I'm Obsessed: Bowls

Yes you read that right. I have a bit of an obsession with bowls. I love to eat, obviously, and so when I eat I want to be eating off of a pretty piece of dish ware! My mom has got stacks and stacks, but these above are my favorites. I use them pretty much everyday, and it makes me love my meals even more. When I was younger I could care less what I ate off of, but as I've gotten older I've gotten more and more like my mom...which could be good and bad haha! I definitely obsess over china and silverware like she does. I know, we're strange.

But when you think about it, my mom buys a lot of vintage and antique plates/silverware, and it's so interesting to me. You never know what kind of life this stuff had before, or who owned it or what it was used for. Some of the silverware/dish ware my mom bought is over 100 years old, and it's beautiful. We obviously don't use it all because it would get ruined, but just having it displayed on a hutch or on the shelves is a piece of art. 

Do any of you collect a certain special item?

Maddie

The Liebster Award

Guys. I was nominated for my first ever blog award, how cool is that?! Thank you so much Victoria for nominating me, it means a lot! 

Here are 11 facts about me:

1. My birthday is May 27, 1997. So that makes me 17 years old!

2. For the last two years I have gotten to really love food. I don't mean just eating it, but learning about it and how it can help us as humans. I'm a vegetarian/vegan too!

3. I still don't know what I want to do when I'm done with school. I want to continue with my blog as it grows, study publication/editorials, dance, acting...I'm one big creative mess!

4. I paint my bedroom a different color almost every year. This year I'm painting it a light creamy white color, and I think it will stay that way.

5. Might sound weird, but I love to exercise. I love to run, do Pilates, yoga, hike, etc.

6. I've always seen myself living in Paris or London when I'm older

7. I do yoga and meditate before I leave my bedroom every morning

8. I'm obsessed with buying stationary and pens, even if i don't use it!

9. I taught myself how to play the piano and guitar by ear

10. Sometimes when I'm feeling tight, sad, or angry I blast music and dance until I can't breathe

11. More than anything I love staying in on rainy days/weekends and baking cookies while watching a movie...such a grandma of me I know! ;)

Here are the 11 questions I was asked:

1. If you were an animal, which one would you be? A beautiful butterfly or a cheetah, haha!

2. Are you a Dog or a Cat Person? (or neither)? Can I be both? :)

3. What goal do you have for your own blog? I want this blog to be a space of ideas and inspiration, and I want it to grow of course, but naturally. I'm in no rush to reach a certain amount of followers.

4. Are you a vegetarian/would you ever consider becoming one? Yes I am, almost a vegan! 

5. What's your favourite film? Probably The Parent Trap or The Lizzie McGuire Movie 

6. Are you a sporty person? Yes and no. I love to run, but I also just like to watch sports.

7. If you had three wishes, what would they be? 

8. Who is your favourite youtuber? This is SO hard... I love Lauren Elizabeth, Claudia Sulewski, Meghan Reinks, Zoella, Jaclyn Hill, Emily June, Shaaanxo...honestly I could name off 100 more!

9. When did you start this blog? I started this blog a year ago, but didn't properly start blogging until a couple months ago.

10. What is your favourite blog? I can't choose one, but right now I can't get enough of The Style Scrapbook 

11. Who is your fashion icon? I'm obsessed with Kendall and Kylie Jenner at the moment

Here are the 11 questions I want my nominees to answer!

1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you were older?

2. Are you allergic to anything?

3. If you had to eat only one thing for the rest of your life, what would you choose?

4. Favorite time of day?

5. Favorite makeup product?

6. If you were able to create one law, what would it be?

7. How old were you when you got your first phone?

8. What time do you wake up in the morning?

9. Do you remember the first blog you read?

10. Would you want to see what you look like in 20 years?

11. Do you believe in ghosts/angels?

The 11 Nominees!

Katie

Ashley

Liz

Rachel

Sophia

Antonella

Cliona

Jeane

Lily

Jessica

Molly

This was so much fun to do and it's so cool that I get to meet so many people through things like this..getting all gushy here haha! ;) Have a lovely day xx

Maddie

Back to School Style Inspiration♡

As you can see I'm really into the neutrals and ripped denim right now haha. Since I'm going back to school (as in a public school, no more online, eeeep!) I get to get all pumped up for buying new school clothes. But I've needed some inspiration and I keep finding myself getting pulled towards simple outfits with delicate jewelry. I'm even loving the bohemian look a LOT. 

I've never really had an edgy style before but I guess that's just what I'm evolving into. I really admire the ripped denim high-waisted shorts, because you can pretty much style them up or down. And I need to get my hands on a nice pair of white sneakers desperately. Because who doesn't own a nice pair of sneakers? me. *straight emoji face*

Also, the whole crop top frenzy is really getting to me. A couple months ago I didn't even bother to like them, but I've literally scrolled through hundreds of different cropped shirts, and I can't believe I'm saying it but I love them...and I want to go and buy stacks of them haha! I know I'm not the only one ;)

Say tuned for more of my style inspiration posts coming soon! Sorry I'm just getting giddy over being able to get dressed again for school lol. #Homeschoolproblems

Maddie

Rainy Days☯

It's been raining like crazy the past couple of days. Last night, we had a storm where I thought my house was going to be picked up and tossed across the neighborhood, and i'm not even joking. It started getting suuuper windy, like 80mph at least, and then it started hailing too! Some of my furniture outside was picked up and thrown across my backyard, so it was a pretty freaky storm. The thunder and lightning was my favorite though, and the buckets and buckets of rain we got. I live in a desert, so this was totally unexpected.

Since my friend was over, we decided to make the most out of this beautiful storm. We both got into our pajamas and slippers and created a little tent (i know so grown up right) in my room and threw pillows and blankets on the floor. We also got some snacks and put them in pretty bowls haha! Then we got my computer and put on The Lizzie McGuire movie, since that's been our favorite since we were little :) We were so cozy and happy, and the sound of the rain totally relaxed us. 

I absolutely love doing things like this during a rain storm. And sometimes, well actually a lot of the time, I will bake some cookies too. It makes me feel so good!! I must sound like an old lady, but hey that what I like to do. Isn't it such a nice feeling to curl up in a blanket with a nice book (or your computer lol) and listen to the rain against the house? I'm never able to hear a lot of rain, but when I do I make the most of it.

What do you like to do on rainy days? 

Maddie

Big Changes Coming ☼

Well. Here I am with another update. So yesterday, my mom and I went to the school I was considering switching to for a little tour. There were a couple other kids and their mom/dad with them too. When we got there I guess I could say I was a little nervous, but I was actually pretty confident and okay with everything. The person who was giving the tour was the dean, or the principle, and she seemed really nice. 

Anyway, the school isn't like a regular school. This school focuses on the arts, so dance, film, art, theater, music, painting, etc. There's no cafeteria, and there's only a few classrooms. Everything else is music rooms, dance studios, a stage. It's kind of crazy but totally cool. As I was walking around the school I was making up scenarios in my head of what it would be like to actually go there. I have to admit, I was getting pretty excited. I mean, this is what I have asked for for over a year, and here it finally came to me, like a gift from above. And I don't mean to get weird, but I have seriously prayed for something like this to come to me. I'm just not somebody who is cut out for a regular high school scene. I'm more into creating and using my brain for the better, and I want to study what I'll be doing later in life, not wasting time in a math class shoving useless information into my brain.

So when the tour was over, me and my mom walked out of the building and we both start crying. Honestly, I couldn't even catch my breath. We both know that this school is meant for me, just because it's everything I'm about, and I've had such weird messed up high school years anyway. Like, this is my 3rd school in four years!! I never thought I would say that but I guess everything happens for a reason. And i have to say I'm really excited for it to start. It's definitely going to be a change from what I've been doing for the last year, but that's what I prayed for. I prayed to be super busy, to meet friends, to go and learn things like dance and theater and graphic design. And it all fricken came to me and I just can't get over it.

Me and my mom hugged and then we laughed. Lol we're both excited. Like, my life is finally gonna start. She said she and my dad want to get me a car, and I about died when she said that. I still have to get my license, but that will be a piece of cake. Then I'll be able to drive myself to school every morning, and then back home a couple hours later. And since it's my last year I also get out earlier, so I don't have to go all day, which is a huuuuge bonus. I'm really hoping to get a job too, because I need to start making and saving money. Ahhhh this is making me excited :)

So it was kind of big day for me yesterday! I'm moving to another school and essentially changing my life haha :) Of course I'm nervous, but I have total faith in myself and this school. So, I'll definitely keep you guys updated with new news. Leave any questions down below :)

Maddie

Vivids

I know this collection isn't new, it's over a year old, but man I can't get over how much I adore the colors. I mean even the names say it all. Currently, I've been loving shocking coral, and if I can recall correctly it was one of my monthly favorites. I still can't get over it, it's the perfect summertime peach coral(obviously)color and it complements a tan extraordinarily. Another beautiful color is Vivid Rose, and if you didn't hear the hype around this lipstick where were you?! Haha just kidding :-) But really, the pigmentation is none other than opaque and smooth, and it leaves a shiny finish. And it's SO bright and pretty. The other color pictured above is On Fire Red, and like the name says it's a deep pure red. It's not too orangey by any means, but it's basically a perfect red. I loved wearing this in the Fall and Winter time, because it gave such a classy pop of color to my pale skin. It's got a nice velvety, not too matte not too shiny finish to it. But I also wore this the other night to dinner and it complemented my tan very well, and people kept saying how much they adore the color, and they couldn't believe it was drugstore haha! So there you go ;)

And I'm DYING to go and get the rest of the collection. I can't believe I haven't yet...I'm so sorry wallet.

Maddie

A little life update ☯

Hey guys! I hope you're having a great start to the week :) My life has been a littttlee hectic so I thought I would just fill you guys in on what's going on.

Okay basically, for the last year, I've been doing online school. For the most part I liked it, and there is really nothing to complain about. I've gotten ahead with my classes, and it gives me a pretty flexible schedule. I mean, I'm literally able to do whatever I want or go where ever I want everyday, which is amazing. The thing is, I thought it would've of made me a lot happier as a person, but it truly hasn't. Don't get me wrong, I'm definitely in a much better spot mentally than I was 12 months ago, but I still don't feel 'right.' Being at home everyday for school, it can get really draining. Unless you have something planned, you don't leave the house, and this isn't something I really put a lot of thought into. For the first two months, it really wasn't that bad. It kind of felt like summer vacation. But after that, I started to get depressed and lonely, because my mom started her own business and created work for her to do outside of the house. And both of my brothers go to public school, so I was home alone allllll the time. And it started to bother me. I wanted to get a job, but that's a loooong story and we'll just keep it at that haha.

Anyway, it's a year later and my mom brought up a high school that she found through a friend. I would only go here for a year, since this is my last year (god that makes me cringe). It's an arts school, so it specializes in dance, theater, painting/drawing, film making, graphic design, photography, fashion, and basically anything artsy you can think of. Well when my mom told me this i started crying in her arms, because it's something I've been wishing for. A school to learn about what I love and live for. 

So me and my mom got in contact with the head of the school, and I'm scheduled to tour the school in two days. AND, registration for the school is already closed, so if they accept me, it is basically fate that I'm supposed to go to this school. I mean, how crazy is that? I'm just a little anxious because I have never been to a school like this, and it's my last year, so I would be kind of like the newbie in a sea of professionals. I guess I shouldn't worry about it because I would hope I'm happy at this school, but who the heck knows! I have had SUCH a hard time deciding whether I should go there or not...Because if I stayed with online school, I would take classes at a college campus also and get college credits, and get a job. And depending on how much time I would have free if I went to the other school, I would still want to get a job, too...I mean I just have no idea. Please give me some of your thoughts here!! 

So that's a little spot of my school life, I also have some family coming up to stay with us for a few days, but that shouldn't stop me from blogging ;) It's also my brother's birthday this weekend, so I think we'll be doing a little something to celebrate that also. Busy busy busy!

I'm also in need of a haircut desperately. I need to get at least 3 or 4 inches off, and yes that's kind of a lot for me but I want a major change. *Like adding purple major change lol*

I hope everything is going great in your life, and let me know in the comments what you've been up to :)

Maddie

5 Ways To Make Your Day Better

I don't know about you, but sometimes I wake up in a not so great mood. Even though, for the most part, I try to always stay on the positive side of things, my emotions are too strong and they pull me in the wrong direction. On days like this it's a little tougher for me to find motivation to do things, so I got an idea to share with you guys some little tips on what I do to get out of the weird funk. 

Make a beautiful, delicious breakfast// Okay this one might be weird, but if it's morning and you find yourself unhappy or 'not in the mood', make something good to eat! I love food, like a lot of it lol, and breakfast is probably my favorite meal of the day. Usually I have a nice warm bowl of oatmeal with fruit, nuts, and cinnamon or a delicious green smoothie. It all depends, but I always make sure to make my meal look pretty. It makes me happy! :)

If you're angry or holding tension, exercise// It might not seem like you would want to exercise if you're unhappy, but trust me, it HELPS. Even if you punch your pillows as hard as you can, you will exert that negative energy out of your body and release "feel good hormones" into your brain. I personally like to do something everyday, whether its run, lift weights, do squats, swim, or yoga. I always make sure to switch it up so i don't get bored, because I'm the type of person that can't have the same routine for very long.

Get up, and dress up!// Make yourself look beautiful! Throw on a great outfit that makes you excited, or if you have a new shirt that you haven't worn, wear it! Then, put on a little makeup, or a lot! Who cares, just do what makes you happy. Add the extra cat flick or go for a bold lip. Sometimes when I'm feeling rebellious, I like to wear dark lipstick. It makes me feel SO good ;)

Go for a walk// If the weather is nice, going for a walk is something I love to do, whether if I'm by myself, with a friend or with my family. It clears my head, and often it's when I get some great ideas coming to mind. Plus, there is nothing better than hearing nature. I love to stop in the middle of countless tall trees and just stare at the sky and think about life. You have to remember that we are only given this life once after all, so anything making you upset is really meaningless. Breathe a couple of breaths and feel grateful for everything.

Watch your favorite movie and bake some treats// This might not be for everyone, but yes I am like an 80 year old grandmother, okay?! There is nothing that makes me happier than staying home at night, watching I Love Lucy or the Parent Trap, and baking some cookies. And then eating handfuls of dough lol. And doing it with a friend or my mom is even better!! ;) 

Yes some of these are weird tips, but they help me get out of weird moods and if you've never tried any before you should, just to see if they help you too. Remember, each day is just a day. If you have one bad day, don't scold yourself, and don't hold on to negative energy. Before you go to bed, make a list in your head of things that make you happy, or things that your grateful for. Think about exciting things coming up in your life. When I do this I tire my mind and fall asleep. And then you can start a brand new, fresh day! :) SMILE!! 

Maddie

White Space

There is just something so intriguing to me about white space. Simple colors, simple lines. Even though the setting is incredibly monotone, it gives the viewer freedom to imagine something greater. Using white as a main color allows for someone to do absolutely anything with the room. 

For me, I love to stick with black and white. It's so classy, and it's always in style. Adding pops of bright colors like cobalt blue or soft pastels make for a totally different vibe. This is the kind of color scheme I will want in my own home or apartment when I move out, and it's funny that I'm obsessed with it now because a couple years ago I absolutely hated it. Isn't it weird how we can change so much in such little time?

I'm intrigued to know if any of you like this sort of style. Or do you prefer more vibrant main colors and softer accents? Let me know your thoughts! 

Maddie

The Urge

I feel like I need to get something off of my chest. All of the sudden as I sat down I got this urge to write about what  I'm feeling right now, and since this is like my diary, I thought I would just share with you, who ever is reading this.

I'm going through a stage, or period in my life where I really want to break the heck out of my shell. I want to explore as many possibilities as I can and try my very best at things I'm passionate about. Things like blogging, design, photography, modeling, writing, music, and just creating anything in general. But, and I hate to say this, but I feel like I don't belong where I live. Where I live is small, and I personally don't think it's right for what I want to do. Somewhere I need to be is a place like California or New York...California is a lot more believable, cause New York is very expensive and across the country, but I have always seen myself living in Cali, on the beach, enjoying every second of life I can. It's the land of opportunity, where a creative weirdo like me would fit right in. I won't lie, I'm getting choked up as I'm writing this..I want to leave so badly and just start my life already...Does anyone else feel like this?? 

As hard as it will be for me to leave my mom and dad, I need to grow a backbone and realize that growing up is apart of nature and I'm gonna have to do it sometime or another. It's hard for me to imagine that I am already 17 and I will be leaving soon, not because I have to, but because I WANT to. And it's taken me a long time to figure out if I was going to or not. 

Another thing that is bothering me is getting a job. I really really really want to get one, and I really want to start making money. And I don't just want to make money for the sake of having money, but I want to earn it and show myself that I can. And, I need to start saving up a lot of it if I'm planning and dreaming of leaving the state.

I guess I could say I have a perfectly imperfect dream in my head. I know, for the most part, what I want to do, but I need to work hard to get there, to that point. Oh, and my whole school situation. That's a whole other post. It's really been keeping me up at night. Do I stay online or do I go back to a regular school?? I really miss being around people and teachers, i really do. And I keep thinking, maybe I made the wrong decision to switch over to online. Honestly I have no fricken idea. But right now I've been having a hard time with that.

Anyway, I guess this was just a random spur of the moment journal session haha. Are you guys going through anything at the moment? If you ever need someone to talk to, please never hesitate to talk to me. That's something that I love to do, is give advice and talk to people who need talking to. I hope everyone is having a great day or night :)

Maddie

Chunky Coconut Granola

 

I seriously wish you guys could smell how amazing this granola smells. When you make this, your house will literally flood with the aroma of apple pie or Thanksgiving. And it tastes just as good, to me even better than it smells. It's chunky, crispy, nutty, sweet, coconut-ty, and even a bit spicy from the cinnamon. It's all around DELICIOUS. I've been eating mine in the morning for breakfast, with some sliced banana, strawberries and blueberries and some coconut milk. Mmmmm it's making me want some right now lol but I will fight the urge! It's also good just to snack on plain, or on top of anything you want really. So let's get to the recipe! :)

1 1/2 cups of oats

1 cup of shredded coconut

5-6 dried apricots 

1/4-1/2 cup pepitas

1/4-1/2 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup almonds

1/4-1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup raisins

1/4 cup coconut oil

1/4 cup maple syrup

Small handful of cacao nibs (or chocolate chips!)

Lots of cinnamon!

First, turn on your oven and set it to 225 degrees (this is in fahrenheit). So basically, you can add all of the dry ingredients in a bowl. Chop up the dried apricots into little bite sized pieces, and if you want you can chop up some of the almonds too. I did just because it makes it seem like theres more, and it's easier to eat. Give it a little mix (i just tossed it with my clean hands haha!) and then get a little pot and warm the coconut oil and maple syrup on the stove. This doesn't need to be hot at all, just enough for the coconut oil to liquify, so a couple of seconds on the heat. Then simply pour the mixture over the the dry ingredients and mix mix mix! Now is a good time to sprinkle the heck out of it with cinnamon. Even if you think you put enough, put more. That's the secret to making it so warm and tasty, along with the maple syrup. I dare you to try and not eat any!! ;) Spray a baking sheet and spread the mixture evenly onto it. Put it in the oven and let it bake for about 40 minutes, then check on it and mix it up. Then, I turned the heat up to 280 degrees, and let it cook for another 30-40 minutes. It came out nice and golden brown! It all depends on how crispy or baked you want it. 

Then just let it cool and you have yourself some delicious homemade granola! You could also drizzle a tiny bit more maple syrup or sprinkle it with stevia while it's cooling :)

Let me know if you bake any <3

Maddie

Sketchy

So I think I found a new obsession: doodling. But especially with the fine-point black sharpies. Am I the only one that finds it so satisfying to draw with those? They make the most perfect, smooth lines and even if you mess up you can create something out of it. I started looking up pictures on pinterest and google to just mess around, but then I found myself sitting in the exact same spot for 3 hours trying to perfect a drawing! It was crazy. A couple nights ago I even forgot to eat dinner, that's how intensely I was into it.

And for those who don't know, I also have an attachment to the yin-yang symbol, don't ask me why. But ever since I can remember, probably since the 3rd grade, I've always loved it. I even have a chocker necklace that's very tumblr looking haha. So I looked up a picture to doodle and 2 hours later that's what I finished. The calligraphy I did actually surprised me, because I've wanted to learn calligraphy for ages now, and seeing that I actually have a chance of being okay at it makes me happy! 

I'm gonna try and doodle my own ideas, because it's kind of boring to always copy something. I've been doing at least one sketch a day, and I find it's making me think a lot more clearly, kind of like I used to when I was painting and playing the piano. Man I really need to get into that again. 

Do any of you doodle? I would love to hear from you :-)

OH p.s.-my house currently smells like Thanksgiving and apple pie thanks to my granola baking in the oven. Recipe will be up tomorrow ;)

Maddie

Weekly Recap ♡

Well happy Friday everyone! :) This week flew bye. I planned on doing more than I did, but I just got caught up with other things and now it's already the weekend, crazy! My dad was away all week for a business trip so I'm looking forward to spending time with him...I'm scheduled to go and get my driver's license (yikes!!) so I need to practice with him a weeeee bit more haha! Anyway, I though I would just share some moments of my week that made me smile. I personally love to read these kinds of posts, so I wanted to write one myself :) 

Monday// I woke up and felt so energized and ready for the week. I had an amazing workout and much needed tan time!

Tuesday// At about 10:00 at night, I got the urge to bake some homemade granola. Lemme tell you, I don't know how I didn't eat the whole batch. It's got everything from sunflower seeds, to walnuts, almonds, dates, coconut flakes, and toooonns of cinnamon. Recipe coming soon ;)

Wednesday// Guess what I ate for breakfast? Yep, my granola. With some sliced banana, strawberries, blueberries, and a splash of coconut milk. It was heaven. 

Thursday// My mom, little brother and I all went out to this outdoor shopping center. We walked around and had the nicest time, then stopped by the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. But you know what that means, yes of course we ordered dessert. I'll just say we all licked the plate clean.

Friday// Since it's technically the beginning of the day I can't really say much, but I am feeling extra grateful all snuggled up in my bed sheets writing this. I'm going to go make some tea and then do some yoga. Ahhh, I'm so happy :) 

I hope this made you smile a little bit! Did you have any special moments during your week? Share them down below! :-)

Maddie <3

∙•Create, Not Compete•∙

We need to create instead of compete. I sat outside just thinking about everything, and this thought popped into my mind. Wouldn't it be amazing if people everywhere just created anything they wanted to, with the intention of being happy? Not out to compete with anyone, but just for the sake of their own happiness?

Just imagine how much freedom everyone would have. No one would be looking for any anger, stress, competition. 

But why can't it be like that now? Why can't everyone just start to create what they want to? Do you want to create your own blog? DO IT! What's stopping you? The fact that someone else has 10,000 followers? Big deal, because you could get there with hard work and belief that you can.

CREATE something. ANYTHING you want. WITHOUT the intention of doing better than someone else, because THAT DOESN'T MATTER. If cutting out pictures from magazines makes you happy, then do it! Don't worry about what the end result will be, just be in the moment. Love every second of cutting those pictures out. 

By doing and creating what you want, you use your imagination and you set off more thoughts and ideas. And it will make YOU happy, and in turn that makes others happy. But don't do something to be better than, or cooler than, or smarter than 'someone else.' Create the life you want, for YOU.

Just some Tuesday thoughts ~

Maddie