Thursday Three

This was another typical week, but it did have some fun parts to it. Homecoming was this weekend and even though my friends and I didn't go to the dance we still had a great time together. We hung out at one girls house, watched movies and ate pie from Perkins. I didn't think the Banana Cream was great but I did really like the French Silk pie. Here is what I did in the rest of my week:

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Last Friday I woke up early and went to Dunkin before school. I was picking up some doughnuts for my sister so I decided to get myself some as well. I also had the iced coffee for the first time. I got the caramel flavoring which I liked, but it was a little too sweet after I had a bit of it. So I am wondering, what flavor iced coffee do you recommend?

 |2|

Saturday was the last day of school tennis for me with the JV conference tournament. I am so glad that I decided to play this year. At my school, tennis is a pretty relaxed sport so I had a bunch of fun with my friends which was the most important part for me. I also did get to be decent at tennis, i'm no pro, but I can hit a ball around without embarrassing myself too much. 

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I got to go the Packer games this weekend which was a blast as always. I love Packer games for two reasons. 1. I get to watch my favorite professional sports team play (and win) 2. I get to spend time alone, or with only one other sibling, with my Dad.  I always have so much fun at the games and the best part about this one was that it wasn't snowing which tends to happen later on in the year. 

So what flavor Dunkin Donuts iced coffee do you recommend?

xoxo,

Maddie

Best of September

  September is always a crazy month. Between school, sports, homecoming and everything else it is always one of the more hectic months. With that being said, it was still a really good month. I loved going back to school and seeing all of my friends again. This year, I actually love almost all of my classes which makes it so nice. There were 5 things that really helped make this month great and here they are!

| Powder Foundation | 

When I was in Chicago I got a new powder foundation from Trish McEvoy. I LOVE IT. This is a super light powder at first, but it is so easy to layer it for a stronger coverage. It is also really natural looking which is what I look for in make up. The best thing of all about this powder foundation is that when I work out it doesn't run or even come off when I wipe my face, but at the same time it will come off easily when I wash it off at night-- It's the best of both worlds. I have worn this everyday since I got it over Labor Day weekend. 

| Agenda | 

Anyone that knows me at all, knows how important organization is to me. Every year I look forward to picking out my agenda. I have found that I adore the Lilly Pulitzer ones. It makes me so happy to be able to fill in my schedule and homework for the day. It is also a great way to brighten up my day since it is unbelievably colorful.

| Paper Mate Pens |

To go with my agenda, I only used these colored Paper Mate pens. I had a couple colors last year and I loved them so much that I bought a big pack for this school year. There are several colors that match my agenda perfectly so I used those the most. I especially love the dark green, the deep magenta and one of the light blues. I recommend these pens to anyone who wants something bright and colorful, whether is for writing in an agenda or doodling in a notebook. 

| Converse |

Getting these converse were a pain. The local store I went to messed up and it took about three weeks for me the get them. Those three weeks were worth it. Although I don't wear them everyday, I love how I can now make an outfit a little more sporty. These are such classic shoes that they go with everything. I am interested to see how long I can keep them white.... I'm betting maybe another month. 

| Cereal |

This  last month I really made a point of trying to be healthier. I have always worked out but I have never been the healthiest eater, especially when it came to eating snacks. I wanted to make a point of eating healthier mainly so I can create good habits for when I go off to college. I have found that this cereal is my absolute favorite. I either have it in a parfait with fruit, in my oatmeal, or just plain with a little flax seed added on top. If anyone has some healthy lunch/breakfast ideas please let me know in the comments!

  

What did you like this month?

xoxo,

Maddie

Fall Style Inspo

One of the main reasons that I love reading blogs and going on pinterest is for style ideas. Fall is by far and away my favorite time of year. I love the fashion, food, drinks, weather, and everything in between. This means that I spend so much of my time reading old posts on fall fashion and scanning pinterest for new ideas. I have been finding a bunch of outfits that I am hoping to recreate this year. I have rounded up seven of my favorite ones to share will you all. 

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If you want more fall inspiration make sure to follow me on pinterest (here)! I always pin things about fashion all throughout the year. 

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

This was quite the week. First of all we had the biggest football games of the year (we lost, but that was to be expected) but more importantly homecoming week started Monday. Normally, this week is a ton of fun, but this year had so much drama that I am already done with it. It is probably because I am partly in charge of part of homecoming week, but it gets so frustrating when all people do is complain about it. Even though that part wasn't great about this week, overall it was a good one. With that here is my week:

|1|

I finally ran my half marathon this last weekend!! I am so happy that twelve weeks of training finally paid off. I was worried that I wouldn't do well since I had been injured for a little bit, but that didn't stop me. I ran all 13.1 miles of it in 2 hours and 7 minutes. This had been something that I had be working for and it was just so great to have everything work out!

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 Last Friday was the biggest football game of the year. This game had so much drama, but it was by far and way one of my all time favorite high school football games. It is always nice to hang out with friends and this was no exception. Everyone was cheering to the point that we all had sore throats and we all had a grand ole time. 

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 This school year I have been making a point of being healthier in every way. The biggest challenge for the is eating. I love food if you haven't be able to tell. I don't want to limit what I eat, but just eat smarter. I have been trying a bunch of new lunch and breakfast ideas, such as overnight oatmeal and peanut butter banana toast. My biggest problem is that I eat breakfast foods for lunch and breakfast so I am starting to run out of healthy ideas.

Do you have any healthy lunch recommendations for me?

xoxo,

Maddie

Outfit: #EDSFTG

| Shirt | Shorts | Shoes | Hat |

You could probably tell by now that Vineyard Vines happens to be one of my favorite store. In fact, a Vineyard Vines T-shirt and running shorts happen to be my go-to whenever I need a comfortable outfit. I love how easy it is to throw on a t-shirt and still look somewhat presentable. If I need to look a little better I would wear chino shorts instead of running shorts. I can't really explain why but every time I am in a Vineyard Vines t-shirt I know it is going to be a good day (probably because of the bright colors).   

Do you like Vineyard Vines?

xoxo,

Maddie

Homecoming Dress Ideas

Homecoming is right around the corner for many people. I have rounded up a variety of great dresses to share with you all. I am so excited for homecoming this year. I am not a fan of dances but I really love getting dressed up, taking pictures and going out to dinner with all of my friends. I tried to find a bunch of dresses in a variety of styles (we all know not everyone looks good in the same thing) and with a wide range of prices. I loved shopping around for great dress ideas and happy shopping to all of you!

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7 || 8 || 9

My dress is going to be really similar to #1!

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

I'll be honest and say that this wasn't a really exciting week. Yes, there were some good times like the farmers market and getting to relax on Saturday, but overall not a lot happened. This will be my first full week of school, and after having a 2 and then 4 day week, this is going to take forever. I am so ready for the weekend though because I have my half marathon (!) Even though I am not nearly as ready for it as I thought I would be (s/o to shin splints) I am still so excited. With that here was my week:

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 As much as I dislike homework, I was so ready to start filling in my agenda. I feel such a case of accomplishment when I can scribble out a piece of homework that I finished. It is one of the only things that can motivate me to actually get stuff done. Btw I am planning on writing a post about how I organize my agenda soon so stay tuned. 

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To give you an idea of how boring this week was one of the highlights was getting new hangers for my closet. Anyone that knows me knows how much that I love my closet so this isn't that weird. I used to have a bunch of random hangers but somehow I was lucky enough that we ran out of hangers so I got to get some new ones. My favorite part about these is that there is a grip on the edges to keep your clothes from falling off. You can get them here. 

|3|

I got to go to my favorite restaurant with one of my friends this weekend and it tasted so good. I know this isn't the greatest picture (mainly because I was too impatient to fix it) Most of what this restaurant makes is made with local ingredients which I love. This is a two layer grilled cheese with three different types of cheese. It is by far and away the best grilled cheese that I have ever had. 

How was your week?

xoxo,

Maddie

My Favorite Coffee Shop Drinks

Going out for coffee is my biggest guilty pleasure. I would go out for it everyday if I have the time and money to do so. Talking with others in a cafe is one of the most relaxing things for me. I don't know how I would socialize at all if it wasn't for coffee shops. Below I have listed my 5 favorite things to drink at a coffee shop. Most of the drinks can be bought at any coffee shops, but I mainly get coffee from Starbucks or a local shop.

White Chocolate Mocha: The white chocolate mocha is one of my more recent "discoveries". I had not had one until early this summer. Starbucks has my favorite version of it, I just love how you can really taste the white chocolate. I get this iced and hot, but I prefer hot just because I don't drink it as fast. 

Chai Tea Latte: Chai is my go to no matter what. The only Chai latte I haven't liked was one that was really weak. Starbucks has really upped the game now that they serve Teavana tea. It tastes SO much better. I also really like Vanilla Chai. I get this at a local coffee shop and I would 10/10 recommend. I think if you order a normal Chai Tea Latte with a pump of vanilla it will be very similar. 

Java Chip Frappachino: This was one of the first drinks that I ever had at Starbucks. I feel like it is one of the only Starbucks Frappachinos that have a stronger coffee taste. The mix of coffee and chocolate has always been one of my favorites which makes this drink one of my favorites for a hot summer day. 

Apple Cider: I don't know if it is the fall talking or what, but I have been dying for an Apple Cider. My local coffee shop makes one that tastes really good. I always like to pick one up before I watch my brothers soccer games on a chilly morning. The spiciness of this cider makes it a great drink to wake you up a bit without using caffeine. 

Peppermint Mocha: I love a Peppermint Mocha in the winter. In fact, I like it so much that I normally have it so often that I get a little sick of it. Peppermint hot chocolate is one of my favorite Christmas drinks, so adding a coffee flavor makes it even better!

Please comment any drinks you think I should try!

xoxo,

Maddie

Autumn Wish List

| boots | Vest | socks | Pullover | Chambray Shirt |

I adore fall fashion. I love to layer so it is the perfect season for me. This wish list is pretty much all that I would like to try to get this fall. I don't really need another pullover, but that has never stopped me in the past. The LL Bean one is just so cute and cozy looking. I have been wanting the J. Crew vest for a couple of years. I don't think that I will get it because it is a little more than I would normally spend on myself but maybe Christmas. (hint hint mom) Most of all I really want riding boots. I have a pair but they are getting old and I really don't like the style of them anymore. I would really like to find a pair similar looking to the Tory Burch or Frye ones but at a lower price. So if any of you know of a pair like that, please let me know in the comments below!

What is on your autumn wish list?

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

This was such a different week. The main reason: school. I started school on the first of September.Although it really stunk to have to be back at school, I was grateful for only having to have a two day week to start. The weather has been really nice so I have been able to spend an absolute ton of time outside. The overall best part of the week was going to Chicago over the weekend. This was with my whole family and I had such a blast. (even if we did walk 11 miles in a day) Here is the rest of my week:

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 School starting means that football season is here. This was the first game that I was able to go to this year and I had a blast. That is until I spilled popsicle juice all over my white Vineyard Vines shirt. Even that didn't stop me from having a great time. I am the girl of the far left with the baseball hat on. 

 |2|

 In my time in Chicago, we went to the Art Institute, the Shedd Aquarium, and Navy Pier. This picture was taken from Navy Pier near the end of the day. I loved walking along that water and people watching. There are so many people from all over that it could entertain me for hours. Navy Pier wasn't my favorite part, that title belongs to the Art Institute. As much as I love art, my brunch was just so good that it made the whole time a great experience. (I had bourbon coffee french toast, it was to die for)

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 Buckingham Fountain was turned on which was so cool. The spray was so strong that you could feel it on your face from across the street. I never was able to see it turned all the way on before so I thought it was great. The whole trip was an amazing way to spend Labor day weekend that I hope we can do it again next year!

See about my previous trip to Chicago in this post.

xoxo,

Maddie

Senior Year Bucket List

I am always one to need a list to get things done. I have one written out for everyday things and I also have them for long term events. I had a bucket list for the summer to make sure that I had fun even though I was working a lot. I found that I did things I probably wouldn't have done otherwise. I made a really long one for my senior year so I decided to share a really shortened list with all of you. Here is a picture of the whole list. 

What is on your bucket list?

xoxo,

Maddie

Best of August

| Shirt (similar) | Necklace | Book | Wallet (similar) | Cookbook | Dress|

        August was definitely a good month. I didn't work the whole month (the beach closed on the 21st) so I had a lot of time to myself for the last week. I started baking again which makes me so happy. I used to bake every weekend when I was in middle school, but I just got to busy for it. I truly love to make food because I love seeing others smile and be happy when biting into something I made. With all of my free time I have had a ton of time to read. I kid you not that I have read about seven books in the last 10 days. My favorites were Boys in the Boat and What the Lady Wants. They are so different, but oh so compelling. 
        As with any month, there are a couple fashion pieces that I have loved. I have found myself wearing pocket t-shirts almost every day. They are just so comfortable that I love wearing them. I also know that I will try not to wear t-shirts to school so I'm making up for that now. When I was in Chicago, I got the Kendra Scott necklace and the wallet from Fossil. Let's just say that I only take the necklace off for tennis. I think it is just perfect. I had wanted a wallet for quite sometime and I am always thrilled to use it. I love the stripes, I am a stripe kind of person, and it is just great for when I don't want to carry my keys all around. Finally I got the dress as part of my back to school shopping (comment below if you want to see a haul) and I am so excited to wear it. I haven't worn it yet but I figured I can add it to my August favorites because I have just loved thinking up different ways to wear it.
        This month was a really great one. I got to work, be with my friends and shop- all my favorite things (yes I do like to work). Part of me is sad that August has come to an end, but I am so excited that September started that I won't be too disappointed. Think homecoming, fall, football etc....

What did you like about August?

xoxo,

Maddie

50 Things That Make Me Smile

Friday isn't normally a day I would post, but I was asked to be in a link-up with a topic that I loved. The idea is to post something positive about what makes us happy. I tried to think of one item to focus on, but then I realized that I couldn't pick just one thing that makes me happy. I hope you enjoy the post and make sure to check out the other posts on this link-up!


warm days
my dog
going out for breakfast
seeing friends who live far away
looking at old pictures
colorful leaves
bright blue skies
boating
homemade waffles
seeing little kids laugh
telling puns
getting a new pocket t-shirt
using a brand new agenda
getting good grades
playing a good tennis game
going out for coffee
the farmers market
fresh raspberries
hot chocolate
apple cider
doughnut holes
getting paid
meeting someone new
thinking about the future
organizing closets
when things are perfectly color coded
wearing new shoes
getting powdered sugar everywhere
baking
eating muffins
finding a birds nest
seeing my baby cousins
planning outfits
hearing about my parents first date
reading books
the first snow
getting Southern Living in the mail
making a great breakfast
lying on the hammock
watching a sunset
giving gifts 
sitting on the beach
wearing Lilly Pulitzer
having a macaron
going for a run
painting my nails
decorating a Christmas tree
eating fudge
warm fires
blogging

Now what makes you smile? (make sure to check out the link-up here)

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

This was a great week to end my summer with. I was able to go to the farmer's market, hang out with friends and get things organized for the upcoming year. My favorite part was that I finally got my senior pictures taken last Friday. The weather was perfect for it which was amazing since it had been super humid all week. From what I saw, I love the pictures and I can't wait to share them on the blog! With that let's get on with the rest of the week:

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The weather was all over the place for the past little while. It was kind of annoying but I did like being able to wear long sleeves and sweatshirts again. One day it was super rainy so I broke out the Hunters. These are one of my favorite pairs of shoes so I loved being able to wear them!

|2|

The farmer's market is one of my favorite things about where I live. It seems like everyone in the area goes there. I love the bright colors that the food brings to the place. The best part of it all is the vendors with delicious bakery items and kettle corn. 

|3|

I used to really like to bake but it was something I just didn't do anymore. This week I decided that I wanted to bake a lemon poppy seed bread. I had so much fun baking that I am hoping to make something new every weekend. I don' think that idea will last too long but I am going to make the most of the time I have. 

How was your week?

xoxo,

Maddie