October Favorites

Like I say in every monthly favorites post, where did the month go? I feel like I was just sitting down to write my September favorites post. This month has been really busy with school and my last few college applications, but I have been enjoying the nice "Florida fall" weather and spending lots of time with my friends. Today I will be sharing a few of my random favorites from this month.

1. Trying new restaurants.
I have never really considered myself a "food junkie" or anything but this month I tried a few new places to eat. Everything I ate was just too good not to share with y'all.

 

Pizza Fusion
These Greek and Bruchetta pizzas were to die for.
Talk about fresh and delicious.

The Oxford Exchange
Although I have been here a million times, I have never been
for lunch. My mom and I split this BBQ burger with
sweet potato fries and oh was it good!

Ulele
These were some of the amazing appetizers we ordered.
Crab mac and cheese, fried okra, and alligator bits, yum!

2. Snail Mail

Y'all know how much I love snail mail. After my 'Reasons I Love Snail Mail" post, I received numerous cards in the mail and I couldn't have been happier.

Some of my recent Target dollar section finds.

3. Pumpkins

It's October, of course pumpkins are in my favorites list. I decorated and bought many pumpkins and pumpkin scented/flavored things this month. I don't know what it is about pumpkins, they are just so cute!

Of course, my pumpkin had to be monogrammed! 

4. Boom Chicka Pop

Oops for adding more food to favorites but this kettle corn from Target is just so delicious! I have to admit that I really only bought it because the bag was so cute, but it turns out it tastes amazing too. I may have eaten half the bag on the way home from Target (don't judge, haha!)

A recent Target run including the delicious Boom Chicka
Pop, felt-tip pens, and washi tape.

 5. Auburn University

This month I received my first college acceptance letter from the beautiful Auburn University in Alabama. Although I haven't decided where I will be going to college, I was beyond excited and couldn't resist putting Auburn in this month's favorites post. If you graduated from or are currently attending Auburn University, comment below or on Instagram and war eagle!

But first, let me take a selfie with my acceptance letter. War eagle!

Well, I hope this favorite's post wasn't too boring. Like I said, I have been really busy with school and haven't been able to devote as much time as I would like to my blog. I am hoping after submitting all my college applications and with the end of the semester near, I will be blogging more constantly.

 

Thanks for reading! Be sure to follow more of my adventures on Instagram @MonogrammedMadison and Twitter @MonogramMadison.

 



Plaid in the Patch

Hi Y'all! Here in Florida is has begun to feel like fall, well "Florida fall." For those of you who have never experienced a Florida fall, the mornings are crisp with temperatures in the mid 60s and the afternoons are warm with temperatures in the mid 80s. With this said, I envy everyone's posts with vests and boots this time of year. Although the weather may not feel like fall, I am definitely in a fall state of mind. My friend Maddy and I, with unplanned matching outfits, headed to a pumpkin patch yesterday to enjoy Florida fall and of course take pictures for my blog.


Welcome to the patch!

I call this look "pretending it feels like fall."

This look is perfect for the transitional weather where it's not
too warm but not too cold outside.
(Top: Target, Scarf: Forever 21, Jeans: Banana Republic,
Boots: Cole Haan, Purse: Louis Vuitton)

This actually happened by complete accident. We
meet at the patch wearing essentially wearing the
same outfit (embarrassing, haha!) I guess it just
shows you how much we both adore this scarf.

Fall makes me happy as a Jack-O-Lantern!

Thanks for visiting! Be sure to keep up with more of my adventures on Instagram @MonogrammedMadison and Twitter @MonogramMadison. Happy fall, y'all!

My Go-To

After waking up at my usual time, fixing my green smoothie, spending some time in God’s word, then heading to my laptop to blog, I realized I have a daily go-to. I think everyone has a go-to, whether it be a piece of clothing, a drink at Starbucks, or really anything. Today I am going to share with you some of my daily go-to accessories and beauty items.

 

1. Leather Crossbody

I guess you could say this Lilly Pulitzer bag was love at first sight. I held off purchasing it and was able to snag this classic piece at the After Summer Sale. I basically have been carrying every day since it arrived in the mail.

I typically only wear gold jewelry, so this bag matching pretty much every outfit for me. Whether I am running errands, going out to dinner, or heading to church, the size is just right. I can easily fit the essentials without have to cram. Also, the crossbody style is convenient and super functional.

2. Aviators

Living in the Sunshine State means just that, it’s sunny and sunglasses are essential. I rarely leave the house without these gold aviators from Nordstroms. The style is so classic. Also, these sunglasses are only $12! I always seem to break or lose my sunglasses, so I hate splurging on them.

3. Lip gloss

My go-to lip gloss is the Marvelous Moxie by BareMinerals in the shade rule breaker. The neutral yet sparkly color is classic and suitable for any occasion. This lip gloss can pull together any look!

 4. Perfume

My go-to perfume changes every few months, but right now I am obsessing over my Lilly Pulitzer perfume in the scent squeeze. I scored this find at TJ.Maxx for only $10! The scent is light and reminds me of summer. Plus, the bottle is adorable.

5. Monogram Necklace
Well my blog name is Monogrammed Madison so this only seems fitting. I basically wear a monogram necklace every day. Whether it is simply paired with a tee shirt or with an elaborate statement necklace, monogram necklaces are so timeless.

6. Fresh Flowers

Fresh flowers are my go-to pick me up. The colors and fragrances that fresh flowers bring to a room, just make me happy. I have been loving sunflowers lately!

Thanks for reading today’s post. Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram @MonogrammedMadison and on Twitter @MonogramMadison. Also, comment below your go-to items. Have a fabulous weekend!

I Love Snail-Mail

Yes, people do still send old-fashion cards and no I’m not talking about e-cards. I love sending and receiving “snail-mail.” I recently have acquired a few pen pals through blogging and was re-reminded how amazing snail-mail is. In this post I will be sharing with you why I love snail-mail so much and hopefully encourage you to pop a card in the mail to someone you love.



 

1. The creativity

Whether you are simply picking out a box of stationary or creating your own, I love the creativity that goes into all the aspects of snail-mail. From the color scheme and theme of the card, the font used, and how you seal and address the envelope, sending cute snail-mail is really a form of art.

 

2. The message

Little thought goes into sending a quick text or email, but when I write a card I usually take time to process and develop what I want to say. I find that this makes for a more meaning message. I enjoy writing both quick ‘thinking of you’ cards and long, thought out cards, just depends on the need of the card and the receiver.

 

3. The receiving

I don’t know about you, but receiving something in the mail brings me such happiness (usually because it’s an online purchase, but sometimes it’s a card from someone). When I send a card, I hope that it makes someone smile and reminds them that someone loves them. To me, sending snail-mail is like sending happiness (cheesy but true).

4. The tangibility

I keep many of the cards and letters I have received in my life. Unlike a text message, I can hang a notecard on my bulletin board or keep it in my planner for whenever I want to read it. Reading old letters is like talking to that person and brings me such comfort.

So as you can tell, I really adore sending and receiving snail-mail even if it is a dying practice. I encourage you this week to try and pop a note in the mail to someone you love or miss. Be sure to follow my adventures on Instagram @MonogrammedMadison and Twitter @MonogramMadison.

Busy, busy, busy

Life is busy. As many of you know, I am a senior in high school which means I keep busy with studying, college applications, golf practice, and my youth group. But no matter how old you are or how you spend your days, most of us are busy.

 

Lately, I have found myself focusing more on myself and what I “need” to do and less on God and what He wants me to do. I have been feeling distant from God. I haven’t been consistently spending time and reading God’s word for the past week or so. I guess you could say I have been having that “blah” feeling. I feel like everyone goes through times like this (or at least I hope I am not the only one).

But on my way to school yesterday, I witnessed the most beautiful sunrise. The vibrant colors seemed to radiate brighter than ever. This sunrise got me thinking about how amazing God, the creator of the universe, is. Seeing His beautiful masterpiece yesterday morning snapped me out of that “blah” feeling.

 This picture doesn't even do the sunrise justice.

Nothing in this world will ever be as consistent or everlasting as God and the great love He has for each of us. Sometimes we overlook the part that God is both great and good. He is great and powerful, but He is also good and cares for each of us individually. We look to people or school or other things to help us get where we want to be, when really we should look to God because He is the only one that can help us.

So, if you’ve been having that “blah” feeling, seek God and you will find Him. Remember that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. I hope everyone enjoys their weekend and hopefully gets the chance to relax. Be sure to keep up with me on Instagram @MonogrammedMadison and Twitter @MonogramMadison.

XOXO,
Monogrammed Madison

Looking Forward to Fall

Well, it hasn’t been feeling much like fall here in the Sunshine State until this morning. I woke up and it was in the mid-60s! Immediately I stuck one of pumpkin spice K-cups into my Keurig and frantically dug through my closet looking for boots and a scarf. For those of you who live where fall is actually a season, you are probably laughing at me but this weather only comes a few times a year for this Florida girl. As I was sipping on my hot (not iced!) pumpkin spice coffee before church, I was thinking about all the exciting things about fall and decided to share my favorites with you.

1. Scarves

Scarves are my absolute favorite accessory. Although I wear them year round, fall scarves are my favorite. My go-to fall outfit is a puffer vest with a cute scarf. I am definitely looking forward to bringing out my monogrammed puffer vest and plaid scarf soon!

 

2. Fall Scented Candles

Pumpkin, cinnamon, apple cider, oh my! Fall scented candles smell so good that I want to eat them. My all-time favorite is Leaves from Bath and Body Works. It is a mix of golden nectar, red apple, and spiced berries. Coming home to a delicious smelling house is one of my favorite things about fall.

3. Decorating a Pumpkin

It is always fun to have some friends over and spent the night drinking warm apple cider and decorating pumpkins. I typically don’t carve pumpkins (too messy!). I prefer to paint them with acrylic paint and add ribbon. Last year I painted white monogram and added a cute hound’s tooth bow to my pumpkin. Any ideas for this year’s pumpkin?

4. Fall Themed Desserts

Nothing is yummier than pumpkin spice cupcakes and grilled peach ice cream sundaes with caramel. Enough said.

If you can’t tell, I really love fall. From cooler weather (sometimes), scarves with puffer vests, football, and lots of yummy food, everything is better in fall. What are you looking forward to in fall?

Monogrammed Madison

Instagram: @MonogrammedMadison

Twitter: @MonogramMadison