My Memorial Day Weekend

Door County is the only place where I feel like Memorial Day weekend should be spent. Last year my family didn't go and the whole weekend felt a little strange. I loved being there this weekend. My family did all of my favorite things and I got to go out for my favorite breakfast. This weekend set the stage for a great summer. 

We started out the weekend by checking the Door County Master Gardener's plant sale. My mom loves gardening so stopping was must. 

We spend the afternoon of the first day shopping, walking around the marina as well as an obligatory stop for ice cream. Coffee ice cream has my heart that's for sure.

I loved taking walks down to the shore and watching the waves. There is no better sound to me than that of the waves crashing against the shore.

For some reason, each night ended with a cheese plate that my parents made. I consumed so much cheese, but it was a great way to end a day outdoors. 

 The weather was supposed to be bad the whole weekend, but it turned out to be beautiful. I got in a hike at Peninsula State Park. I loved checking out the beach when no one was there, as well as seeing all of the flowers. 

I can't think of a better way to end my weekend than with Singing Donuts. These are customizable donuts, fresh out of the fryer. My siblings and I go every time we are in Door County. 

Until next time, 

Maddie

What to Do When You're Bored

This past week I have experienced something I haven't felt for almost a year: boredom. Now that senior year is almost over, I don't have anything to do.  I am not the kind of person who can just sit around and do nothing; I can't even get myself to nap in the middle of the day. I have had to find other ways to occupy my time.

| Plan Outfits | 

I love to check out my closet, and maybe my mom's, to try to create outfits I haven't worn before. I pride myself on not wearing the same outfit to school twice in a month so this allows me to come up with a bunch of new, fun ideas. If I am ever stuck on ideas, I can check out Pinterest for a couple of minutes and then I'm on my way. 

| Go On a Walk |

I mentioned earlier this week how much I love walking (here). Going on a walk is an easy way to kill time that doesn't involve too much effort. I just grab my dog or a family and take a quick walk with them. It becomes a nice way to get some exercise and an even better way to spend quality time with others.

| Organize Your Room |

If you're anything like me then your room starts clean at the beginning of the week and goes downhill from there. I love having a clean room, but I don't always have time to maintain it. When I don't have anything to do, I quickly put my room together, or even redo how part of it is organized. 

| Bake Cookies |

Baking is something that I always enjoy, but don't do as often as I'd like. Making cookies or any other type of baked good is always fun to do. My go to would probably chocolate chip or peanut butter cookies. I guarantee you won't be bored when cooking and everyone will appreciate the outcome. 

| Make Lists |

I am a list person. Almost everyday I have some sort of list telling me what I need to do. I also really just enjoy making lists. When I'm really bored, making lists can entertain me. These lists can be anything from clothes that I want, a bucket list, or places that I might want to travel. Lists are great because they can be anything. 

What do you do when you're bored?

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

Senioritis is in full swing this week. I don't really want to do anything, but I have so many projects I need to finish. Even with that, this had still been a pretty good week. Check it out. 

|1|

My soccer team won our conference this week! We won with not so hot of a game, but we had played really well against some tough teams so I am really happy about it. It's nice to know i'll end my soccer career with a good ending.

|2|

I made dinner this week and it was surprising good! I love to bake, but I don't cook a lot. I found the recipe of Pinterest (here) a while ago, and I finally got to make it. It tasted really good. I definitely hope to cook more often this summer. 

|3|

Senior year is coming to a close, and this week it was marked by a senior awards night and a best in class event. The best in class event was at Lambeau Field (the Green Bay Packer Stadium) and all of the valedictorians from area schools go. 

How was your week?

xoxo,

Maddie

Little Things that Make Me Happy

| Reading on my Hammock |

There is nothing quite like swaying on my hammock and reading a good book. I love lying under the trees and watching the breeze ruffle the leaves. In the summer, this is how I love to spend my time. A good book plus a hammock is the best way to spend the summer. 

| Walks |

I adore going on walks. I go with my parents most of the time, but if no one can come along then I take my dog. I love being outside and enjoying the nice weather. I'll walk almost any day, in any weather. Walking is so refreshing and its a great way to get a little exercise in without too much work. 

| Sunshine |

Feeling the sunshine on you is an indescribable feeling. Living in a place where the sun doesn't shine for almost 2-3 months, you come to realize how amazing it is. The warm that spreads over you when being in the sun is one of my favorite feelings. 

| Flowers |

I used to take all of the flowers that are around my house for granted, but these days I just love seeing them pop up. Seeing flowers planted or in bouquets never fails to bring a smile on my face. I wish that I could always fill my house with fresh flowers. 

| Getting the Mail | 

I know that this is pretty weird, but I love getting the mail. Of course, it is always the best when I actually get something. Even when nothing is for me, I still enjoy it. I think it is because it requires me to go outside and move around, but I don't really know why I love getting the mail.

| Farmer's Markets | 

If you read anything I posted last summer, you will have gotten a pretty good idea of how much I love farmer's markets. I love walking around looking at all of the bright colored foods, eating various foods and people watching. This is by far and away my favorite part of the week.

What makes you happy?

xoxo,

Maddie

Current Favorite Tunes

I tend to only listen to music when I am running or in my car so it takes me a little while to find some new favorites. Recently, I have only been listening to country music in my car. There is something about driving with the windows down and belting out your favorite tunes. That is one thing I can say for country music, it is really easy to sign along with. 

When I run I listen to other music, but that music normally never changes. This playlist would probably be the best representation  of what I listen to when I run. I really do enjoy listening to new types of music, so if you have any recommendations please let me know!

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

What a week. I had my birthday, the biggest soccer game of the year, and a trip to Chicago all the course of this week. The soccer game determined who won the conference, and since we tied, it looks like two teams will. On top of all of this, it seems that I have finally been struck with senioritis. Here was my week: 

|1|

Early this past week was my birthday. I went to Chicago with my mom to go out to a fancy dinner and to visit my grandparents for my birthday. After lunch, we stopped at the cutest french bakery, and it was sooo good. I would go there everyday if I could!

|2|

Now that AP testing is over, all of my classes have become really chill. The best was that we had a cake decorating contest in my government class. My group got second place, but I question that decision. I should have won.  

|3|

Finally, this was week included senior skip day. Since I had a soccer game on the actual day, I made up my own instead. I went to yoga and then had the cutest breakfast at a local coffee shop afterwards. Any day that I start out with a Chai Latte will be a good day. 

And yes, I do realize these are all food pictures.....

xoxo,

Maddie

Spring Denim

| Top (similar) | Jeans | Belt | Necklace | Bracelet | Watch | 

I always forget that in Wisconsin, warm weather doesn't as quickly as you think it should. It is mid May, and only finally beginning to be shorts weather. I have had to keep coming up with different outfits that are both perfect for spring, and warm enough for a 50 degree day. I have really liked pairing various color pants with button downs. It is a super simple outfit, but never fails to look good. 

What do you wear on cool spring days?

xoxo,

Maddie

Multi-Berry Smoothie

Now that it warmer outside, I no longer want to make myself a hot lunch everyday. What I have been loving is smoothies. They are so easy to make, but I hadn't actually made one myself until this spring. I have always seen recipes on Pinterest, and finally I have found my perfect smoothie. 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt

1 cup milk

1 cup frozen berries

1 frozen banana

splash of orange juice

Instructions:

Combine all of the ingredients in the blender with the heaviest items on the bottom. Blend until smooth. Enjoy. 

Also, when I pick out what fruit to use, I normally do equal parts raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. Any amount of each will work, it all depends on what your personal favorites are. 

What kind of smoothies do you like?

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

I love when I can say that I had a good week, despite the continuation of AP Testing. This past weekend was Prom, then I had a good soccer game and I've gotten to spend some special time with my family and friends. Here was my week:

|1|

 I loved being able to dress up for prom. Any occasion to look nice, I love to grab. It was such a great night because I had a bunch of fun with my friends, and I felt so good about the whole night. Check out my prom pictures here!

|2|

 This week was the start of birthday week. My sibling and I are all born three days in a row, so it is almost like the whole week is a celebration. My birthday is the last one, so I always have to wait, but the thing I am most excited for this year is giving my sister her gifts! 

|3|

I have been loving smoothies recently. I have at least one a week for lunch. For some reason I used to think that they were hard to make, but after seeing some recipes on Pinterest I knew I should try they. They are so great for lunch because they are easy to make and don't take too much time! 

How was your week!

xoxo,

Maddie

Senior Prom

This first time I ever thought about Prom was when I was in around 12 and saw my neighbor taking pictures for her prom. Since then I have been looking forward to my chance to go to Prom. The time has gone so fast and now I can't believe that Prom is over! Here are the pictures from this weekend. 

| Dress | Shoes |

Prom was this past weekend! I was a little unsure whether I would have fun or not, mainly because I don't love to dance. Though, I do always enjoy dressing up, taking pictures and going out to dinner. I was really happy that I had a ton of fun. I loved hanging out with my friends and it was so nice to see everyone all dressed up. There was one disappointment for the night, that is that almost none of my pictures turned out. My parents forgot to check that the camera was on auto focus, so I only have around 10 photos. As such as I wish I had more, I am so thankful that this was the only disappointing for the entire evening. Overall, prom was a smashing success. 

xoxo,

Maddie

Birthday Wish List

With life being so busy, it just hit me that my birthday is in a week! I am not surprised about this since I have had so much on my mind, but it is still a little crazy to think that I will be 18 soon. I was always the kid to give my parents a long list of things that I wanted, but this year I can't think of too much. Here is what I (think) I want for my birthday.

| Ray-Bans | Striped Tee | Box of Macaron | Baseball Hat | Trip to Charleston |

 | Perfume Rollerball | Flowers | Tumbler |

   My biggest "dream" item would be a weekend getaway to Charleston with my mom. I love traveling with her since we like all of the same things. I also am well aware that I won't get this for my birthday so everything else is more realistic, well maybe not the sunglasses but who knows.

     I keep taking my mom's J. Crew shirts so I feel like it is about time for me to get one for myself. I know that if I don't get one for my birthday, I'll just buy it anyways. A couple of other things are for college as well; the hat and tumbler would both be great for next year. 

     Finally I just love cute little gifts. Getting flowers would be so sweet. I see flowers all around right now, and I just always love looking at them. Macaron are one of my favorite desserts. I love how cute and little they are, as well as how French I feel when eating them. My favorite flavor is always coffee, knowing me, how could it not be?

I can't believe that I am almost 18! 

xoxo,

Maddie

Thursday Three

This was a pretty good week, other than it being the start of AP testing. I decided where I was going for college, see the post here, and I got to do a bunch of other things that I don't normally do. Here is what I was up to this week:

|1|

I got to go to Door County this weekend for the first time in a while. It was so nice to be able to get away from all the craziness at home. I was pretty windy outside, so I wasn't near the water too much so that was a little disappointing. Other than that, it was a great way to spend my weekend!

|2|

My best friend goes to a different high school than I do so I am not always able to see her, but last week I went to her soccer game! It was a ton of fun seeing her play, talking with her parents, and then going out for dinner with her afterwards. Seeing her always makes for a good week.

|3|

AP tests are always stressful for me, so after the literature test I went out for lunch at my favorite coffee shop as a reward. I had a panini, but I ate it way too fast to take a picture. I am starting to love going out to eat by myself. It is surprisingly relaxing, but always enjoyable. 

How was your week?

xoxo,

Maddie

University of Wisconsin-Madison Class of 2021

With yesterday being the national college decision day, I am so excited to announce that I am going to be a badger next year!

I will be honest, Madison was never my first choice in schools. I got into some of my dream schools, but it wasn't meant to be. That being said, there are so many things that I am so looking forward to. I am excited for rush this fall, going out for brunch, visiting the states largest farmer's market and exploring dozens of new coffee shops. I have had no problem imaging what I will be doing at Madison. Next year will be quite the big year for me, and I hope you will all follow along with me as I start a new journey. 

Can't wait for next year!

xoxo,

Maddie