Feb 14, 2013

Treat Yo’ Self

Madeline Beard Fashion, Food, Music, Other Adventures cupcakes, india arie, mustaches, parks and rec, sweaters, valentines day 0 Comments

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

Okay, I know what you’re probably thinking: “Here we go, a nice big post filled with photos of puppies in baskets, children dressed up as baby cupids and old couples holding hands next to a scenic lake or mountainscape.” Now everyone utter the obligatory collective groan and give me a chance to explain.

None of the following will be included in tonight’s ramblings. I will, however, try to point out the redeeming qualities of the holiday. First of all, let’s all remember this: it’s a holiday. A time for celebration. Sure, you may not get the day off of work, and maybe you don’t have a “valentine”, but this is no reason to keep yourself from having fun. From the wise people at Parks & Rec, you gotta treat yo’ self:

Valentine’s Day is as good of a time as ever to treat yo’ self — I mean, it is a holiday all about love, so who better to love than yourself? Sounds good, right? Right. In case you need a bit of inspiration, I have come up with a little list of my favorite day-to-day indulgences…

but first, you’re required to listen to this India.Arie song:

Now, on to the list:

1. Bake something decadent — then share it with friends!

2. Wear something wild

3. Wear mustaches for the hell of it

These things stray from the standard treat-yo-self collection of massages, mimosas and fine leather goods that seem popular around this holiday. When I think about treating myself, it’s less about the material and more about what will make me feel the best… and let me tell you, there is no better feeling than sporting a fake mustache for a night. What do you do to treat yourself? I hope this post will spark your desire to celebrate yourself and those around you — it’s Valentine’s Day guys, might as well just spread the love.

♥

Feb 6, 2013

Mushaboom

Madeline Beard Fashion, Food, Music cava, fashion, faux fur vest, feist, gyro, stripes, sweater, winter 1 Comment

Just because the ground is cold and the skies are grey and all signs are pointing you towards the 5-pound, hand-knit sweater coat hanging in your closet doesn’t mean you have to abandon all style for the sake of function. Let’s be honest, winter is a challenge for even the most seasoned style gurus — so many layers, so few colors and my legs haven’t seen the light of day since November.

Something about today — maybe the way I started it with Mushaboom by Feist — made me face these cold weather challenges with a renewed sense of enthusiasm.

A big thank you to my roommate Mica, who gifted me with this nifty sweater yesterday…

Style Rule #382938: There’s nothing better than a striped sweater.

I find when my day starts with a solid outfit choice, it usually continues on positive trajectory. Today was no different… I found Cava and Cava found me. Enter excessively beautiful photo of my gyro…

My taste buds are singing and my heart is dancing and even though it’s winter, life is wonderful.

More adventures to come.

♥

Feb 5, 2013

Surf’s Up… on the Interwebz

Madeline Beard Food, Music, Other Adventures beer, crock pot, design, inspiration, music, patrick watson, postcard, winter 1 Comment

Hello readers! Or should I say aloha? As the temperatures stay well below my comfort zone and my first instinct is to hibernate under my covers for days, I have been using an alternative method of escapism to bring blue skys and sunshine into my life. While living vicariously through the internet 100% of the time can make me feel like a bit of a twitchy-eyed goblin creature, in small doses the internet can be quite the mood booster. So, here are some of my happiest discoveries from these past few weeks:

1. An epic pep talk from an unexpected source

2. A beautiful song for a grey day

3. My new favorite website for design inspiration

4. A postcard that speaks volumes

Source: imgfave.com via Madeline on Pinterest

5. Planning meals for the newest addition to my kitchen

Source: fiveinohio.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

The best part about the start of a new month is the opportunity to hit life’s refresh button and get back on track — I have always preferred starting something at the beginning of a new week or month — February will be all about getting back to balance. I miss little habits that seem to have fallen through the cracks so far — carrying my camera around with me 24/7, baking for the hell of it, weekend render-vous in DC and seeing my family that lives here. So, with this post, I want to raise a virtual glass to the little steps. To the reminders and the efforts that come out of them that keep me moving forward. It’s hard to see the progress when life goes whizzing by you, sometimes you just have to stop, turn around and look at how far you’ve come. Then keep moving. That’s my plan at least.

A wish of sweet dreams to all of my night owl friends and a good morning to all of my early risers. More adventures to come.

♥