Life Update & Bursts of Yellow

Life Update & Bursts of Yellow

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Skirt: Forever 21 | Shirt: Thrifted (H&M) | Shoes: Forever 21 | Purse: Everly Oak | Earrings: XXI

Photography by Jana Kay Photography 

First....can we talk about how amazing the color YELLOW is! I seriously can't get enough of yellow this spring, and this skirt and pair of heels from Forever 21 are to die for:) This look has such colorful spring vibes and I love the setting that I got to shoot this look in.

Okay, but you are probably really wondering....."what is your big life update?" Well.....I GOT A JOB!!! Like a real job....like an adult job....the biggest job I have ever had in my life.....IT'S CRAZY AND ALSO SO EXCITING!

I have shared a LOT about my teaching journey on the blog, but up until now it has just been building, without any knowledge of what the future might hold for me. Honestly this past spring has been the most challenging time of my life since college! Like, student teaching was challenging, but at that time all I was thinking about was teaching lessons every day, I wasn't even thinking about the future. Then came spring when OH MY GOSH I have to pass 2 tests to get certified and attend job fairs and do interviews......talk about MAJOR anxiety and stress.....I felt like I was living in a haze for 3 months (it didn't help that I failed one of my tests two times). However, with every storm comes a rainbow at the end, and that glimmer is the budding green valley I am standing in right now....which honestly still seems like a dream.

I think this crazy journey over these past few months is what I needed to refocus my life and refocus my "focus" on God and his plan for my life. Honestly, I knew that even if I didn't get a teaching job I had lots of other options, but teaching was something I wanted to try and pursue. However, with that comes looking for openings, making connections, attending job fairs, talking to schools, going through interviews, and then hitting submit and crossing your fingers that something works out.

Truthfully, the whole job search/job fair/interview process was crazy and hard at times, but I also learned so much through it and grew so much in my confidence (I can totally sell myself as a teacher). All in all, I was blessed to make some amazing contacts while student teaching and come to know some "high power" people in the school district that I not only student taught in, but also wanted to teach in one day.....which brings us to now.

After attending a big job fair, I scored an interview with my TOP school (like a brand new High School I have been wanting to teach at since last fall) and the interview process was so amazing, not to mention that I had a good feeling about it. However, in the midst of that I was still trying to pass my last certification test, so no school could technically consider me for the position until I passed my test....talk about PRESSURE! THANKFULLY I passed my test this last time I went to take it (3rd times the charm) and things could finally start to fall into place. During this whole time however, I also was contacted by the high school I student taught at (and LOVED) and was told that my mentor teacher got a new job and her position would be opening up (a position in which I had already taught all the classes and was familiar with). You can imagine how torn I was in this month long process of having two amazing job opportunities, but also having the unknown of still needing to pass my test.

Nevertheless, I think the trying times refine who we are and teach us a LOT! After passing my test I notified the two schools that had positions I was interested in (and that I had interviewed for) letting them know I was "official". Within a week I received a phone call from my TOP school (the new High School) and was offered a Family and Consumer Science position. Talk about excitement! While I loved the idea of getting my mentor teachers job at the High School I had come to love, I also felt strongly that I was meant to go to this new High School (it has only been open a year) and be a part of building up the Family and Consumer Science program, entering onto a new adventure in which I get to pave my own way instead of walk in the footprints of someone else who has gone before me....so with that I accepted and now have a job (starting in August)!!!

So what does that job entail exactly? Well if you are not familiar with Family and Consumer Science (not sure I have talked about it much on the blog), it is basically your "home economics" classes so basically all my hobbies as classes! It is also super broad, so technically there are over 10 classes I am certified to teach. With that, FACS teachers typically have 2-5 preps when it comes to the classes they teach, so for my job starting in August I will have 4ish classes I will be teaching which are:

Principals of Education
Interpersonal Studies
Principals of Human Services (PHS)
&
Interior Design I / Interior Design II

So my schedule for the fall is going to be packed, and this summer is going to be filled with lesson planning and working out all the details for my classes.....its both daunting and exciting! I am honestly super lucky to get to teach the classes above, because three of them are classes I taught during student teaching (and fell in love with) so I am beyond excited to share my passion for those subject with my students. I get to teach them about education, what it means to be a teacher, relationships, personalities, communication, nutrition, life skills, family relationships, principals of design, floor plans, housing styles, and the list goes on and on!

I hope to share more with you all about what I learned during my Interview processes, what my school year will look like, more about the classes I teach, and when Fall hits, snippets into my life as a REAL LIFE TEACHER!!! IT STILL DOESN'T SEEM REAL!!! I have legit started having dreams about teaching.....so apparently my mind knows it's real:)

It's crazy to think the past 3.5 years of college, student teaching, and subbing have lead up to this point and that all of the details fell into place so seamlessly, but then again it isn't crazy because once again it just goes to show God's divine plan in my life and his faithfulness through the highs and lows!

-Madison

Fit For a Royal Wedding

Fit For a Royal Wedding

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Dress: c/o StyleWe | Shoes: Target | Hat(Fascinator): Gift | Clutch: Thrifted | Earrings: Target

With the excitement and coverage surrounding the Royal Wedding I decided to get into the spirit of the occasion and put together a fun post inspired by "royal wedding" style. I remember when I watched William and Kate's wedding and I couldn't get over all of the pretty dresses and all the incredible fascinators.....since then I have definitely become more obsessed with the royal family (and Britain in general). I don't follow them quite as religiously as some people, but I am known by many to be a royal fan. 

I am not quite sure where my Royal obsession first started? Probably with all the BBC shows I watch, which naturally lead to my interest in the country and watching tons of period dramas, especially those about key members of the Royal family like Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth herself (The Young Victoria is one of my favorite movies and the TV shows Victoria and The Crown are definitely high on my list). I'm known to drink lots of tea, possess a decent British accent, follow royal family fan accounts on twitter and catch any major news that happens with them. Thus, the Royal Wedding is quite exciting for me, especially considering how historical it is on so many accounts! 

Some people could care less about the big day of the Royal Wedding (or the Royal Family in general) but I have always loved a good love story, especially one having to do with a Prince (I'm the total cliche) so this day was quite anticipated. It's not surprise then that some of my favorite Hallmark movies are the royal ones, that I have seen all the movies about William and Kate's love story (multiple time), and even managed to see the new Lifetime movie about Harry and Megan (call me obsessed). I guess I have checked all the boxes of being a Royal fan, well that is once I have woken up early to watch the wedding and pop a batch of scones in the oven while my tea is steeping. 

In the spirit of British fashion and Royal Wedding style I put together this look that is fit for the Royal Wedding itself. I received this lovely dress from StyleWe a few months ago and never found the right occasion to wear it until now, which worked out perfectly considering my friend in Canada sent me this lovely fascinator. The details on this dress are absolutely stunning and give off an almost 1940's vibe while still being very classic. Sometimes I tend to be a matchy, matchy person, and looking back on the wedding looks from the last Royal Wedding I know this combination would fit in with the guest list:) 

Are you planning to watch the Royal Wedding?

Are you a Royal Fan?

-Madison 

The Sisterhood

The Sisterhood

Wednesday, May 16, 2018

| Top: Forever 21 | Pants: Alexandra Vanderbilt (me) Hollister (sister) |

 | Shoes: Limelight (me) Dr. Scholls (sister) | 

If you have a sister you know what it is like, you know how special that relationship is (or can be). My sister and I are complete and polar opposites! For starters I am the pale blonde ghost and she is the tan brown goddess. I am also super old fashioned and have a quirky style while she thinks I am weird and would rather wear sport shorts and a tshirt every day. I like fancy details while she could care less about them. She likes to spend time with her friends almost every chance she gets, while I like to have alone time.
However, despite our many differences we are also psychically linked (like most sisters). If one of us starts laughing the other is bound to join in as the room erupts in a chorus of dying walruses (our laughs are weird....just take my word for it). We often times finish each others sentences or say the same thing at the same time. Jamming to High School Musical and Camp Rock is our favorite thing to do in the car and we love to watch cheesy movies. Give us to much coffee and sugar and things are bound to get crazy :)
Having a sister is so special, because you have a built in best friend. I didn't always appreciate our relationship until I moved away to college. With the distance we actually got closer and I am forever thankful she is always there to hear my rants, make fun of me, suggest we go shopping, and be my go to dance partner at weddings.
If you are looking at the pictures and wondering if we dress matching often the answer would be NO. Apart from the fact that we have completely different styles, Taylor isn't a big fan of us wearing the same thing (she once got mad at me for buying white converse when she bought hers). However, a month ago we were shopping at Forever 21 and found these cute "Sisterhood" shirts, without a second thought we both decided we NEEDED to get them to wear and take pictures in (if nothing else). This was such a fun photo shoot to do and even more fun having my sister by by side!

Do you have a special relationship with your sister?

-Madison

Teacher Style: Redefining Business Dress

Teacher Style: Redefining Business Dress

Monday, May 14, 2018

Top: Forever 21 | Pants: Shein | Shoes: Shoe Carnival | Bag: Target | Earrings: Forever 21 

Who likes business dress? When it comes to dressing "professional" it can be one of the most challenging things to figure out, especially when you have a style of your own! I remember hearing in all of the business/professional classes I took in college that business dress needed to stay simple and professional......this usually meant black, white, and grey.....boring right? I always hated the idea of only 2-3 drab colors, ugly business pants, and unflattering blazers, so when it came time to attend job fairs and go to interviews I decided that the typical "business dress" wasn't for me. With that, I decided to put together a post to share how you can embrace business dress without loosing personality and style.
I have included some of my favorite styles and pieces below, but when it comes to professional "business dress" there are six rules I like to stick to:

1. Utilize A Print: I always try to go with polka dots or a floral. I have worn a floral dress over a button up to an interview and a polka dot skirt and sweater to another. Patterns feel more fun. 
2. Pick A Color: I am not saying wear pink head to toe, but instead of a boring neutral color pick a shade that describes you! I wore a sunshine yellow dress to one of my interviews and I loved it:)
3. Novelty Accessory: If I stick with a more simple outfit I like to add an accessory or piece of jewelry that still have personality, like a fun broach or statement necklace. 
4. Fun But Comfortable Shoes: Shoes are vital to overall comfort, but they also can pull an outfit together. I like to pick something comfortable but also stylish and full of personality. I have worn yellow sandal block heels and a pair of nude block pumps to another. 
5. All In The Details: Sometimes the basics are good, but I like to take a unique approach to basic staples by finding pieces that have unique details (like this white ruffle button up in this post).
6. When in Doubt LAYER: I love to take a printed sundress and layer it over a button up shirt or tie front blouse or even top off a printed dress with a colored sweater. 

At the end of the day be yourself. Fashion is my favorite way of self expression and when it comes to professional dress, what better way to be yourself than with your style! 

How do you feel about business dress?

-Madison

Dresses for Days

Dresses for Days

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

**Photography by Jana Kay Photography **

Dress: Ross (Ralph Lauren) | Shoes: Target (a new day) | Bag: Thrifted 

| Earrings: Five Below | Scarf: Vintage | 

When it comes to fashion, dresses are definitely my go to staple! If I were to show you my dress collection you might be shocked (because that is how many I have)......or to put it into perspective I have broken 2 clothing racks over the years because the amount of dresses is to much for the rack to handle!
Dresses are the one piece that take me back to my childhood, which seems weird, but growing up I remember loving dresses. I remember the girly prints I had and how twirling in a dress was the greatest thing ever:) I think that is why I still love dresses so much today, they make me feel like a little girl, giddy and excited, but also refined and elegant.
Just before Easter my mom and I were shopping at Ross and I happened upon this Ralph Lauren dress and I completely fell in LOVE! The dress immediately reminded me of something Julia Hengel would wear which just prompted me to love it even more. I don't often wear midi length dresses, but I think they are one of the most becoming styles of dress, being both feminine and classic (and for someone that is tall they give the added length I so desperately need). I actually wore this dress previously on the blog, but styled it casually with a denim jacket and sandals HERE.
For this shoot, I wanted to create a look that reminded me of something fit for Gal Meets Glam! I knew I wanted a straw purse, so after going to 3 different Goodwill's one day I finally found this darling bag and decided to pair it with a scarf for added elegance. I then chose to wear these white ball drop earrings and slip into a simple pair of nude suede block heels. Creating and capturing this look was so much fun because I actually got to work with a photographer, and she did a fantastic job of making my vision a reality (check here out HERE)!

Are you a fan of dresses?

-Madison

My Skincare Journey Pt. 1

My Skincare Journey Pt. 1

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

I have shared skincare posts on the blog before and lightly touched on how I started using more of a Korean skincare routine, but I decided you all deserved a post dedicated to the "WHY" behind my skincare routine and the journey I have been on to understand and clear my skin!

Recently I was talking to a girl on Instagram about skincare/my struggle with acne and she said "Partly the reason I started following you was because I was like 'hey, shes a blogger and she doesn't have perfect skin either!' I've struggled with acne for years and it was refreshing to stumble upon your page." I can't tell you how encouraging that comment was to me! I always try to be authentic, and sharing my skin struggles is one of the ways that I show my imperfections and insecurities. 

I think sometimes there is a mindset developed around bloggers that they are perfect....they have a perfect life, perfect hair, perfect makeup, perfect teeth, skin. etc (I know I can tend to think that about other bloggers I follow). However, in reality is that isn't always the case, I have my rough patches, I drink to much coffee and tea and don't have pearly white teeth, my makeup is hardly flawless, I can't go days without washing my hair and only using dry shampoo (like some people), and my skin is a whole other story (hence this post). 

Since I have talked a bit about my skincare change before, I am going to do more of an overview in this post on my recent skincare journey. I am 22 and have been struggling with acne since I was about 13 years old, so if you do the math that means I have had imperfect/breakout prone skin for 10 years. Furthermore, I feel like every time I read a post about someones problematic acne prone skin, I always find out that what they mean is they get 2-3 pimples when their diet or hormones are off.....that is not the case for me! When I hear people complaining about the pimple on their cheek I always think to myself "you have no clue what I would give for just one pimple" (anyone else with me on this)? Acne is no joke, but there is a difference between a few pimples here and there and full breakouts on your cheeks and chin! So when I say I struggle with imperfect/breakout prone skin it means that I have scaring, redness, and get 2-5 pimples (or more) in a typical breakout (including blackheads, whiteheads, and cystic acne)....

You may be reading this and thinking "But if you just tried __________ " or if you would just do " _______" your skin would get better....... I've heard every version of people's suggestions, I've tried a lot of them, and some I have avoided because I didn't feel they were right for me. However, I have come to realize that every person's skin is different, as are their breakouts (as is the case for me)! For some, topical creams work miracles, or others (like me) they only help for a short time. Thus, I have had to learn not to judge other's skin in the basis of my own and hope that others would have the same courteousness towards me:)

While there have been highs and low in my breakouts over the years, I have come to a point where enough is enough! This doesn't mean that I have reverted to getting over the counter prescriptions and medication for my acne, because in the long run I won't want to be on those forever and when you stop your skin usually freaks out (plus I hate putting chemicals into my body)! I have done the topical medication route (when I was in high school), and I have to say that while it helped in some regards, I was always left feeling worse about my skin because my skin just didn't feel healthy (anyone else feel that way)! My skin was often dry, flaky, red, and irritated, talk about trying to wear makeup on uber dry skin (it doesn't work well), but also not wanting to go out with your skin red and dry (the struggles). Thus, over the last couple of years I have taken a different approach, one that focuses on making my skin feel healthy and happy, and while I am still working through acne, my skin has never felt this good. 

My Skincare Journey:

If you remember This Post, I talked about how I had started using a Korean skincare method with multiple steps, gentle cleansers, essence, serums, and face oil. While my routine and the products I use have changed slightly since that post, the idea is still the same. I want my skin to be happy, feel healthy, moisturized, bouncy, and glowy, despite my breakouts, and it is finally getting there! 

However, since the beginning of this year I realized that healthy and happy skin doesn't just happen from the outside, it starts from the inside out. Deep down over the years, I think I have always known that I needed to change things in my lifestyle and my diet to help my skin, but I didn't want to give up all the foods I like.......let's be honest, all the foods I LOVE are the worst foods for my skin!!! Topically taking care of my skin just isn't enough, and I have been on a journey to really understand my skin, figure out what things really cause my face to break out, learn what the different breakout areas on my face mean, and fight the acne battle from inside, as well as topically. 

I will say, learning about my skin and coming to understand it has been enlightening. My breakouts make more since now! In the past I would always wonder "Why am I getting a breakout on my chin?" and now I know it is due to hormones (sometimes cause by an imbalance due to diet or due to my period). Or "Why am I getting a breakout on my cheek?" well now I know it is probably because of the pint of ice cream I ate......so yeah, it's not fun, but it isn't a mystery anymore. If you are curious as to what I mean, I have put a diagram below to illustrate what different breakout regions of the face mean:


This Diagram is helpful too because it tells you what you need to change:



When I started doing more research to learn about my skin and breakouts I came to realize my breakouts were caused by 3 major things (as noted by the diagrams):
My breakouts were caused by stress, my diet, lack of water, sometimes (possibly) lack of sleep, and hormones (oddly enough though hormonal acne can actually be triggered by diet, because fatty foods elevate the levels of testosterone in your body which causes your hormones to be off, causing a hormonal breakout due to your diet....so diet is a huge part of healthy skin). Basically A LOT of factors contribute to my acne, so trying to manage breakouts means managing many aspects of my life and it can get overwhelming.

When I started understanding my breakouts and my skin, everything that was happening made more since. However, understanding your skin might take a bit of scientific study and experimentation of avoiding things to see if your skin gets better and then adding them back in to see if they trigger breakouts. I actually started to learn more about my skin over Lent because my sister and I gave up sweets and started avoiding dairy (drinking almond milk instead). Throughout those weeks my skin started to clear up and I wasn't seeing nearly as many breakouts (hardly any). It felt great to see my skin improve and not worry that I would wake up with a breakout in the morning. However, after lent ended I didn't really stay on the "no sugar" plan and after easter candy, sweets, and a week of an unbalanced diet I saw my skin go back to what it used to be. I then realized that I knew what I needed to change and actually needed to make improvements to change it for real this time!
With that I made a "Skincare Resolution" (noted in the chart below) and over the next few weeks will be sharing more of the details on every aspect of this journey (this means unflattering pictures, facts, struggles, you name it) !

 

Do you struggle with acne?
Can you relate to my skincare story? 
What causes your breakouts?
Is there anything specific you would like to see me talk about in this series? 

-Madison