//Casual & Comfy// Choose Joy

//Casual & Comfy// Choose Joy

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Shirt: Gift from a friend (Target)

Sweater: Forever 21

Shirts: Thrifted/DIY

Belt: Thrifted

Shoes: Converse

Glasses: Firmo 

*Pictures by me & my camera Betsy*

In the midst of the crazy everyday life it is sometimes hard to keep your head up and stay smiling and happy. Whether it is looming deadlines, papers, projects, busy days, stressful happenings, or just the rollercoaster of life in general, choosing to be joyful in the midst of the crazy is HARD! I think being a college student I struggle with this every week, but I have also learned to find joy in the little things and keep smiling no matter how stressed or anxious I might feel! With the end of the semester fast approaching I find myself over thinking everything that needs to be done as I see deadlines coming up and finals drawing near, but I also see summer break that is only a few weeks away and that helps to keep me going.

Some days I wake up and immediately start thinking of the things that need to be done.....well I take that back, every day is like that! Some days when my mind wanders to the vast to do list I am perfectly fine knowing I have time to get things done and the things on my list are not to bad, yet other days I immediately feel a dark grey cloud hover above my head as I think about EVERYTHING that is still not crossed off my list! Therefore, what helps me when life starts to get grey? Glad you asked:) First off I wouldn't get anywhere during my day if I didn't start it off with Coffee and Jesus! That steaming hot cup of cream, sugar, and liquid gold gets my mind working and time spend in the work helps me start thinking positive thoughts and focus on my creator rather than the mundanes of life. Furthermore, I can't help but smile when I walk outside and my face is kissed by a warm beam of sunshine....it is like a cheery kiss from God! Seeing the sun always makes me smile and when I hear the choruses of the birds around me I smile even more. I often find myself, as I walk to class, smiling at the little things around me like squirrels running across my path, leaves rustling in the wind, chickens and their chicks scavenging in the grass (yes, we have chickens on campus....they seriously crossed the street from the park to get to the other side) or when I see a little dandelion in the grass sharing its wishful seeds with passersby....when I take time to notice the beauty around me it takes my thoughts back to the Creator of it all and fills me with a since of peace and joy which I can't help but engulf!

As for my ensemble, variations of this look have been my Friday go to this semester. I know that this look is something you don't see me sporting much on the blog and is not classic or vintage what so ever, but if I had to choose a style apart from Vintage fashions this style is my favorite. Therefore, I will be throwing in a few "Casual & Comfy" posts here and there with some of my modern/hipster looks (really just my weekend style). Anyways, I can't get over this shirt because it is sooooooo FABULOUS (thanks to my bestie for giving it to me for my birthday last year)! I honestly wear it nearly every Friday, but if you think about it, Friday's call for coffee and comfort. On the topic of these shorts, I made these from a pair of thrifted jeans and can't get enough of them! I love that they are light wash, high waisted, and a modest length for my long legs:)

I hope all of you have a great rest of the week:)

Are you nearing the end of the semester? 

What helps you find joy? 

What are your comfy go to styles/pieces? 

-Madison

//Beauty Basics// Face & Skin

//Beauty Basics// Face & Skin

Monday, April 11, 2016

Beauty Basics is back again this week with the face and skin edition. Last week I talked about the different kinds of Makeup Removers and this week is all about my face and skin regime with face washes, face scrubs, and moisturizers. This area of my beauty routine is important because if I don't start out with a clean and fresh face my makeup doesn't seem to set well and my skin doesn't feel fresh. 

When it comes to the different types of face washes, scrubs, and moisturizers it all depends on what my skin is like, whether it is broken out, dry, or oily.....the struggle is real sometimes:)

Face Wash

PURPOSE Gentle Cycle Wash: I absolutely LOVE this face wash. Not only is it incredibly gently, but it doesn't burn your eyes because it isn't really soap based. It also works great for taking off makeup in the shower. I typically use this face wash in the morning and whenever my face is dry. 

Garnier Clean Blackhead Eliminating Scrub: I picked this face wash up at the store a few months ago whenever I needed something for my face which was slightly broken out at the time. This face wash actually has a slight exfoliator in it which I really like and does seem to help my face when it becomes troublesome. Plus it has charcoal in it which helps with blackheads. 

UP&UP Blemish Controlling Apricot Scrub: I have always been the biggest fan of the St. Ives Apricot Scrub, however the Target brand has its own spin off which is just as good and slightly cheaper:) The other great part about the Target brand is that not only do they have the regular scrub, but they also have one which has Benzyl Peroxide in it to help with blemishes. I like to use the one with the Benzyl Peroxide, and surprisingly it doesn't dry my face out very bad. 

Clinique Sonic System Purifying Brush: I have been using this face wash brush off and on since last summer. I typically use this with whatever face wash I am using at the time. It is great because the brush vibrates which leads to a very deep clean and gets all the dirt out of my pours. 

FREEMAN Clay Mask Mint & Lemon: I have been using this face mask forever (probably because I haven't been back to ULTA to try a different type). While I sometimes hate the feeling of putting on a face mask, once I get it on it is always very relaxing. This face mask in particular is extremely relaxing because it smells super fresh and the mint is very rejuvenating. I like to use a face mask at least once a week to clean out my pours. (typically I call those SPA nights which include a full facial of mask, exfoliator, deep clean, and moisturizer) 

Dermatologist Products: 

BP Acne Wash: This face wash is actually some that I got from my dermatologists. It has benzyl peroxide in it which helps dry out pimples when my face gets really bad. However, I have to be careful when using it because it usually drys out my face really bad as well. Therefore, when I have to use it I typically just use it every other day and follow it up with a good moisturizer. 

Acne Pads: I got these face pads from my dermatologist as well and like to use these in conjunction with the BP Acne Wash when my face breaks out. 

Moisturizers:

CeraVe PM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: I started using this moisturizer after my dermatologist told me about it. I like how gentle this moisturizer is, but it isn't as moisturizing as others I have used, so I vary its use with another brand. 

CLINIQUE Dramatically Different Gel: I really like this moisturizer because it is very hydrating (like it says) and refreshing. Typically I use this moisturizer in the summer because of how light it is. 

Yes To Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer: Now we get to my all time FAVORITE product in my bathroom! I know that many of you know about the "Yes To" brand and the tomato line is great for my skin which is sometimes temperamental. Since my skin tends to be dry after I wash it this moisturizer helps sooooo much. Not only does it make my skin feel great, but it also makes it super soft, and extremely moisturized. 

Exfoliators& Scrubs:

I like to use exfoliators and scrubs on my face at least every other day. As I stated before, I like to use the apricot scrub along with other face washes, but I also like to use coconut oil and honey with sugar as a scrub. Honey is a natural antibacterial, and coconut oil is a great moisturizer so mixing those with sugar makes for a great scrub. Sometimes I make up scrubs by mixing coconut oil, sugar (brown or white), and honey for a consistent scrub. However, if I don't have time to mix it up or don't want a big batch I will just take a small scoop of both and mix it with face wash. 

Have you used any of these products?
What are some of your favorite products of your face?

-Madison

MASTERPIECE

MASTERPIECE

Saturday, April 9, 2016

Skirt: Thrifted 

Shirt: Target

Shoes: Cato's (this season) 

Purse: Vintage (COACH)

Necklace/Earings: Walmart 

Lipstick: Rimmel London Katie 01

"The greatest masterpieces were once only pigments on a palette." 

- Henry S. Hoskins 

I often look at portraits and masterpieces skilfully created and painted by the greats and wonder what was going through their mind. What was the spark inside of them that inspired such beautiful works of art? However, I have only to look at the world around me and see my reflection in the mirror to know exactly what must have been going through the artists mind! Art is brought forth by ideas, by passion, inspiration, the need to fill a void in life and by love of the artist for the art. In order to be art the artist must love it dearly, otherwise he will start over again until it is perfectly as he imagined in his head. Other times the artist might create something that he is not that proud of or different from the norm but he will let the onlookers be the judge. 

Then again, there are times I look at a masterpiece, or so called masterpiece simply because of the name that is scribbled in the bottom corner, and wonder "What was the artist thinking?" There are those works of art that in themselves are bizarre, completely uncaptivating, full of strangely sized people and misproportionate objects. When I look at those works of art, that in my own mind seem completely worthless or void of true talent and mastery, I realize that the artist must have known what he is doing and evidently so if the piece is in a gallery.....it might not be a work that everyone likes, but the artist loves it and there are others that might appreciate it to. 

The thing is, we are just like all of those great and valuable masterpieces that line the walls in museum gallery rooms for all eyes to see. We are masterpieces in and of ourselves. Granted, we might think our lives are a complete mess, that the artist simply mixed all the paint together and threw it on a canvas, but to the artist that mixed up painting was inspired by passion and love. To the artist that piece is a masterpiece and priceless even when others do not always think it is worth looking at. Just because an ancient statue has no arms doesn't mean it is not perfect. Just because a portrait of someone is geometrically out of proportion and oddly ugly doesn't mean the artists didn't see a beautiful work of art in and of itself staring back at him with eyes full of life! You are a masterpiece created by the ultimate creator and most famous and well known artist in the ENTIRE WORLD!! 

You are valuable because of who you are....because of your height, color, size, likes, dislikes, smile, frown, laugh.....everything! The creator of the universe created you out of his favorite colors and blended them to perfection until he captured the image in his mind.....he created you as a work of art because you were inspired by his passion and abounding love! You are part of a life long masterpiece being painted in the timeline of existence every day.....the signature on your life is all that matters and is all that should ever define you! The colors of your painting, the size of your figure, the expression that tells who you are......those are not what defines your masterpiece, it is the artist behind it! Therefore, live life knowing you are one of a kind....you are valuable.....you are treasured......and your life is a work of art because the artist painted it with love. 

_____________________________________________________________

Well that sure turned out to be a bit long, but it was soooooooooooo worth it! I had those words floating around in my head all this week and I couldn't wait to get them down into sentences. These pictures were taken a few weeks ago over my spring break. You might remember me talking about visiting the art museum and that is where these were taken! This day was actually the maiden voyage of my 50mm 1.8 camera lens and boy did it make all the difference when capturing these images inside.:) 

This day was such fun, spending it with two of my dear friends (pictures above), my mom, and my sister. It had been around 7 years since I had visited the art museum and it was so lovely going back and basking in the portraits and paintings of all the great artists! 

Of course, knowing that I would be visiting the art museum meant I was brainstorming for a week on what ensemble I should wear. Therefore, since the art museum is located in the elegant and high end portion of the museum district of the city (Houston) I thought it was the perfect occasion to embrace my inner chic city fashionista with a simple and classic look inspired by life in the uptown part of the city. I chose to pair my midi classic pleated black skirt with an even more classic white and black/grey striped quarter length shirt. To complete the look I chose to wear my tan pointed toe sued ankle buckle shoes and my vintage coach purse. All in all I loved how the look came together and it went so well with all of the paintings :) 

What are your thoughts on your life being a masterpiece? 

Have you ever been to an art museum? 

What would you wear to an art museum? 

-Madison

//Beauty Basics// Makeup Removers

//Beauty Basics// Makeup Removers

Monday, April 4, 2016

Happy April lovely readers! Can you believe it is already another month....where has this semester gone? I only have a month left for this spring semester and I feel like the semester just started a week ago. However, enough with school and on to a new blog series titled Beauty Basics. 

When collecting questions for my Q&A I had a few questions about my makeup routine and what products I use. Thus, I thought it would be nice to start a blog series on my beauty routines and what better way to start out the series with some of my favorite Makeup Removers. Now...I know that makeup removers are not the most exciting thing to talk about but when you are wearing makeup it is important to use a makeup remover that fits well with your skin and does the job well. When it comes to my makeup removers I use two different forms: oils, and brand name removers. 

Oil Removers:

I remember when I was a little girl and my mom would use baby oil to remove her makeup. To this day this is still one of my favorite ways to remove my makeup. Not only is it gentle on my skin and removes makeup perfectly, but it also smells so powdery and nice! 

Apart from Baby Oil, I sometimes use Almond Oil to take off my makeup. While this is not my prreffered method for taking off makeup I do use it on occasions. 

Lastly, and most well known and used in the area of beauty now is coconut oil. I recently started using this for multiple areas in my beauty routine, one of which is removing my makeup. Now, coconut oil is more of a solid form than baby oil and almond oil, but it still works great for taking off my makeup with a cotton ball. (fyi....if you are trying to avoid saturated fats in your diet don't use coconut oil because it has the most saturated fat content of all the oils.) 

Name Brand Makeup Removers:

Okay...so if you are not up for using something super easy to take off your makeup, one that you can find at the drugstore, than you can go for your name brand products. Now, I don't actually use these all that often and I didn't even buy them (free samples from my great aunt) but I do love how they work. The light blue tube is Estee Lauder "Take IT Away" makeup remover lotion which works sooooo great to take off makeup and not leave any behind....plus it smells great and makes your skin feel clean. Second is Estee Lauder gentle eye makeup remover which I like to use in taking off my eye makeup with a cotton ball. This eye makeup remover is basically just like the makeup remover you can find at the drug store, so if you like this method than you can go for the drug store brands. 

All in all, starting off a makeup routine involves starting with how you will take off your makeup. Depending on what my skin is like usually depends on what form of makeup remover I choose to use, For instance if my skin is being slightly dry I typically use almond oil or coconut oil, however if my skin is being normal I like to use baby oil or makeup remover lotion in the shower. 

What form of makeup remover is your favorite?

Do you use drug store brands or name brands? 

Do you like oil removers, washes, or toner removers?

-Madison 

Old Town

Old Town

Thursday, March 31, 2016

Dress: Minnie's Menagerie Vintage

Blouse: Thrifted (LOFT)

Belt: Sister's

Heels: Old Navy (last season)

Earrings: Forever 21

**Pictures By @katie.g.photography**

Well, March has certainly turned out to be a record breaking month for the number of posts that have gone live on the blog...13 in total! YAY! That averages out to about two posts a week:) Anyways, you all might remember my post highlighting my plans for spring break, one of which was doing a photo shoot with an up and coming young photographer friend of mine and well....this post is all about those pictures! Now granted, I cannot include all of the pictures (unfortunately) and this post is already verging on picture overload but I couldn't help but include all of my favorite images:)

For the shoot we decided to head to the historic part of our downtown Tomball area which includes a lovely old church, two old homes, two log cabins, a school house, two other building, and a gazebo....needless to day it houses (no pun intended) a number of fabulous picture spots that go perfectly for a vintage shoot. I still remember visiting these historic houses one December for their "Old Town Christmas" celebration fully decked out in my own fabulous 1800's creation (I even got to take a picture with the Mayor in one of the house's elegant parlors) and since then this old historic area of town makes me reminisce about the olden days. 

While brainstorming what ensemble I would wear for the shoot I remembered this darling and one of a kind dress from my grandmothers collection! While it is probably straight from the 1940's it also gives of a slight 1930's feel to me and when paired with this flouncy collared shirt I thought it the perfect combination to capture. Even though the wind at times proved trying in regards to keeping the ruffled collar flat, the over all look of the ensemble made me feel quite elegant :) Ever since discovering this dress I have always loved it. From the big white side buttons, checkered trim and back pocket it is truly a treasure. Thus, I chose to pair it with a tan belt, matching tan heeled sandals, large earrings and simple curled/twisted style. 

I can't help myself from looking at these pictures over and over again as I LOVE them sooooo MUCH! It was such a wonderful experience to collaborate with an actual photographer for a shoot since I am used to always talking my own pictures. On that note, it was also different because I am not used posing in front of someone who actually holds the camera (apart from my sister), but after awhile it simply became natural! 

I can't wait to collaborate and work with Katie again for a blog shoot later on down the road, but for now I am simply LOVING these shots that she captured:)

Have you ever worked with a photographer? 

Would you consider this 30's or 40's? 

-Madison