24 Hours in Fredericksburg Texas

Wednesday, July 5, 2017


If you remember, earlier in May I went on a road trip with my college roommate. For our first two days we explored sights in the Austin area (read the post here), and after that we headed to the quaint town of Fredericksburg Texas. I have been wanting to visit Fredericksburg for years, so I was very excited that I would finally get to visit with my friend who had been there before. 
Since we are both major planners we planned out our stops at each location and what places we would visit, and there was definitely a lot to see and do in Fredericksburg. While walking along main street and exploring all of the shops is the perfect way to spend your day, there were a few places that I highly recommend you stop at if you ever happen to visit Fredericksburg:

  1. Enchanted Rock: If you like the outdoors, hiking, climbing GIANT rocks, and seeing the world from high up above than you have to visit and climb Enchanted Rock. I have visited this state part many times throughout the years, and it really is such a great adventure. No joke....it really is a GIANT rock and the view from the top is stunning! 
  2. Rathskeller: On Wednesday morning we stopped off at this darling German restaurant for breakfast. The restaurant is located in the basement of an old hospital and walking in I felt like I was in underground Germany....it truly was the most unique place and the food was fantastic! We both ordered Italian omelets with potatoes and it was the perfect meal to get us going for the day (plus, very reasonably prices) and if you like like beignets they have those too :)
  3. Wild Seed Farms: This place was definitely high up on our list of stops and I am so glad we got to visit. Wild Seed Farms is a basically a wildflower farm, so just think of a large expanse of wildflower beds budding up from every direction! It was so lovely walking around and looking at all the flowers and seeing ALL the MANY Zinnias. 
  4. Rustlin' Rob's Texas Gourmet Foods: This place was quite the adventure! If you like tasting different jams, jellies, crackers, salsas, and hot sauce this place has rooms, upon rooms of every flavor of everything you could imagine. There is even a cupboard of super spicy hot sauces that is locked up because they are soooooo extreme!
  5. Fredericksburn Winery: If you are in Fredericksburg and over 21 you have to go wine tasting! Fredericksburg is known for their wine and vineyards, and we knew we wanted to go wine tasting while there. We ended up visiting Fredericksburg Winery to do a tasting and it was such a fun experience. 
  6. West End Pizza Company: Pizza is good wherever you go, and this place was no joke! We stopped off for dinner here on Wednesday night and it was so good. Their pizza is brick oven made to order and they have so many delicious gourmet flavors! 
  7. Java Ranch: No road trip is complete without coffee! In fact, we both made matching shirts for our trip that said "Road trips & Coffee", so there was not discussion on whether or not we should stop at Java Ranch, which is the coffee shop in town. We stopped by to grab latte's on our way out Thursday morning and I ended up getting a vanilla coconut latte which was to die for! 
Have you ever visited Fredericksburg Texas?

-Madison


Checked out in red, white, and blue

Saturday, July 1, 2017

Dress: Me Made
Belt: Vintage
Basket: Thrifted (Vintage)
Hat: Forever 21
Necklace: Kendra Scott

 
4 days till Fourth of July and I can't wait! I don't know why Fourth of July is such a fun holiday? Maybe it's because of the American heritage, the festive dishes, the red white and blue, patriotic prints, fireworks, get together's or backyard BBQ's but I always look forward to July 4th! 

This year I will be going to the Freedom Over Texas concert event in Houston with my sister and some friends, and as is the case every July (see my past two years here, and here) , I have been brainstorming ideas for what I will wear and finally settled on making myself this navy gingham dress:) 

Since I knew it would be a bit much to persuade my sister to take pictures of my outfit on the 4th I decided to do a fun backyard picnic photo shoot:) I guess you can tell that I have a "small" gingham obsession, and this shoot definitely went overboard on the gingham in all the patriotic red, white, and blue glory! Nevertheless, it was a dream styling everything for this picnic and I wish I could do this every day. 

When I was taking these pictures I couldn't help thinking back to when I was younger....traipsing around in the backyard barefoot, playing make believe, and grabbing treats for a picnic.....those really were the glory days! To be honest, looking back at these pictures I can't help thinking that they encompass everything I dream of summer being....youthful, adventurous, full of sunshine, fresh fruit, bubbly french lemonade, and soaking up the beauty of the outdoors. Maybe it's because these pictures capture my personality so well, enjoying the the little things with a flair of style, kicking off my shoes, and taking it slow while reflecting on life....whatever the case my be, this is the perfect setting for this Introvert and I need to start making picnics a frequent thing in my life! 

Also, future reference to my future husband (whomever he might be), but this is probably my #1 idea for the perfect date (insert a winking fave emoji).....

What are your plans for the 4th?
Are you a fan of picnics?

-Madison

Summer Watermelon

Friday, June 30, 2017


Remember last week when I shared this look and talked about how much I LOVE watermelon and how you would probably see more of it on the blog this summer ?!?!?!?!?
Well.....today is the day because I have searched all over the web and put together the ULTIMATE SUMMER WATERMELON MUST HAVES. I truly can't get enough of the ripe reds and greens, and having an excuse to wear it on a dress, or on your feet is always something to celebrate! I am especially dying over the watermelon float and think I might just have to get it for myself:) As for my other favorite, I would have to say this watermelon cooler bag from shop ban.do is absolutely stellar and I actually found one similar at my local Five Below! 
Wherever you are and whatever the occasion the summer calls for watermelon in every form! 


-Madison

Gingham on The Porch

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Skirt: The Skirtery 
Top: Made By Me
Shoes: Marshall's (Steve Madden)
Purse: Thrifted 
Headband: Old
Book: Somerset


This post might quickly become one of my favorite posts of ALL TIME because it brings all of my southern gingham dreams to life:) Recently I have been so inspired by all of the southern bloggers that I follow and their fabulous styles have been killer this season! Because of that I knew that with this southern inspired ensemble I had to visit a place that reminded me of the south, so I went back to the porch of the house in this post which was perfection. 

I don't know about you, but gingham is almost a neutral in my closet this season. Every time I don't know what to wear I always seem to reach for this skirt (available in my Etsy shop), and honestly it is probably the most styled piece on the blog (see it here, here, and here). This particular look is not exception since I now love this skirt even more after making this crop style blouse to pair with it, which really gives it a completely different look.  

I had some extra gingham fabric lying around and I decided to mix up my design by using two different sizes of gingham to create this retro, ruffle embellished top. This is actually the first time I have made a halter style top, and at first I was a bit unsure of how I would like it (and if it would be modest enough for me), but I am thrilled with how it turned out and the buttons up back are definitely my favorite part. 

Even though I might not be the most "southern" person or live in the most "southern" town, the culture, heritage, and history of the south have always inspired and intrigued me. Whether it is the styles, the traditions, food, or the houses I am all about what the south has to offer. One of my favorite things to do actually, is to visit old historic plantations whenever I travel. I can't tell you how many lovely southern plantations I have visited and I fall in love with the story and style of each one. Because of that, the book I am reading right now (Somerset) highly intrigued me because it is set in the 1800's before the Civil war, but during the Underground Railroad and deals with western expansion and Texas history which I am all about! Definitely the perfect summer read and might have even inspired this look and shoot a bit ;)

Anyone else obsessed with Gingham this season?
Are you a fan of southern history like me?

-Madison

Skincare Beauty Favorites: Summer 2017

Monday, June 26, 2017


Happy Monday lovelies! Today I thought I would share a bit about my current beauty routine and break down some of my favorite products that I have been using. 
When it comes to my beauty routine I have definitely changed it up over the years due to my skin and throughout its highs and lows. I definitely don't have perfect skin, and constantly deal with breakouts and blemishes. I have used my fair share of topical treatments, prescriptions, and different face washes, but I don't think any of those products quite compare to my current routine which has boosted the heath of my skin tremendously and helped it regain its youthful glow and keep blemishes to a minimum (can you say BONUS)! My routine right now is my own personal take on the Korean Skincare system and craze that is taking the beauty industry by storm. While I don't use all Korean skincare products, I do take into account the steps (which are the most important) and with that, I think my skin is finally able to be happy.

Cleanse
Okay, so obviously the first step in my routine is to remove my makeup and cleanse. At night time I start out removing my makeup by washing my face with coconut oil in the shower. Since the Korean skincare routine encompases oil cleansers, I opt to use coconut oil to remove makeup which works like a dream. After I remove my makeup I then move on to cleanse and use the Neutrogena Ultra Gentle foaming cleanser which is AMAZING! This cleanser is definitely true to its name when it says gentle, and that is why I love it because it isn't full of medication or harsh on my skin and always leaves it fresh and smooth. My current philosophy seems to be less is more, because in the past my skin would get overwhelmed with the many ingredients, but now it can take a break because what I use is simple. (In the morning I use the same cleanser to wash my face.) 

Toners & Essence
Toners and Essence are the next vital step when it comes to the Korean Skincare routine, and this is where I actually do use two Korean products. After I cleanse my face in the morning I apply the  COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence which aids in hydration, repair, and brightness. And if you are wondering about the "snail mucin" in the name you would be right in assuming that it does contain 96% snail mucin which is great for skin health, and I can definitely tell the difference in my skins feel and brightness and it definitely has become more smooth as some of my scars have begun to deminish:) If I need a little extra boost I will also use Mario Badescu facial spray which everyone raves about and I now understand the hype! Not only does it smell heavenly with a light rose scent, but it is rejuvenating, and makes my skin feel extra moisturized with a boost. 

In the evening however, I alternate days using Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Night pads which I use as my "chemical exfoliant" in the Korean skincare step routine. However, like I said, I alternate days with these, so when I am not using them I will use COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid which works as an essence and simple topical treatment for my pores, and I have definitely seen a difference in my skin adding this to my routine. 

Sunscreen & Topical
 Last but not least are two products that are vital to the health and youthfulness of my skin. As a fair complexioned person I am always needing to apply sunscreen in the summer but I always forget that daily using sunscreen on my face will help protect it from harsh rays and keep it looking younger longer. Therefore, I recently started using the MISSHA all around safe block waterproof sun milk and have been loving it! Typically sunscreen leaves your face feeling oily and its application heavy, but this formula is light, airy, dries once rubbed in and smells like a flower. Plus, since it is waterproof it holds up under humidity and sweat and also any dips in the pool. 

As for topical treatments, I have always used some type of topical at night to keep my blemishes to a minimum or to try and completely eradicate them. Unfortunately, due to slightly sensitive skin I would always deal with my skin drying out or flaking (because of the medication) and I hated the feeling of putting chemicals on my face. However, last semester I decided to give Curology a try after seeing it pop up on social media and the Internet, and OH MY GOSH my skin hasn't been the same since! You will definitely have to go check out Curology for yourself, but it was created to give you a personalized prescription for your face, depending on your blemishes. What I love the most, is that it isn't full of harsh chemicals, but rather focuses on the health of your skin itself which aids in healing breakouts, and I kid you not, when I wake up in the morning my skin always feels smoother :) 


The only other thing I will add to my skincare routine once/twice a week is a clay mask to draw out impurities or a sheet mask (also part of Korean Skincare) to restore my skins moisture and glow. 


Have you heard/tried any of these products?
Have you ever tried out the Korean Skincare routine? 

-Madison

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