You're More Than a Pretty Face

Looks ain't everything, my friends. As I continue writing this blog, I want y'all to know that I'm not doing it for people to view and envy everything I post. I love fashion, and I love Jesus, and He comes first. And He created you just the way he wanted you. God made you! How crazy is that? He knows every hair on your head and every thought that runs through that head. Whenever you look in the mirror and hate what you see (I know I'm guilty of this), don't you think that breaks His heart? You don't see that you're God's beautiful creation and that His love is enough. So what if you don't have that thigh gap? So what if you have acne? So what if you don't own the newest must-have? It doesn't matter. Outward beauty fades. Yep, here comes the cliche. It's what's on the inside that counts. Kindness, joyfulness, encouragement, patience - these things matter. Glorifying God with every day - that matters. I'm here, writing this blog, so that I can share my outfits and experiences with whoever wants to read this! Though, I have to remind myself that it isn't about appearances. Sure, I love clothes as much as the next fashionista, and if I appear to have it all together, I promise I don't. No one does. And that's okay!  I do not want those who read this to be caught up in appearances that will not last forever when what is in your heart will! I pray that you all know Jesus and realize that He is everything and that the things of this world are not. I'm going to continue living for Jesus, and surely fail many times, but I'll be wearing cute clothes while doing it! We're never going to be perfect, but that doesn't mean we should stop trying.

Proverbs 31:25-26
"She is clothed with strength and dignity,
she can laugh at the days to come.
She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Proverbs 31:30
"Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

Love y'all, sorry I haven't posted in a while! School has been keeping me quite busy!

-Maddy

Tin City

top (similar) // jeans // shoes // necklace (recent from Old Navy, not online) // watch

Now that I'm back in NC, looking through these pictures makes me nostalgic! It always feels good to be home after traveling, but I already miss the warm air and pretty beaches of Florida. These pics are from our last night on the trip. We visited Tin City in Naples, FL, and it was super cute and filled with shops and restaurants lining the water. We ate at the Pinchers Crab Shack, which had amazing crab cakes and shrimp, and even my bottomless-pit-brother was satisfied after the meal.

I was looking for an excuse to wear these shoes, so I found the last night on the town to be a perfect opportunity! I also really liked jacking up this simple top and pants with some gold jewelry. The earrings I'm wearing came from a precious shopping center in Texas called Spice Village, which is basically Etsy in real life.

Right now I'm procrastinating on finishing a paper that's due next week, and I'm trying to hang on to the last bit of spring break by relaxing in the mountains with some sweet coffee and sweet people. If you're procrastinating too, I don't blame ya, so thanks for stopping by! I hope y'all have had a wonderful week!

-Maddy

Beach Bum

 I promise I wore sunscreen.

 similar tunic // bikini // earrings // bag // sandals

How pretty is this place?! The weather has been wonderful for our little trip. Yesterday we hit the beach again, and I sported this tunic as a coverup. After being in arctic temperatures back home, it was pleasant to be hot while being outside.

While we were laying out on the beach, I got a little restless. I felt unproductive and like I should be doing the homework that's looming over me this week instead of just "tanning" in the sand (I don't really tan, I just freckle). During these antsy thoughts, I reminded myself that hardly ever at a prestigious university do I get to experience peace. No waves were creating that rhythmic ocean sound, nobody was partying and causing a ruckus, it was just quiet. The world can be troubling, but finding peace where you are is beyond wonderful. John 16:33 says, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."

-Maddy

Floral in Florida

This picture is only in here because it looks like I have no right arm.

Just look at these sleeves!!!

dress (sold out, similar styles here and here)  // shoes // bangles // rope bracelet (similar) // watch // earrings

This is last night's dinner look! At Watermark Grille, I split the Mahi Mahi with my daddy, and it was delicious, and the restaurant is beautiful! I can't resist good seafood when it's available! This floral dress is going to be on repeat this spring and summer. It is so comfortable, fun, and classic, I could live in it. Not to mention these shoes! They are so cute and comfortable as well. I'm super pleased with this purchase, and I'm really glad they arrived right before our trip! 

I'm so thankful for the time I'm spending with my family. We're all pretty weird, but that just makes things interesting. I can't remember the last time we've been together just relaxing, and the down time is great. Plus, we're all stuck in the same space, so it's hard not to be around each other! Thanks fam, if you're reading this, y'all are the bomb dot com.

-Maddy

In a While, Crocodile

The sign said you could hug an alligator...

…so I obliged.

Y'all, his marking on his belly says "pals!"

My parents are actually the cutest.

I hope you enjoy these quality iPhone pics from the Everglades! Florida is beautiful and so warm! Today, we slept in before heading out to the Everglades for an airboat ride. It was beyond wonderful to sleep in after a super early flight yesterday. The airboat ride was so much fun! Captain Art even let me drive for a little while ;) Before the ride, I held my little pal! I have loved animals as long as I can remember, so if you tell me I can hold one without it killing me, I'm in. 

Stay tuned for more spring break posts! I hope everyone is off to a great week!

-Maddy

Braids on Braids on Braids

So one time over the summer, I tried out YouTube! I love braiding my hair, and I receive many complements about the different braids I do, so I thought I'd show people how to do them. Thanks for watching, let me know what y'all think!

Also, I finally publicized my blog, and I'm really glad I did! By that I mean that I finally told people about it, and y'all responded way better than I imagined! Thanks to everyone who's reading and supports me because I was super nervous to tell people about starting a blog. I wasn't sure what people would say or think, but I love it, and I hope other people find joy doing things a little out of their comfort zone. Who knows what can be accomplished through you unless you try and do it? I'm excited about branching out, you should be too!

-Maddy

Spring Fling

Girls just wanna have fu-un.

oxford // vest (similar) // scarf (similar) // pants (similar) // shoes // watch // bracelet

Happy Monday y'all! Today was the day of my Biology exam, so I did as I've been told: dress well, test well. This ornate scarf goes so fabulously with these pants, and I was excited when I saw them next to each other like two peas in a purple pod. Right now, I like adding bold patterns to simple outfits for a little boost of visual interest (and it brings an outfit together perfectly)!

In the midst of midterms and sickness, this weekend was a bit dreary for me. But, with some wonderful people taking care of me and the encouragement of a sunny day, I am ready to tackle these last few days before spring break! I'm so excited to visit warm beaches and snowy mountains during my break next week and see more of God's handiwork! It'll be a lovely getaway from the stress and rush of college. Have a great week y'all! Take some time to do something fun!

Psalm 113:3 "From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!"

-Maddy