years to know its best to just LET GO AND LET GOD. Nevertheless, even though I have learned to let go and trust God with the future there are still a sea of uncertainties that rise up in my head with a boatload of questions every time I give over control.

I find myself somewhat in the midst of a season of contemplating the future as I am nearing my next to last semester of college and everything that lies beyond. It's totally CRAZY to think of what lies ahead, but I think that its even crazier looking back to see everything that lies behind.....everything I have accomplished with God these past couple of years. So despite the unknowns and "what if's" that the future hold, I know that because of what lies behind me God is WAY MORE CAPABLE of handling everything that lies ahead. 

So here's to letting go and trusting God with what's to come, because I know that God's plans are to "prosper and not to harm me, plans to give me a hope and a future" Jeremiah 29:11. 

Just remember that the more you trust God and let go of the things in life you want to control the easier it will get :)

Are you in a season of letting Go?

-Madison

Rambles on French Countryside

Rambles on French Countryside

Saturday, April 8, 2017

Top: c/o StyleWe

Skirt: Forever 21

Scarf: Vintage

Shoes: Thrifted (Old Navy)

Purse: Vintage Coach

Hat: Forever 21

I know, I know.....this isn't the French Countryside, in fact it is FAR from it, but that doesn't mean that there aren't places I have found that remind me of what the French Countryside would look like. In fact, when it comes to imagining myself in another place it often comes down to styling a look that is inspired by the very place I envision in my head:)

When I think of the French countryside (or really French fashion in general) I think of a neutral palette with a hint of simple color, laid back styles, effortless hair, delicate lace, hats, and maybe even a dash of ribbon. Imagination is a key component of my fashion and style process, so whether it is dressing for an occasion or place it's all about a vision. Thus, with my thoughts in my head I set out to create an ensemble worthy of exploring the French Countryside and my closet did not disappoint! 

I pulled out my elegant lace blouse from StyleWe for another appearance (see it here) on the blog and decided to pair it with this simple and comfortable skirt from Forever 21 with the most handy front pockets you have ever seen. Then of course it was obvious that a neck scarf was needed along with a boater hat for a more "country feel". I even opted for a different and extremely simple hairstyle (really I was just lazy that day) of a side braid and ribbon which totally reminded me of something Daphnie would wear, and also it's a blue ribbon which just seems so elegant. I pulled out my thrifted Old Navy clogs for the first time (they are literally the most amazing shoes) and love how they went with the entire vision. Of course, no spring look inspired by the French countryside is complete without flowers and I am all about these yellow and lavender blooms!  

Even though I haven't traveled to all (or any) of the countries I talk about, it is always interesting to realize that I take a lot of my style inspiration from them. So often I find myself looking in the mirror and thinking "I belong in England today" or "Goodness me, I look like a French girl" (point in case) and then it just makes me smile knowing my dreams of traveling abroad already influence me so much right where I am:) I say it ALL THE TIME, but fashion and personal style truly do have the power and magic to transport you to a different place! 

Are you a fan of French style?

What is a country or place that inspires you?

-Madison