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.

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?!

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

Change Gonna Come

As the one year blog anniversary approaches, so does my 25th birthday. It's been a long time coming, but the mid quarter life crisis came into full effect these past few weeks. I bid farewell to my old car, Felecia (byeeeeee Feleciaaaaaa), I chopped off 8 inches of my hair, I got tatted up by my long time friend Brooke, and I moved back home for the next 3 months. Ups and downs and merry-go-rounds would probably be my album title if I was producing a record right now. But I am embracing the change. I am embracing the little windowless room I am occupying- it helps me to think. As 2014 ends and 2015 is soon to begin, more change is to come. I will say goodbye to the Free People world and hello to the college world for once and for all. I am taking my discount to full advantage, and stocking up on all the goodies. 

I am thankful for change. I am thankful for my family and friends. And I am thankful for all the past, present, and future opportunities.

Happy Turkey Day!

Madeline