LUSH IN STORE VISIT

   It's no surprise how much I love Lush Cosmetics. What is this, my third Lush post? If you have ever used Lush, I'm sure you would understand my obsession. For all of those who have not been to a Lush store, hopefully this will give you a little incentive. When you walk into the shop the first thing you see is a rainbow display of bath bombs and bubble bars.  The store smells fresh, but more natural than other stores lIke Bath & Bodyworks. Lining the walls are shelves of recycled containers filled with other Lushy stuff.  Even the paint on the walls is made of recycled material. Upon arrival a sales associate will greet you.  I have yet to meet an employee who was not kind, insightful, and bounding to help me with literally anything.  I brought Marcus with me, who was less than enthusiastic to be shopping. After conversing with different workers, testing a bath bomb, and getting his hands washed a few times he actually started to have fun! I promise Lush is not just for girls. They have a whole section for men. For Marcus I bought Kalamazoo, a beard and facial wash; As well as purchasing several different bath bombs for myself,  and Ocean Salt scrub for both of us.  I think the reason I love Lush so much is because the company seems to value each customer, and the ecosystem immensely. Now if only more businesses thought that way. I hope I informed you at least a little, and thank you for taking the time to read my nonsense.  

Xx,

Maddi

IN THE 303

   My boyfriend and I went on a little road trip to the state of Colorful Colorado.  We crashed on the couch of his family, and didn't plan a single minute of our stay.  While our visit was nothing extravagant, like spending a week on the beach, or flying cross-country, we still had an amazing time. We slept in far too long, met up with family, had the most delicious home cooked meals, and opened Easter gifts.  Our low budget vacation was much more than I could have ever asked for.  Sometimes it's nice to just get lost every once in a while.  Even if that means driving in circles with road-rage induced arguments.  The best part of our trip was the night drive home.  Nothing closes a trip to CO like a horizon filled with Denver lights, good music, and my best friend next to me.  Four hours in a car with anyone else would have been excruciating.  Not with Marcus.  When we finally got home, our little bungalow of a house looked frozen in time; dishes still in the sink and clothes still on the floor.  Nothing was touched. As if we had never left at all, and our little escape was just a faint dream. 

The Look

Jean Jacket  - F12

Abstract Blouse - Vintage
Badsport Bra - Unif
Satchel - Steve Madden
Black Jeans - Love Sick
Hellraiser Loafers - Unif

Photos by Marcus Vigil

WHAT A DRAGGG

   On a lonely Thursday night I received a message from my lovely friend Nick. Spontaneously enough, he invited me not only to the RuPaul's Drag Race show, but also to a meet and greet!  How could I say no?! I would never pass up an opportunity to see drag makeup in action.  The meet and greet went perfectly; the queens fondled my hair as I fondled their wigs in between conversation. A photographer took our picture, then we hurried down to the stage. We were right up front for the entire performance.  There was singing, lip syncing (duh!), dancing, stilt walking, comedy, celeb impersonations, and of course amazing costumes.  Although the show was very extravagant, the crowd was my favorite.  As soon as I walked into the Bourbon Theater I felt relieved of the judgment that seems to follow on the street.  I have never been surrounded by so many people who where comfortable in their own skin.  The LGBT community is the most moving congregation of this generation, there is absolutely no denying it.  I was sure as hell touched.  I don't understand how anyone could look at these drag queens and think they were made to be anyone other than the women they are today. 

Bless your sparkly souls,

Madison 

Pictures by Nick Combs

Omaha Fashion Week Part One: On the Runway

   I have far too much to show for Omaha Fashion Week 2015 for one blog post.  I contemplated editing down, but I would end up sitting at my computer for hours trying to decide what to cut. Instead, you all must suffer a bit of suspense before you can see my behind the scene photos.  If you are NOT excited, please exit to your right at the (X).  Randy Edwards did an excellent job filming the Declared runway, making it look flawless. I can assure you everything up until the runway show was chaos.  The Declared team still managed an unforgettable first show and line. All the sweat and stress paid off.  The Merbabes looked chic as hell. I had an incredible time at Omaha Fashion Week, and am honored to be in the position I am today.   Hope you enjoy the video, and thanks for reading.

 TO BE CONTINUED.. 

xox,

Maddi

SS2015 MERBABE

www.shopdeclared.com

Video by: Randy Edwards

Dear Diary - Lookbook Video

   I have not posted in almost two months, Jinkies! So, that is super embarrassing. I apologize, but on a brighter note I have had the most eventful two months of my life, potentially. Firstly, I shot my first lookbook video with Declared.  The Dear Diary Lookbook was inspired by the sweet childhood of 90's kids everywhere.  Naturally, I jumped at the opportunity to cover myself in Stick-em Stones.  Please check out the video, and Declared's new Merbabes line. Click the ad below to be transported, or whatever. 

Stay on your toes. I'll be posting my Omaha Fashion Week behind the scenes soon, but don't hold your breath. 

Love me or hate me,
Maddi

Wintery LUSH Haul

   It has been so long since I have seen this much snow.  I can't walk outside without getting snow in my socks.  I can honestly say I will not miss it when Spring comes.  While I hate the cold and ice, it seems that severe weather conditions bring out the best in people.  Someone was always there to help push when me and my boyfriend got stuck in a drift.  And we were just as happy to help anyone in the same situation, including a guy who ran out of gas and had to chip away the ice on his trunk to find his gas can. Every time I walk out side it seems so cold, but whenever I was helping someone I didn't seem to notice as much.  

   All I really want to do in the winter is sit in a long warm bath.  Lush had an after Christmas buy one get one sale, and you already know I couldn't resist. I only spent $33 total, which is basically like the price of two original priced items. Give or take. A lot of these products are sold out due to the fact that they were holiday specials, but I'm hoping this will give you some insight on similar products, which I will link.

Drummers Drumming Bubble Bar

   I cut my bubble bar into pieces and only used about one fifth of mine in the bath. I found that it works best if you hold the piece directly under the water as it's running.  Otherwise, it won't fully disintegrate. Either way the bubbles form automatically. The small chunk I used was more than enough to fill the entire tub with bubbles.  It produced a fresh smell, but honestly what Lush product doesn't? The bubbles didn't last as long as I would have hoped, but I feel if I were to use more at a time that wouldn't be an issue. Aside from the bubbles, I was surprised to find that it made my skin feel smoother than any other bubble bath I have used.

So White Shower Gel

   Of all of the products I ordered So White was my least favorite.  It does have an apple-like scent, but I'm not sure if I'm a fan.  For lack of better words, it is the "soapiest" smelling of them all.  To me it reminds me of something you wouldn't want to get in your eye.  It says it is shimmery, but on the skin it is almost impossible to notice.

First Snow Dusting Powder 

   I find First Snow to be the most useful because of it's versatility.  I have very dry hair from numerous bleaches, so I use hair oil to keep it hydrated and shiny.  Occasionally I use too much and my hair looks oily.  I use first snow to powder my roots, and make them look less glossy in those instances. This product would be wonderful for powdering yourself down on hot summer days, smelly shoes, and after a warm bath.  Lush also recommends sprinkling it in your sheet, which I am so down to try. First snow smells delicious, and is very shimmery.  So glittery in fact that your hands will look like a craft room.

Snowman Fun

   Lush's Fun products are made to be used as whatever you want. It works in the same way as a bubble bar, shampoo, and body soap.  It has a play dough texture, and is about as kid friendly as those crayons kids draw all over the bathroom walls with, excepts it's cleaner.  Fun gives you the most product for your money. It's very bubbly, and will last you a long time.  The best part about my snowman is that it smells like candy!

Baked Alaska Soap

   From the front you can see the colorful side of the bar. On the other side is a thin, white, silky layer. The white side is much more moisturizing.  This bar is bigger than the bar of Sea Vegetable from my last Lush haul, but it does not smell nearly as good in my opinion.  I have never had baked Alaska, but this soap smells like it came out of the garden, not the oven. Regardless, It still smells sweet. 

Hot Toddy Shower Gel

   Last but not least is my favorite of all, Hot Toddy.  I was expecting the shower gel to smell like cinnamon candy.  While I do smell a hint of cinnamon, I was pleased to know that the scent is much more natural.  It smells like a burst of cloves, which happens to be my favorite scent of all time.  On the skin Hot Toddy feels tingly and soothing.  It has glitter in it, but it washes away without a trace.  My only complaint would be that the smell does not cling to the skin like the other gels.

Karma Soap

   Lush sent me a small sample of the Karma soap with my order.  It is a red bar with a potent aroma.  Karma is the only bar of soap I have yet to use from lush that retains it's scent on the skin for so long.  It is also the most masculine of all the Lush products I have used.  It smells like musky woods, and lemon.  It isn't my personal favorite, but I could see it being a great gift for a guy. This is the only product this is currently still in stock. 

   I like to do these reviews as soon as I get done using the products for the first time.  I think the initial experience gets lost after repeated use, and I never like to be bias.  So, I'm sitting here in my bath robe typing up this post, and all I can hope for is that you find my words honest and genuine.  

Thanks for reading!!

Love,

Maddi

Sweaters Forever & Love Letters

   I am just a young Padawan learner.  I receive compliments all the time about my blog, but I know I can do much better.  I like to set the bar high, too high at times. I have made so much progress since I started that it hurts to look back at old photos; old mistakes.  I refuse to delete anything because I want people to know where I came from, and who I was when I began.  I believe I have come as far as I possible can alone.  

   I started a new chapter and I have enlisted Amy Lynn as my mentor.  I now have someone who not only understands my aspirations, but also follows all the same Instagram users and fashion bloggers.  I spent three days with her doing a product shoot, and modeling in her newest lookbook.  I sat in on a design meeting, and model casting.  We even made a video.  I  learned various different camera and editing tricks, which I brought back home and am eager to try.  I would consider myself an intern, but the professional term does not describe the beautiful friendship we have formed. 

Love, 

Maddi

 Amy has a new shop devoted to cuddles and upcycled sweaters.  Check out the link below to see more sweaters like mine.  Thanks for reading!!

 Sweaters Forever 

2015

Big things are going to be happening this coming year.  I have had a very stressful, yet insightful 2014, but I am so ready for a new beginning.  Here I have compiled a "to do" list for my New Year's resolution, which I will be damned if I don't stick to it.  

Make a website: I made this blog only a few months ago, and I am ready to get serious.  I had a blast modeling for Declared Clothing, which I hope to continue. I have had a few collaboration requests, but I think my own webpage would look much more professional than Blogger. 

Upload to YouTube: In the past I have made half-hearted comments about Vlogging.  I honestly have no clue how to edit a video. I know, shame on me.  I really do think YouTube is an important tool in the blogging community.  This is a bandwagon I have been dragging behind for too long.  in 2015 I promise to make all those videos you as readers did not receive in 2014. 

Moving the BF in:  I am so ready for my boyfriend, Marcus, to move into my home.  Call me sappy, but he is my main support and best friend.  He always encourages me to be the best I can be.

Redecorating the basement:  So far living with my cousin Jessica in our cute little house has been a blast.  The only thing not so cute is our basement.  Currently housing dog crates, washer and dryer, and boxes, I'm sure you can imagine how much use it gets.  With an extra person in the house we will need more room.  I am hoping to turn it into a tranquil studio for movies, cuddles, crafts, and memories. 

Read more books:  I have complied quite the list of books I must read, reread, and own.  I love reading but it seems I never make the time to.  No more excuses.  I must read more! One of my favorite books, Looking for Alaska is by and based on the life of John Green. With having so many friends overseas, it is hard not to love this book. 

Get Healthy(er): I have struggled with Crohn's Disease for almost eight years now, so trying to manage my health is nothing new.  I have grown so much as a person because of this that it is hard to be bitter about having a chronic disease. Although, there are things I could be doing to stay on the top of my game, like excising more frequently, and cutting out unhealthy foods, or foods that will make me sick.  This is a pretty common New Year's goal, but my personal goal is to reduce as much inflammation in my body as possible.  

Be outrageous: I love clothing, whether that makes me material or not. As an art minded person I find it fascinating to mix the most unconventional, unloved, and most of all, tacky clothing.  I have no problem with making a fool out of myself, so I plan to push my outfits a little further.  Brace yourself. 

Try new things:  I have travel fever.  In 2015 I hope to travel to Detroit, and LA with Marcus.  I want to have the most spontaneous time of my life.  I love to embrace myself in the culture of the community, and do as locals do.  I am all about new foods, and activities.  I am learning to keep an open mind now that I am an "adult." But, it is always important to stay true to yourself, even if you are still trying to figure out who that person is. 

This is what is ahead for me, what is ahead for you?  I would love to know.  This blog has been such a learning experience for me, as I hope it was for you.  Thank you for all of your support as readers. See you in 2015.

Xx,

Maddi

Quick Faux Bob

    Last week I bought a curling iron with a 1/2 inch barrel.  Basically, the smaller the barrel, the tighter the curls.   In order to make my hair as voluminous as possible I curled small strands, all individually.  After every lock was curled I brushed it out just enough to loosen the curls without making it frizzy, then back combed it to desired height.  I use hairspray generously, can you tell?  In these photos my hair is parted in the middle, but you can realistically part yours any direction when doing this up-do.   Finally, I  twisted and rolled up the right side of my hair starting from the end, how you would around a hair roller or curling iron.  Just above my ear I placed a hair pin to hold the roll of hair in place, then severally more pins to stabilize it up.  Repeat this with the left side.  If you have thicker hair do one or two more sections in the back.  I pinned my bangs up and back behind my ears as well, but this is not necessary. When you are finished, you can add some personal touches by rearranging curls, teasing, pushing the rolls up and down, and pulling tendrils out like I have done.  Don't forget to do a once over with hair spray.   This hair style is super fast and will stay up all night long if pinned correctly.   Have all the perks of short hair without cutting it.  You might even fool people.

I did,
Maddi

The Look

Revlon Perfect Heat 1/2 Inch Curling Iron

Mel B Dress - Drop Dead  

 Yellow Rain Coat - Columbia 

06 Forever Fuchsia Lip Stain - Sephora

  

THANKS FOR READING

XO