Mocha Spiced Hot Cocoa

I love drinks based around coffee.. typically that just means coffee. I had been recently looking through various cook books for new drink ideas, and I am across this Mocha Spiced Hot Cocoa in the cookbook by Vitamix called Create. It is really weird to think about how this hot drink is made in blender, but that doesn't seem to stop it from tasting good.

Mocha Spiced Hot Cocoa
Makes: 2 Cups

Ingredients
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 
2 teaspoons instant coffee powder
1/8 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions
-Place all ingredients in Vitamix contain in order listed and secure lid.
-select hot soup program
- switch machine to start and allow machine to complete programmed cycle. 

Although this recipe uses a Vitamix, I am sure that you can make this over the stove, or make a standard hot chocolate recipe and add in the chili and coffee powder. 

Let me know if you try it!

xoxo,

Maddie

How to have a Spa Day

There are always days where you just want to relax and take the day for yourself. Many times my biggest problem is that I can't think of what to do. I don't really like to spend the money that is involved in actually getting my nails done or going to an actual spa, so I have come up with some ways to make a spa day at home.

| Light a Candle |

The first thing I would do is light a candle. I love it when a nice smell surrounds everything you're doing. I love vanilla candles, and I also really like ones based off of nature. 

| Find the right Music |

The music might be one of the more important parts. Personally, I would pick a calm but upbeat music such as Ben Rector. Having the music just floating around you as the days go on will make it great background noise. 

| Take a Bath |

So this is a pretty obvious one for a list like this, but I think having a bath is what really makes this a spa/relaxing day. I throw in some bubble bath or a bath bomb to make the bath extra "fancy". While taking the bath, reading a book or listening to the music you picked out would be an ideal activity. 

|  Exfoliate |

I love how my skin feels after I use any type of scrub exfoliate. What is great about using these, is that there isn't a need to spend a lot of money. There are so many diy versions on Pinterest that you can easily make it the day before. 

| Do Your Nails |

I love to do my nails, but I rarely take any nice to do more than just painting them. Take the time to soak your feet or fingers and really moisturize them. Then, of course, pick out your favorite fun nail polish and take the time to give yourself the perfect paint job. 

| Use a Face Mask |

Whether you buy a face mask from some company or you make one yourself, using a face mask makes the day feel luxurious. Once it is on, just close your eyes and plug in those earbuds to create the perfect environment.  

Is there anything else you do on a Spa Day?

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

For me, all that matters this week is that I am finally done with finals. It is starting to hit me that I am in my last semester in high school, but I am not too worried since I am so excited about what is yet to come. Other than finals being done, here is what else happened this week:

|1|

I went to a coffee shop that had just opened near me. Everyone had been posting pictures on insta so I knew I had to go. Their coffee was pretty good, and the building was very light and airy. My only complaint is that it is a little expensive, but the vibe of the place makes up for it. 

|2|

I am sure you have noticed by now, but last weekend I redid my blog! I love how it looks now. I was never fully happy with how it looked in the past, and I really don't understand HTML coding so there was not much I could do. I love how this new template looks and I can't wait to do more with it! Above is what it used to look like... quite an improvement! 

|3|

 My mom has been looking for ways to add some plants into our family room so we went to some garden stores this weekend. While we were there, the succulents caught my eye, aren't they so cute? 

How was your week?

xoxo,

Maddie

Winter Workouts

I really like to work out, that is, in the summer. I love going for a run on a beautiful day and enjoying everything around me. Now that we are in the long stretch of winter, I am finding myself less motivated to work out, mainly because I have little idea of what to do. I am sure others go through this same thing, so I am sharing how I work out in the winter. 

| Cardio |
For cardio, I like to run. I start every workout by getting on the treadmill and running for a couple of miles. I just hold the speed at a steady pace the whole time. I will be totally honest and say that the main reason I run is so that I can watch Gilmore Girls on Netflix. Running and Netflix is a great combination because the TV show makes more motivated to stay on longer. 

| Arms |
This arm workout was found on Pinterest recently and it is pretty good. This workout has a beginner, intermediate and advanced version. I tend to do the beginner, but I add weights to parts of the circuit.  I will be the first one to admit that I need to work on my arms more, so I have been making a point of doing this arm workout at least twice a week.. 

| Core | 
I use Sworkit when I want to work on my core. It is an app that can be found for most phones. The workout can be set to almost any duration, and it gives you a variety of exercises. I typically set it for 15-20 minutes and by the end, my core is worked out. 

| Calves| 
I found this workout on Pinterest one day last year, and I have been using it ever since. I love quick and easy it is, while still giving your legs a workout. It takes me a max of 5 minutes to finishes, and you can do it almost everywhere. The only thing that you need is some sort of step to do leg raises on. 

How do you work out in the winter?

xoxo,

Maddie

LL Bean Boots v Sperry Duckboots

Around my school there are a ton of girls who wear the Sperry Saltwater Duck Boot, and then their are the girls that wear the LL Bean boot. A few years ago when I was trying to decide which to get I found myself searching the web for a comparison between the two. I was never able to find one so here it finally is. I will be sharing what I think are the pros and cons of each shoe, and then finally which pair I like better.

LL Bean Boot

Pros:

- Water proof for the whole boot 

- Comfortable

- Great on Ice 

- Lifetime satisfaction guarantee  

- Can wear with thicker socks 

Cons:

- Weird sizing

- Always out of stock

- Not many color options 

Sperry Saltwater Duck Boot 

Pros:

- Lots of color choices

- Shorter on the ankle

- Great on ice

- Frequently on sale

- Easier to break in

- Fleece lining 

Cons:

- Don't lace up unless you undo the knots

- Not water proof after the rubber area

Overall, I would say that I like LL Bean boots better. The fact that they are water proof for the entire shoe is what makes it stand out. This way I can wearing them more often in the winter.  I also think that the LL Bean boots are a little more comfortable, especially when wearing thicker socks. That being said, I still wear my Sperry Boots quite a bit. I really like  how they look with jeans.  If you want the boots now, then Sperry is the way to go, since LL Bean boots are backordered. In conclusion, you really cannot go wrong with either boot, but if I had to chose, it would be the LL Bean boots. 

Which pair do you like more?

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

This week was a crazy week. I spent most of the week studying for finals but some good things did occur. Tuesday we had a "snow" day which was because there was a 1/4 inch of ice on the ground in the morning. This was a nice break before finals started which was appreciated. Here was the rest of my week:

|1|

This is week is finals so studying took up the majority of my time this week. Yesterday, I had my Physics, AP Calc and AP French tests. These were some of my more stressful tests so I am glad to be done with them. All I have in terms of hard tests is my AP Psych test so you bet I will be studying a lot for that. 

|2|

After my morning finals yesterday my mom and I checked out this super cute cafe near my school. She teaches at my school so we ate together during the lunch hour. This place has a limited menu, but it was so good. I had a grilled ham and cheese with a cup of beer cheese soup with sausage. (you can guess that I love cheese)

|3|

With all of the stress of finals, I have been enjoying reading to take time to myself. I recently found Pride and Prejudice on my book shelf so I decided to try reading it again. It is so much better than I remember it being. The chapters are short which makes for a good break, and the content is interesting to still be enjoyable. 

Have a great week!

xoxo,

Maddie

Oversized with Stripes

| Pullover (similar) | Leggings | Socks | Boots | Necklace |

    Finding an amazing deal when shopping is always a great thing. For me, this happened when I was at a Vineyard Vines Outlet. I found this pullover over in the men's clearance section for under $30. I love oversized clothes for hanging around the house, and I wouldn't normally buy something oversized from Vineyard Vines due to the price, but this was the exception. It was such a great deal, and by being a men's Medium, it is perfectly oversized. I love wearing it with leggings or jean for a super casual look. Even though I normally wear Bean Boots, I broke out my Sperry's for this outfit because the matching navy looked so much better.

      In regards to my Sperry Boots, I recently untied the ends of the laces so I can now tie the boots. They look so much better this way, so I will be wearing them more. I just like them tied because it keeps the shoes from looking really big compared to the jeans or leggings. 

Aren't sales the best?

xoxo,

Maddie

Reading Recently

I have been very happy that I have been able to read more during my senior year. Every night before I go to bed I try to read a little bit. It helps me relax which allows me to fall asleep faster. I also read quite a bit over winter break. This means that I went through a lot of books. Here are some of the best books I have read recently. These books are a mix of some I have read for school and others I have read for fun. 

     

     My favorite of these books was The Whole Town's Talking by Fannie Flag. It is such a fun read that follows the life of a town from when it was founded to present day. You follow characters through their lives, and then their children's lives. For school, I am currently reading the Picture of Dorian Gray. I wasn't expecting to like it at all, but I am finding it fascinating. It is a harder book to read so it involves more concentration, but I am really enjoying it. Finally, the book I am reading at night is Pride and Prejudice. I read this a when I was in middle school so I decided to try it again. I like it a lot more than I remembered. It is the perfect type of book to read before going to bed. (interesting but not too interesting) I really have enjoyed reading all of these books. Each one is very different, but if anyone is looking for an idea here are my best recommendations. 

What books are you currently reading?

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

This was a pretty typical week this week. The best part was going to Milwaukee with my mom for a college interview. She came along because we decided to make it a day trip with shopping and lunch. It was a really great day and I hope we will have more weekends like that. Here is the rest of the week: 

|1|

During the trip to Milwaukee, I knew I wanted to visit the Navy Knot. Wisconsin does not have many preppy stores  so going to one when you have the chance is a must. This was such a cute store and the people working there were so nice that I know I will have to go back. 

|2|

I have been loving this shampoo. My brother got it for me for Christmas and I have to stop myself from using everyday. The shampoo makes my hair so soft and bouncy. It also has such a nice smell which fills the shower. I would totally recommend it for anyone looking for a quality shampoo. 

|3|

Since Christmas is over, it means I probably should not be listening to Christmas music any more so I have been trying to find something new to listen to. I am trying a bunch of different music in attempt to make the perfect playlist. If anyone has recommendation please comment below!

have a good week!

xoxo,

Maddie

10 Things to do When You're Stressed

Finals week is coming up for me. This is my last set of finals where I know I will be stressed about my grades. It hasn't been decided whether seniors will be taking finals second semester this year. (I am hoping no) Over the past years I have learned how to deal with being stressed out, so I decided semester was the best time to share my tip on how what to do when you are stressed. 

|1| Light a Candle- Lighting a candle is such a simple thing to do that can help a little. This won't make any stress disappear, but the smell can help relax you. My favorite candle smell for when I am stressed are vanilla or something beachy. 

|2| Make Tea- The act of making tea helps me a lot. It forces you to take time away from the stressor and to focus on something else. It only takes about 5 minutes, but it is such an easy way to help. Later drinking the tea is also helps me since it is a repetitive action where I can just enjoy what I am doing.

|3| Read a book- Whether it is reading a couple of pages or the entire book, reading an take you to another place where you can forget about your stress for a little bit. I like to pick a book that I have read a lot, but is still great. An example of that would be The Great Gatsby. 

|4| Meditate- I don't meditate very often, but I find myself doing it when I am lying in bed and trying to sleep. My mind keeps focusing on my stress so I use meditation to help relax me so I can fall asleep. Find out how to meditate here. 

|5| Workout- Working out is the number one way I relieve stress. I find that by going on a run I can forget about what is going on, and instead I can enjoy the show I am watching. Even if it is just for a mile, it makes a world of difference in how I feel. 

|6| Take a break- This applies to when studying is causing you stress. My breaks come in forms of me taking a bathroom break or checking my phone. I keep my phone out of the room I am studying in so it involves me getting up and doing something different. 

|7| Talk to someone- Explain your stress to someone and it can help a lot. People might not be able to help you, but by telling others it can make you feel better. I try to tell my mom when I am stressed because it allows me to share how I am feeling and not have it bottled up. 

|8| Make a schedule- Odds on whatever you are stressed out about, that is what you are focusing on. By making a schedule, it allows you to make sure that you are getting everything you need to get done completed. If you start to forget your other responsibilities, then it will just lead to more stress. 

|9| Ask for help- People are almost always willing to help someone when they ask for it. When you are stressed ask someone for help, even it if is something as simple as starting your laundry for you. If possible, other people can help take away a little stress just by helping you do day to day tasks. 

|10| Take a bath- Taking a bath or just doing something for yourself helps a lot. Baths are great because you have time alone, listen to good music or read a book, and it is relaxing. After the bath it will help you feel ready to tackle the tasks at hand with less stress surrounding you. 

What do you do when you're stressed?

xoxo,

Maddie 

New Years Goals

Every year I try to come up with New Years resolutions and I will be honest, every year they last for about a month. This year I have decided to make goals for myself instead. These are things that I can work towards throughout the year with the hope that I have accomplished all of them by the end of the year. 

The ones that I want to focus on the most would be worrying less, working out in different forms, and spending less time on social media. I worry about almost everything all of the time. It is something that I naturally do when I am stressed out, so this happens a lot. It is also important to me that I work out in new ways. Typically all I do is run, but I want to try to keep my entire body in shape. Finally, I really want to spend less time on social media. When I am bored I usually find myself spending time on social media instead of doing something productive and I would like this to change. I hope that by the end of 2017 I can say that I did everything on this list. 

What are your New Years Goals/Resolutions? 

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

The biggest part of this past week was that I spent four days in Door County. You all know how much I love that place, so this was my favorite part. This week we also had a two hour delay for school on Tuesday, and that really helped me transition from break to going back to school. Here is what happened in Door County: 

|1|

 On night for dinner we went to the Sister Bay Bowl which is a super club and bowling alley. I spotted these lights nearby on the water so I knew I had to take a picture. These were super cute and it was the towns way of recycling lights!

|2|

 The best part of the week was one morning my mom and I went out for coffee after breakfast. It was such a sweet time with her. This is the type of thing I will miss in college. After wards we took a walk and it was the perfect was to top off the great morning.

|3|

Everything was so pretty in Door County. What I love about the place is that in the winter, fewer people are there so everything is still and quite. Sister Bay is such a relaxing place to be in the winter so it was the perfect way to spend New Years weekend!

xoxo,

Maddie

Bean There Done That

| Pullover | Leggings | Coat (similar) | Socks (similar) | Boots | Mittens (from local store) | 

I could talk about how much I like LL Bean forever. What I am most excited about is that I got the Beans pullover for Christmas. I found that it was perfect to where in Door County, which is where I was for New Years. It was pretty chilly in Door County, especially when near the water, but I found that the pullover was plenty warm. What is great about the sweater is that even though it is very warm, it isn't so much so that you can't wear it indoors. I loved sitting by the fire later on, and just having a very cozy feeling. This sweater may be a contender for my favorite pullover... ever. 

xoxo,

Maddie