Madison

Gluten-Free + Dairy-Free Trader Joe’s Grocery List

October 16, 2019 by Madison

Hi! What’s up! Welcome back to Vogue and a Latte.

Today I am sharing my simple, weekly Trader Joe’s grocery list with you guys! Being gluten and dairy-free has its struggles, that’s for dang sure. But I have found some incredible replacements for items that I wouldn’t want to live without and have also created new meals and recipes while expanding my palette. I have gotten a little bit healthier since cutting out gluten and dairy, I wish I could say that was my choosing LOL. So my meals are healthy-ish, some by choice and some not. I always like to add in those comfort food cravings ( like my faaaave GF/DF ranch and fries ) when I can. At the bottom, I will outline a couple of meals that I throw together with these items! Honestly, it changes weekly depending on my mood and what I want to eat, but a lot of these items are staples and things that I eat each and every day.

Some meals I throw together:

☆ Hot dogs + carrots + sauerkraut + arugula
☆ Eggs + bagels + arugula + bacon + tomato
☆ Sliced bread + avocado + EVOO + pepper flakes + eggs
☆ Waffles + peanut butte + agave + chia seeds
☆ Sliced bread + turkey + mayo + tomato
☆ Chicken nuggets + ranch + lettuce combo
☆ Canned chicken + mayo + hot sauce + tortilla chips
☆ Lettuce combo + shrimp + spices + EVOO + peppers + tomato
☆ Rice + grilled chicken + spices + beans + avocado
☆ Roasted arugula/kale + grilled chicken + bacon + veggies + ranch

You can see that I am horrible at adding fruits and veggies, I am a work in process. Each time I go to the grocery store I try to add one new veggie and one new fruit to see how much I actually eat them. I HATE wasting produce but I also need to be eating so many more greens and fruits. For example, I got some bananas last night at Target to try and see if I will eat them with some peanut butter or grab out the door. If I don’t, I will grab some grapes next time or an orange and see if I reach for those more than others. I just wanna be healthy but I wanna enjoy it, ya know?

If y’all are into this, I think I am going to do a GF/DF charcuterie board post next! I am so into finding ways to enjoy the things that I love while also not killing my stomach. This digestion journey has been a TREK but it’s all about the mental game in my opinion.

Do you have any items you can’t leave Trader Joe’s without? Try any of these items on the list and love them? Leave a comment or shoot me a DM!

You can always follow along with my daily life on Instagram at @MadisonCrowley. It’s pretty real over there, not super glam at all times, but I am always sharing tips, tricks, and what’s really happening in my life.

Hope you loved this post! Have a fantastic and blessed day! xx

When God literally stops you in your tracks.

June 17, 2019 by Madison

I am back again with another traffic light story. God speaks to me when I am driving, when I am the most un-Godly version of myself. Our God has a sense of humor, FYI. If you haven’t read my other post where I talk about my love/hate relationship with patience and red lights, read it here.

Last Saturday, I was driving to a photoshoot at the beach. It was early, I was tired, feeling uncreative, and somewhat dreading the small talk I was about to partake in. It’s SO cool that I get to meet new people each and every week and be a shining light for Jesus. At least it’s cool until I haven’t had my coffee or am not in my shining light of Jesus mood.

Besides the early morning and lack of motivation, I was ignoring God. I was ignoring the gut feeling that God has given me (and you). I was ignoring facts, ignoring myself, and ignoring sound counsel from friends. I was ignoring God’s word and I was ignoring the shallow emptiness that was slowly beginning to creep back into my life. The familiar tendency to search, to please, and to gain satisfaction from life instead of God. From people, instead of God.

I was driving along, actually, the same place I was driving in my previous post, just the opposite direction, and suddenly, out of nowhere, the light turned yellow. I was annoyed and verbally said, “What the heck, there is NO ONE HERE” as I slammed on my brakes. I probably slammed my steering wheel too, dramatic. (I wonder how Jesus would have spoken as he drove????) There was no one on the road. Not a soul. And yet still the light turned from green to yellow to a halting red. At that exact moment, I recognized my annoyance and remembered Jesus. I remembered the patience that he had been teaching me (until I decided to ignore him) and thought okay God, I get it. I hear you. You’re trying to tell me something. And immediately, I kid you not, immediately, the light turned green. I was stunned because lights normally last like 5 whole minutes and I was suddenly no longer forced to be stopped and sit in my guilt, but I was allowed to go. I thought I was going to have to sit in patience, in self-control and learn some long lesson, but the light turned. Maybe that’s what growing in our relationship with Christ looks like. Understanding his character and needing less long life lessons and more quick snaps to turn your attention back on his face?? Idk, I’m still learning.

I was driving along, depending on myself (and coffee) and God L I T E R A L L Y stopped me in my tracks to say, “Ummm hey, hi. Remember me? I’m God. I have your best interest in mind and I have something really neat coming soon for you. Quit what you’re doing right now that you know isn’t from me. Cool, now that we’ve got that cleared up, continue on.” I was ignoring him, I wasn’t listening, and he got my attention. God doesn’t always work like this, and sometimes we pretend not to see it, but I couldn’t ignore this.

25 Things I Learned By 25

March 28, 2019 by Madison

You are much stronger than you think.
You were not created to be isolated.
No one thinks about you even remotely close to as often as you think they do.
Adults have wisdom that you should listen to.
Toxic people are not worth keeping in your life, no matter how fun they might be. Don’t let anticipation take away from the present moment.
Keep tabs on your mental health. Tending to it is always your best yes.
God is sovereign and every action has a purpose. (Yes, every single one.)
Ask for what you want or you won’t get it. Your friends aren’t mind readers. Neither are employers, leaders, boyfriends, or family members.
Take time to learn your friends. Understand what they love and what makes them smile. Repeat these things and cherish those who know you and who root for you time, and time again. Even after you fall and get back up.
You will always get back up.
Spend time with people who don’t deplete you.
Research what you have doubts about.
Don’t speak on what you don’t know. And I mean truly know.
You often don’t know the whole story. Or even half of the story.
Everyone you see is struggling with something, big or small.
It is always valuable to lift people UP. Encourage one another. Brighten someone’s day, any chance that you get.
Save money, but also book that flight.
When you look back on life, you will remember experiences with those you love, not handbags.
Done is better than perfect, in most cases. Don’t let the fear of failure paralyze you from taking the first step.
When someone is being mean or rude, it most likely has nothing to do with you. Unless you were intentionally mean to them, then that certainly won’t get you very far.
Making a timeline for your life only sets you up for failure. Things change, all of the time.
You can’t control other people or what decisions they make. You are only in control of your own actions.
Your worth should never be placed in another human being. Or your relationship status.
Your darkest moments in life won’t stay dark forever.
Don’t dread getting older, it’s where the fun really begins.

To the girl who is (not so) patiently waiting.

February 15, 2019 by Madison

Last week, I was on my way back from spin class, in a major hurry to get home to my dog, eat some good food, and just relax after a long work day. Doesn’t sound like something you would need to hurry for, but that’s just me sometimes. My gas light blinked on and I read the words, “Warning: Low Fuel”. I was pissed at myself for not getting gas sooner but also kind of pissed at myself for even being mad that I had to stop and get gas. I didn’t REALLY have anywhere to be, I was just impatient pretty much for no reason. I have been noticing myself doing that a lot more lately and this time seemed extra prevalent. I was cruising down the street and hit a red light right next to a Shell station. I’m not sure if Shell stations are ridiculously expensive where you live, but here they are one of the most expensive gas stations around. $0.50 – $0.60 more PER GALLON, which makes a huge difference when gas is already $3.50 a gallon. Crazy, I know.

February Spending Freeze: Budgeting, Saving, and Spending.

February 4, 2019 by Madison

Thoughtless spending. I do it all of the time. Grabbing a coffee on my way to work when I have a perfectly good Keurig at home AND at work. Getting groceries (that I actually need) at Target and adding on a pair of jeans and a cute mug. Stopping for food on the way home from spin class when I have a refrigerator at home filled with healthy, yummy food. Watching a YouTube video and buying some beauty gadget that I REALLY don’t need from Amazon just because it is the latest and greatest.

Any of this ring a bell? Just me?

I have decided to put a hold on my spending for the month of February. I have recently noticed myself being extra caught up in the more, more, more atmosphere that can come from social media, our culture, and being inundated with ads and products all day long.
Never being satisfied.
Always needing something NEW.

The second I decided to really monitor and diminish thoughtless spending, I realized how many parts of my day were consumed by thoughtless spending, that I wasn’t even aware of. The worst part of it all is that I already have so much STUFF. Stuff that I don’t use. Clothes that I fold up and forget about. Beauty products that I push to the back of my shelves underneath my counter. And I still want more.

2018 Product Favorites Roundup: Beauty, Home, Lifestyle

January 11, 2019 by Madison

Hi! Welcome back to Vogue and a Latte.

We are 11 days into 2019 and I thought I would do a small roundup up products I started using in 2018 and use every single day now!

What products are you using that you can’t live without? What should I add to the list? Let me know on my Instagram –> @MadisonCrowley

Corkcicle
I use my little Corkcicle cup every single day! I am a slow drinker when it comes to hot coffee, and this mug allows me to make coffee and drink it throughout the morning without wasting it or having to warm it up. You can also use it to keep your wine chilled, on the beach with a mixed drink, or tea at night. It is SO universal and I plan to get 3 more and make a matching set for my apartment.

HydroFlask
Keeps my water cold for SO long as well as keeps my ice frozen. Perfect for long hikes and also perfect just for drinking every day! I re-fill it all day and it has helped me up my water intake. I want to get the 40oz one so that I drink even more water! I pee a lot, it’s fine. Also make sure you get the one with the straw, it is so much easier!

Kopari Lip Gloss
I love knowing that what I am putting on my body is at least somewhat natural and not full of chemical crap. This coconut oil lip moisturizer is amaaaazing. It has the perfect amount of moisture to wear all day with a hint of shine. It makes me feel polished.

Lavender Essential Oil
NECESSARY for sleep these days. I am normally such a good sleeper, but sometimes it is hard to fall asleep and sleep through the night. I put a couple drops of lavender oil in my diffuser when I sleep and it transforms the quality of sleep I get. I get super sick if I don’t get enough sleep so this has become a necessity for me!

Louis Vuitton Cardholder Keychain
Doesn’t have to be LV but I got a cardholder keychain for my birthday and I don’t have to carry around my large wallet everywhere I go anymore and it’s amazing! All of the cards I need fit neatly in this little carry-all and it’s great for heading to spin class or running into Whole Foods and not wanting to take your whole wallet or purse.

Airpods
Wireless earbuds are such a lifesaver! It’s easy to work out with them on our Peleton, it’s nice to be able to walk through the grocery store while listening to a podcast, or just not get your wires all tangled up. Looooooving my airpods.

Large, line-less notebook
I used to only write in notebooks that had lines in them, and I still do when I journal, but when it comes to to-do’s or brainstorming or just writing down thoughts throughout the day, my blank notebook has been amazing. I love the thick paper and binding too!

Oversized black hoodie
My style has definitely been changing and moving towards quality over quantity and becoming much more neutral. An oversized black hoodie or sweatshirt has become my go-to on lazy days or for random errands. Black is always chic and allows for a pop color in your shoe or accessory.

Starbucks reusable cup
For someone who goes to Starbucks as much as I do, it’s nice to at least TRY to reduce waste by bringing their cups back to them when I order so that I am not throwing away as much. It also saves a nice 10 cents (LOL). You can get them through the link I attached or at your local Starbucks!

Steelie car magnet
This has been life changing!!! It is always so scary thinking about how I used to try to use GPS or change the song on Spotify/Apple Music without having my phone be able to be propped up. I get in my car and just plop my phone on the magnetic ball and it’s super easy to answer a call or do something if I absolutely have to on my phone while being hands-free.

Gold Hoops
I throw gold hoops on with pretty much anything. They dress up any outfit and also complete it. I love love LOVE gold hoops and I hope that they don’t die out any time soon.

There ya have it! Some of my top favorites from 2018.

Make sure to follow along with my day-to-day activities on Instagram at @MadisonCrowley! Let me know your favorites from this list or if you use any of these products already.

’till next time,
xx Madison

2019 Commitments, Goals, and Dreams

December 31, 2018 by Madison

New Years Eve is my favorite holiday.

I love reading other people’s goals. I love hearing how people want to better themselves and aim for their highest potential. New Years holds hope and endless possibilities. People forget the shortcomings of the previous year and search their hearts for what they really, really want to come true in their life.

Looking back on the previous year is also one of my favorite things to do as well. Reading my blog post exactly like this one from last year (I have 3 posts like this… I’ve been blogging this long?! So crazy!!!) and thinking about what I know now that I didn’t know then, what I would go back and tell myself… Let’s reflect.

In 2018 I…
+ Changed my blog name to something that describes my passions better than my previous name.
+ Moved back to California.
+ Lost my job and found a new one that activates all of my strengths and allows me to grow and shine in ways I never have been able to at a job.
+ Became single and stayed single. For better or worse, this is where my life is at and there are some truly wonderful parts about being single and learning to be alone and learning to love me. I hope that everyone gets to experience what this feels like! Relationships are about two WHOLE people coming together, and before this, I am not sure I would have been able to bring that to the table.
+ Dove into photography and decided to give it my all and have begun to see the fruits of that. I love meeting new people and capturing them SO much and I can’t wait to see where that takes me in 2019.
+ Decided to get rid of all of the food that was weighing me down and making me feel like crap. It was hard, it still is hard, but I am not giving up.
+ Kept up with spin classes, kept working my body, kept proving to myself that I have determination, motivation, and self-control.
+ I have taken steps towards humility and bettering myself, getting rid of the negative parts, and learning to love myself even more and listen to others feedback in order to grow.

I am going to be 100% transparent and vulnerable here, I was happier at the end of last year than I am at the end of this year. But I think that that actually is a good thing. I think that this year, Jesus is teaching me that without him, there is no point in having anything, really. That my satisfaction, desires, and joy can only come from him. Lifes pieces are constantly going to be moving, but He stands firm amidst the movement. That doesn’t mean that I am not allowed to feel the differences between these two years and examine where my heart was at and where it now. And how my longings really haven’t changed much. If I have learned anything this past year, it is to cherish literally every, single moment and enjoy those who are walking through life with you.

Turning 25 was definitely a milestone for me that I wasn’t looking forward to. But after it came and went, I have begun to relish in this age and this year. But with getting older, there is a lot of wisdom that comes. And being older is actually really, really fun. You have your own money to spend (and save), you (hopefully) get to get up every morning and do something that you love every single day, and you know more of what you want in life, at least I do.

I think that “resolutions” are a bit of a daunting term. I think they are great and super aspirational, but still ominous. Filled with the expectation of failure, in my opinion. I am splitting up my “resolutions” into different terms. Commitments, goals, and dreams. Commitments are the things that are non-negotiable. I think that every new day is a new start and you don’t have to wait until the New Year to begin creating better habits, but it’s definitely a good place to start, and great motivation for me. Goals are more fun things that I want to accomplish or do in the next year and beyond. Dreams are the things that I am going to work towards, that I am going to put all of my time and heart into beause they matter to me.

Commitments
+ I commit to starting each day in the Word. Whether that be simply reading the verse of the day, or diving into a couple chapters with a cup of coffee and Boston.
+ I commit to being less critical and judgemental of those around me and of myself.
+ I commit to saving more, getting rid of debt, and doing less thoughtless spending.
+ I commit to my “food is fuel” journey and maintaining/expanding my health.
+ I commit to relentlessly pursuing photography and giving it my all.
+ I commit to listening more and talking less.

Goals
+ Write more: blog and journal.
+ Read more books.
+ Be just a *little* more laid back 😉
+ Learn more. Maybe take a course or find some topics to research and become an expert in them.
+ Explore more hobbies and find a few to consistently do.
+ Stop comparing myself to others. No one is walking in my shoes, or I in theirs.
+ Creatively inspire others.
+ Procrastinate less on the things that are really important.
+ Expand my network.
+ Volunteer more.
+ Share my style in a genuine way.

Dreams
+ Photograph the coolest clients. In the coolest places. While being paid for it.
+ Work with big brands that share my vision and help others.
+ Travel places that I have never been.
+ Meet awesome people and listen, then share their stories.

What are your goals? What are your dreams? What are you committing to this new year? Dream BIG and aim for the moon. Push yourself to places you didn’t think you could go. You will be surprised where you end up.

Girls Weekend Getaway: Palm Springs

December 21, 2018 by Madison

Hi! Welcome back to Vogue and a Latte! I am super excited to share these photos and spots in Palm Springs, one of the most relaxing places on earth.

I am here to tell you all about my girls weekend in Palm Springs last weekend. It was truly a desert dream with some of my favorite gals (Anna, Kenzie, & Tori)! We all piled into my tiny fiat and headed out to our trendy house in Palm Springs. I am going to be talking a LOT about our perfect Airbnb, that I will link here for you guys to book your future getaways! It was one of the best Airbnb’s that I have ever stayed at. There was a concrete wall surrounding the property and a gate that opened and closed with a code, we felt so safe which is crucial when it is 4 girls staying together. The decor was on point ( the house is actually famous for its design ) and we could have photographed for hours inside the house. Zedd actually shot his most recent lyric video in this house. The outside was the perfect backdrop for our photography dreams. Cacti and desert all around us.

V&L Must-Have: VII Code Oxygen Eye Cream

December 19, 2018 by Madison

Welcome back to V&L <3

I am so excited to share this amazing eye cream that I have been using for the last two weeks, and now cannot live without!!! VII Code has an amazing oxygen eye cream formula that reduces wrinkles and under eye circles in just a week or two. I noticed a visible difference in my crows feet by my eyes, this stuff is incredible. Skin is firm and GLOWY, y’all.

From the VII Code website (much more official, you want this info straight from them): “T2 Oxygen Eye Cream O3.0 uses an “exclusive ‘T2’stone mortar extraction process”, which facilitates the healing and regeneration of damaged skin cells near the eyes by protecting this delicate area of the face and by fading away the first visible signs of aging.”

These key ingredients shine in this delightful cream:

Elderberries: Anti-oxidant content maintains the skin cells, leaving you with glowing, younger skin.
Jojoba Oil: Not only firms and keeps your skin hydrated, but also useful in lessening the appearance of skin wrinkles. Rich in antioxidants, which help regenerate the skin cells.
Evening Primrose: Boosts blood circulation, which is helpful to treat tired skin and eyes and is especially effective in removing wrinkles.

Incredible for under eye bags, wrinkles, and overall glow! I look forward to putting this eye cream on at night and waking up feeling rejuvenated and glowy. Who doesn’t want to feel glowy when they wake up?

One of my other favorite things about this eye cream is that it absorbs right into my skin. It doesn’t leave an oily residue that gets all over my eyes and face. I love that I can put it on and feel the moisture sink into my skin. It also comes in the cutest little bag that is transportable and fancy.

This eye cream would make the perfect Christmas gift or stocking stuffer for your wife/girlfriend/bff – you know you are still looking for something to add under the tree!

Let me know when y’all try out this eye cream, I can’t wait to hear about how much you love it!! In the meantime, keep up with me on socials @MadisonCrowley <3

’till next time,
xx, Madison

An out of control life.

November 8, 2018 by Madison

Welcome back to Vogue and a Latte! I am not sure how you found me, but I am glad you are here. We’re about to get deep here! If you are new, check out my About Me page or head on over to my Instagram to get a feel for who I am. Or just keep on reading and we will become fast friends!

This post concept/idea is going to be in two parts, so buckle up. I wrote the first part of this post when I felt lost, angry, and out of control of my life. First, I want you to feel freedom to admit that you are lost, angry, or feel out of control. Those emotions are real and hiding them doesn’t do any good. This is vulnerable and a part of me I didn’t know I would even share. But I want someone out there to not feel alone in the silence of life. Here goes.

__________________________________________________

I have had no control over my life over these past few months. Like huge, monumental things that have happened, all at once, that I literally cannot control. It’s uncomfortable. It’s sad. It’s not fun. I am mad. I am crying a lot. I don’t understand why it seems as though I had everything that I ever wanted and it was all taken away from me. I feel disconnected. I don’t feel at home. The idea of comfort is so foreign as of late. Everywhere I go I feel like I have to introduce myself, to tell my story, and explain why my life is now where it is, when it isn’t what I want.

I had a life trajectory, as I am sure that most of you have. An idea of when I would be married, when I would have kids, where I would live, how happy I would be at age 25 with my little family and life all set up. It’s comforting and also frightening how little control we have over our lives. Over other peoples emotions. Over other people’s ideas of their own personal life trajectory.