Interim

 Summer 2015 has shown me lots of doors closing and windows opening. I thought I was a big hotshot when I landed an internship with HM Magazine, and with no one to blame, the magazine became no longer. Everything happens for a reason. I have said this time and time again, and it sinks in the older I get. Within minutes of the unfortunate news, a good friend of mine dropped my name to a friend of hers, and BOOM a new internship was created just for me. 

While learning tons of info about the jewelry and retail biz, I am just so thankful that I get to work and play with some beautiful and inspiring people. My first day of work was a total success! I was pretty proud of how the product photos turned out for our summer flash sale (click here to check out the other pics and to shop also!). Once work was complete, Chiara and I got to play around with an impromptu photo shoot that we hope to make into a weekly gig for both of our blogs!

Put The Lime In The Coconut

No words can really describe my trip to Dominican Republic. Actually, the pictures do not really do it justice either. From day one when the McRobimiller clan (19 in total) had one hell of a traveling experience, the moment we set foot on the Melia Caribe resort, we felt like royalty. Fresh fruit cocktails, warm hospitality, and gorgeous weather were offered to us on silver platters. I spent 7 days lying on the beach, taking jewelry making classes, learning Spanish from the locals, and devouring pineapples and coconuts all day. When it was all said and done, I felt accomplished but also a pain in my heart when my passport was stamped for exiting the island.  It's funny, the two times that I traveled out of the country was to Espanola. Not sure if this means I will travel back there, or if that is a chapter closing. Either way, I couldn't be more thankful.

Southern Charm

When it comes to fight or flight, I've always been more suited for flight. Feeling anxious? Drive away. Bored? Take a mini road trip. Find out my summer plans of interning has changed? Flee the scene of the crime and head to New Orleans.

That's what I love about my home. I can always come back. Although Louisiana is constantly changing, my feelings never do. My impromptu voyage led me to reaching out to some local friends and getting lost in the city. A childhood friend, Madi, showed me around her favorite spots which included The Orange Couch, The Spotted Cat,  Euclid Records, and Oxalis (which has amazing Bloody Marys and Rosemary tonics). Every time I visit Nola, I always find new discoveries, meet new people, and leave as a different person. A little piece of my heart is always left behind, and I am counting the days till I graduate so that I can pack my bags and make Nola my permanent home.

Bueno Locals - FPSF 2015 edition

Asli Omar of The Tontons

Grizfolk

Robert Ellis 

Benjamin Booker

 Well, FPSF, you chewed me up and spit me out. Third time was a charm for this year's festival, I was able to jump from stage to stage thanks to the last minute venue change. NRG Park was hell on concrete, but the musical treats that I discovered made up for it. After arriving fashionably late, I made it just in time for Portugal. The Man and Gary Clark Jr. - the best start for Day 1. These men proved to be a crowd pleaser with their uncontrollable sex appeal and their sheer talent. No one was disappointed. I was not able to capture any photos with my camera on the first day, which I am happy about. I was able to bask in the musical glory and focus on enjoying The Bright Light Social Hour, Band of Horses, St.Vincent, Charles Bradley (I did get a few pictures of him, but they all came out blurry because the man has some gyrating dance moves), and R.Kelly.

Day 2 had me listening to both familiar and new bands. Started off with Futurebirds (4th time seeing them), The Band of Heathens, and The Tontons. Both The Band of Heathens and The Tontons are TX native bands, so I am now on a mission to catch them again in the Houston area. I am a sucker for musicians and singers that have amazing hair and can put on a spectacular show. During the Future Islands set, I happened to stumble upon Brandi Carlile do a cover of Fleetwood Mac's The Chain. Those who know me well can pretty much guess my reaction- I dropped all of my possessions, except my camera, and jetted to the stage. I apologize for anyone that tried to get my attention during this time. I was being hypnotized by that bass line.

The highlight of FPSF for me was seeing Robert Ellis and Benjamin Booker. Ellis, a Houstonian, grabbed the audience by the hand and gave a true countryside journey through his lyrics. He was calm, cool, and collective- even when some asshole in the crowd yelled, "Are you Buxton?!". Snaps to you, Mr.Ellis. 

Benjamin Booker is based from my home state, Louisiana! This little youngin' combines blues, punk, and soul into his music. His ragged voice leaves chills down to your toes, and his guitar playing fills your body with motions that make you want to dance all the way from Houston to New Orleans. Please, please, please do yourself a favor and catch either one of these fellas whenever and wherever you can. You will not be disappointed.

As for FPSF, I always say that this year will be my last year. I don't see myself in Houston this time next year, but then again I don't like to plan that far ahead. One thing I did learn from this festival is that I am better off alone. There is nothing more satisfying then flying by the seat of my pants and not having any pressure of seeing the headliners. It's all about just sitting back and drowning in the sweet tunes of summer. So thanks again, Free Press Summer Fest, it was a pleasure.

Excuse Me While I Kiss The Sky

Summer is officially here. Bring on the sun-kissed tans, the sweet humid breezes, and the glorious days of MUSIC FESTIVALS. The first on my list is Free Press Summer Fest. This will be my third round for the Houston festival, and I believe it will be my last. Texas in June has proven that my body is getting older, and it is just plain miserable to stand the 100+ degree heat. So, I want to finalize my last FPSF with , as the kids say nowadays, on fleek outfits. It's a two day festival, but I have shockingly over prepared and picked out seven outfits.  Quick! Which two should I wear?!

The Pictures of Morgan Gray

I met Morgan Gray (she has a cool name, so I will be using her full name at all times) about a year ago. I know it sounds cliche, but I knew instantly that she was going to be one of those people that bring light and laughter into my life. With a dry sense of humor, a can't-hold-me-down attitude, and a life story that truly touched my heart- I knew we were going to be two peas in a pod.

When I started this project, I really didn't know what to expect. I just knew that I wanted to document all the people I have met throughout my life. Morgan Gray was gracious enough to be my first guinea pig, and I was STOKED when she arrived on her motorcycle. If I didn't think that she was bad ass enough with her unique tats and fiery red hair, arriving on her bike (which she named Beryl Markham) set the bar way higher.

Morgan Gray is spreading her wings and moving to Portland, soon. We've already discussed our Portland adventures of locking ourselves in her room to listen to Local Natives, watch Barbara Stanwyck movies, find Portland's best coffee shops, and to talk about topics like feminism, Bukowski, and tattoos.

Morgan Gray, I see great things happening for you. Thank you for being a beautiful woman, for introducing me to the delicious creation of Fat Bao (I still crave them everyday), and for letting me ride on the back of your motorcycle! Love and light to you and to your new adventures.

Follow Morgan Gray on Instagram

Gather Round

I don't know about you guys, but once an ounce of stress enters my world, my skin gets the beating. Now that finals week is tumbling in, the mean facial craters are making their presence known. So, instead of studying/cramming, I thought it best to post about my favorite skin care remedies that will remove the results of stress (at least from your face, that is).

1. Rosewater

The smell alone makes it an everyday staple whether I am using it as a toner, perfume, or to control hair frizz. For serious acne crisis, add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 2 tablespoons of rosewater. Apply with a cotton ball to the trouble area, then rinse off with warm water. It'll make your face feel so fresh, and so clean clean.

2.Tea Tree Oil

Don't panic. Putting natural oils (especially tea tree oil) on your face can prove to help fight the worst blemishes. Especially those painful, under-the-surface pimples that take forever to heal! I like to mix 3-5 drop of tea tree oil with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and apply to blemish area with a q-tip. Leave on for 5-8 minutes, wash off with warm water, and pat dry.

3.Apple Cider Vinegar

Another daily staple that I use both inside and out! I use it as a hair conditioner, a morning detox, and as an after face wash setter. Click here to see other helpful ways that ACV can safe your life.

4.Witch hazel

Normally my witch hazel is in liquid form, but I came across a soap form and thought, "Meh. Why not?" Now, I am obsessed. I start my day with this little bar, and I end my day with it. Witch hazel is a natural anti-inflammatory, cleanser, and moisturizer. You can't really argue with that.

5.Honey

Save the best for last. HONEY. I am fortunate enough to have an aunt and an uncle that make honey for a living, so I may be a little bias when I say that their honey is the BEST. You can click the link above to get your hands on Bernard's honey, or please contact me if you would like me to send you a honey care package! (it is honestly one of my favorite things to do) I use honey in my tea, as a cough syrup, as a Greek yogurt topping, hair masks, and for many facial masks and scrubs. My favorite way is to take a half of a lemon, pour a little honey on top of it, and apply gently to my face in the morning. It gets a little messy, but it is the best way to give me that jolt of energy and to get rid of some of the surface dirt (plus it taste delicious)! Another favorite way to use honey is as an exfoliate. When I have some cinnamon and nutmeg lying around, I'll mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1 teaspoon nutmeg and apply as a mask. Let it sit for 30 minutes and wash off with warm water.

I am also telling myself to drink more water and get 6-8 hours of sleep to get these blemish blues outta here, but I love using these products on a daily basis too :)

What are some of your daily beauty routines?

Bad Self Portraits

1. Student life has killed my social life, but it has given me more time to take pictures (of myself) and fart around with my guitar.

2. I promised myself that in the year 2015 I would try to be more open when it comes to expressing my emotions to others...its a SLOW process with not much results. But, hey, its only April!

3.Leaving for the Dominican Republic in 81 days. Need to brush up on my history and trivia!

4. Since joining Weight Watchers, I have lost 12.3 pounds and I feel amazing. Seriously, I have always been a heavy kid since junior high and I love the fact that I can face myself in the mirror. Its boosted my self confidence, and thus boosted my dating life ;-)

5. The title of this post came from my new favorite band Lake Street Dive

6. Houston is beginning to grow on me, especially since I found this place

7. Having a serious debate with myself about whether I should dye my hair blonde, or stay natural and donate my hair once it is long enough. Thoughts?

8. My next dream trip is to take a long road trip to visit family in New Mexico and to stop in Marfa, TX along the way. This WILL be happening by the end of the year.

Can't wait to start doing photo shoots again so that this blog isn't just a life update portal. Until next time!

Madeline