summaatimeee

I am SO exhausted. I'm so done with work. My summer job has legitimately dominated my whole summer. For the 4th year, I'm working again as a lifeguard and swim instructor at my local pool. Cool that I'm making bank? Um hell yeah. Cool that I have no life? F*** no. Whatever, at least I have a pretty decent tan! Don't get me wrong, I have some pretty amazing perks to my job. I get to hang out and essentially do nothing all day with my best friend (pictured above with me). The people I work with are the chillest, most amazing people ever. Basically, I do what I want. Downside? I don't really like kids. No wait. I don't like kids. And considering 80% of my job is teaching kids and pretending to like them, it just gets absolutely exhausting after 7 weeks. I also have a really shitty patience and tolerance level with most kids. I'm making money, and I'm getting tan. That's what I keep telling myself. Besides, I need the extra $$ for New York!

Speaking of which, I'm moving to NYC (later Villanova, helloooo NYU!) in less than a month! It's ridiculous, right? I'm pretty damn excited to be in the Village. What else is there to say? I'm about to become a NewYorker, bitches.

stay classy,

maddy

currently listening to: sleigh bells - kids

NineByDesign

9 By Design is having their season finale this Tuesday(TONIGHT) 6/1 @ 10/9c on BRAVO!

Check out my last post on 9 by Design, featuring SIXXDESIGN, below. Already a fan of the Novogratz's or thinking about tuning in? Check out these sneak previews!!

I'm hating that all of my TV shows are having their season finales. What am I supposed to watch now?! Maybe I'll have to check out Selling New York on HGTV (thanks for the suggestion Ashley!). Anyways, be sure to check out Nine By Design tonight! I assure you, you will love the show!


stay classy,
madeleine

P.S. Graduation countdown? one day. yuuup!!! :D

The Cupcake Diaries

Crumbs Bakeshop
1675 Broadway (53rd)
New York City, NY
www.crumbs.com

I've tried many cupcake shops in New York City, and I must say that Crumbs, although it may be a chain, is by far the best little shop. I visited after seeing Jersey Boys on Broadway, and was impressed. I was greeted by smiling and excited workers who were energetic and helpful. I asked if I could take a few pictures for my blog, and one of the amazing workers there, his name was Aaron, said jokingly only if he could be in it. So, meet Aaron!
Outloud, I thought to myself which cupcake I should order, when helpful Mr. Aaron exclaimed that their Red Velvet was their bestseller. And Red Velvet it was. Aaron hands me a HUGE, muffin sized cupcake, so he can pose for the picture, but ends up putting it in this amazing packaging, which I thought was a great added bonus. The plastic packaging was like a mini to go container, but had a holder for the actual cupcake part, so the frosting part and the cake part were all compartamentalized and contained... which was perfect, since I was headed to the theater for a matinee anyways! When I got to finally enjoy my mega cupcake, it was absolutely heavenly... I think I had a cupcake orgasm. The cake was deliciously moist, and the frosting was to die for. I'm telling you! They're all over New York!! Cali girls? There's four Crumbs locations opening up in Beverley Hills and all over SoCal, and one already open in Malibu.

stay classy,
madeleine

concrete jungle

"In New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there's nothing you can't do." -Empire State of Mind - JayZ & Alicia Keyes

day 1: The weather was absolutely fabulous! Hotel right in the middle of Times Square... a bit hectic, but I love being in the middle of it all! Dinner at this itty bitty trendy little Italian restaurant called Etcetera. Super yummy!

day 2: Walked around downtown/Wall Street. Took the ferry ride to Liberty Island and Ellis Island... more beautiful weather, more lovely people. Maybe I'm used to being courteous, but a lot of people were oh so rude! We encountered this 50 people group from Wisconsin that thought they were entitled to everything, just because they were a big group (which included cutting us in a line we'd been waiting in for awhile). Let's just say things got a bit confrontational. After enjoying the beautiful weather and ferry rides, we walked down to So-Ho, peeked in some cute shops, and had cupcakes at Buttercup Bakery (see "Cupcake Diaries")
day 3: Subway ride to Columbia University, and enjoyed yet another sunny, beautiful day! Had an AMAZING lunch at 5 Napkin Burger in the Upper West Side. Mmmm. Walked through Central Park where others were enjoying the sun just as much as I was! Explored the Met for hours. I wish I could just stay there forever! Like Claudia in the book, "From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" - one of my favorites.

day 4: Easter Sunday mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral... it was quite beautiful! Saw Jersey Boys on Broadway! Let's just say I'm obsessed. Probably one of my favorite Broadway musicals, and I've seen quite a few. Cupcakes at Crumbs Bakery. Dinner at a yummy restaurant in the Time Warner center that overlooked Midtown. What a nice Easter Sunday!

day 5: Visited the school I will be attending next year, Fordham University! Train to Washington D.C... I concluded my New York trip with 2 days spent in D.C. where the heat was almost unbearable! 88 degrees!!!

All in all it was a lovely and fun trip!! Quite a beautiful way to spend my spring vacation. And visiting Fordham made me 45708372525 times more excited to go there in the fall!

stay classy,
madeleine

The Cupcake Diaries

Buttercup Bake Shop

New York City
141 West 72nd Street
New York, NY 10023
(212) 787-3800
buttercupbakeshop.com

I visited Buttercup at their West Side location. Walking in, it felt a bit like a deli, I'm not sure why. We ordered a Lemon cupcake, and a Red Velvet. Both were so delicious! The Lemon had very tart frosting, and was filled too, with a sweet, moist cake. The Red Velvet was yummy as well, the cake was super rich and moist, and the frosting was sweet, but not overwhelmingly sweet. Buttercup cupcakes do not have the best presentation, they nix the sprinkles, and cutesy presentation and all... but don't let that fool you! Their cupcakes are absolutely delicious, tastier than some of the cutest cupcakes I've tasted before. I would definitely recommend Buttercup Bakeshop! I wouldn't buy here if you're looking to sit down and enjoy your cupcake in the shop... but buy one, take it to Central Park, and enjoy! And again, even though these may not be the CUTEST cupcakes out there, they surely are of the best tasting. They also have a location in the East Side on 2nd Avenue. If I'm in the area, I would definitely make a stop again at Buttercup!

-Price Per Cupcake: $2.25
-Store Decor: C+ (it's clean! but not cute)
-Yelp gives it 4 stars.
-I give it 4.5 stars.

stay classy,
madeleine

The Cupcake Diaries

Magnolia Bakery

New York City
1240 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
(212) 767-1123
www.magnoliacupcakes.com

Visited this cute corner bakery while walking around Rockefeller Center. I opened the door to an overpoweringly strong scent of sugar... which I usually find pleasant, except that there were so many people in the little tiny bakery that I just couldn't stand the smell/lack of space/body heat. Personally, I did not like the cupcakes all too much. The decor of the bakery is very cute though! Very clean, cute, and light. For being located in a heavy tourist spot, I'd say the bakery takes full advantage of the Rockefeller crowds. When I went outside to catch my breath, and get some air, I stood in front of the store window and watched a very declicious Red Velvet cake being made. Another day I walked by to see some of the bakers frosting cupcakes with beautiful pastel vanilla frostings! But like I said, the cupcakes aren't exactly to die for, the frosting is very sweet, for my taste, but the cake is very moist! If you're not into the touristy crowd, or the overwhelming numbers, Magnolia has 2 other locations, one in the Upper West Side, and in West Village. Although Magnolia has been featured in Sex In The City, I hate to say their cupcakes were not fantastic, but then again, I haven't tried their other baked goods! I would probably skip Magnolia Bakery if I was in the area again... but that's just me!

-Price Per Cupcake: $2.75
-Store Decor: B-
-Yelp gives it 3 stars.
-I give it 3 stars.

stay classy,
madeleine

say it ain't so joe.

So it's official, Joe Biden may not be the best politician out there, but he is and always will be, my favorite character in politics. In light of his latest foot-in-mouth moment at Obama's healthcare bill signing, the DNC has turned Biden's blunder, into a marketing strategy. If you may, or may not recall, Biden whispered in Obama's ear that his signing was a "Big Fucking Deal", and of course, since it was Biden, the press picked up the soundbite. So instead of making an apology, and turning against Old Joe, the DNC has been printing this fabulous shirts. Whether you're democratic or republican, you have to admit these shirts are hilarious! I might even have to pick one up for $25!Is it weird that I wish Joe Biden was in my family so he could be that crazy Uncle that runs his mouth during Thanksgiving dinner??

Anyways, I am currently in my hotel in Times Square, NYC using the Free Wifi downstairs. The weather here is AMAZING! It's warmer/sunnier/prettier than it is back at home in San Francisco! Since when does that happen?! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and great Easter plans! I know we are going to try to get to Mass on Sunday at St. Patrick's Cathedral. I will post more on the trip later!

stay classy,
madeleine

how to prevent dress stealing/childish antics.

First of all, I apologize in advanced for the couple of posts to come in the future about prom. This year for prom, one of my classmates came up with an ingenious idea to start a facebook group to ensure that no one at our all girls school, would wear the same dress. I happen to think it's an amazing idea! As soon as a girl has bought the dress / is strongly considering buying it then they post a picture on the groups wall to officially "claim" the dress. I love the idea, because in all honesty, who wants to spend such a special night, comparing yourself to a girl who has the exact same dress as you. Trust me, if that happened to me, I would spend the night making absolute sure I was at opposite ends of the room from the other girl. Oh boy. While I think this is a fabulous idea, lately it's been having many adverse consequences. Lots of drama, but then again, what else is new at an all girls school, right? Save the drama for your mama ladies! But however, I also love seeing everyone's dresses too, beforehand!! It seems the trend this year is long, bright prints. When I went shopping at this Ambiance store on Haight, notorious for their evening dress selection, they told me the contrary, the trend this year was short, dresses. Hmmm, since when have short prom dresses been the trend? What do you think??

Besides the fact, it's starting to hit me that April is going to be a crazy fun month. Spring break/my New York trip is next week, I have to be in a fashion show, mid April, where I'll be in two segments, the prom segment (I will definitely be getting my money's worth from my prom dress, and I'm hoping I can milk free tailoring?? I think yes.), and a party clothes segment. It should be quite exciting.

Hmmm, and to conclude my completely random post about essentially nothing important, I would like to add a final thought on the recent healthcare reform. Let's be honest here, of course this is going to be a HUGE burden to many Americans, in the form of taxes, but I personally think that extending healthcare to millions, is the responsible, and the right thing to do. I must add that I am completely entertained by the GOP's childish antics in the House lately. It's fantastic right? Even if you are a Republican, you have to find some humor in the immaturity of your party. Why can't we all just get along? Thoughts? Perspectives? Ideas? Opinions? Please do share if you feel so inclined to!

Stay classy Mr. Bill. Someone needs to teach the two Houses how to have some class.

stay classy,
madeleine

high tea...alice in wonderland style.

"Twinkle, twinkle little bat How I wonder what you're at! Up above the world you fly, Like a tea-tray in the sky."
-Lewis Carroll

Let's be honest here. Nothing in the world is better than a fancy cup of tea. Well, possibly an adorable, tasty cupcake to accompany each sip... but that's besides the fact. Now. Take a fabulous cup of tea, and then add it to some Alice in Wonderland-esque fabulousness, and you get this...

Royal/T, Los Angeles: So this place is not only a tea cafe, but also an art studio, and apparently fashion runway! This month Royal/T will be having Alice-themed events, from an Alice inspired fashion show, to $25 Alice High Tea! Alice High Tea includes Playing Card Tea Sandwiches, Eat Me Cupcakes, Drink Me Green Tea and Cheshire Cat Macaroons. How exquisite!

Mandrin Oriental Hotel, New York: This classy hotel is serving Mad Hatter Teas until April 30th! For $42, tea time includes Twiddle Tea Sandwiches and Twiddle Crumbs Desserts like Queen of Hearts linzer tarts and Cheshire Cat cupcakes. Yumm!

Langham Hotel, London: Check it outt! A super classy Afternoon Tea alongside finger sandwiches with blue fin tuna and pickled cucumber, or smoked Scottish organic salmon with horseradish and watercress... Delish! And if you're not feeling the tea... check out their artisan cocktail bar and booze it up, Alice style of course! This Eat Me Drink Me Cocktail for $21 is a fabulous infusion of "G'vine Floraison gin shaken with lemon juice and peach liqueur, then finished with a rose petal and hibiscus sugar rim. It is served with an indulgent chocolate and caramel slice".


...Tempted? I, most certainly am!

Cheers!!
stay classy,
madeleine

weekends are for the warriors.

well said, duly noted.

this weekend was quite fantastic, if I may say so. So as you may or may not know, I have been working my ass of in planning my school's winter formal. The theme this year was cirque du soleil. So the week preparing for the formal was absolute hell for me. To be quite honest I wasn't quite sure it was all going to come together. I spent Thursday night at school decorating until 12:30am, so Friday morning was terrible. I even spent Friday until 4pm decorating so I had just enough time to come home, take a nap, take a shower, get ready and go! But it all turned out fabulously! and better than I expected! The juggler/stilt walker was amazing, and the aerialist we hired was ridiculous! I was ecstatic it came together!

the entrance into the gym

the aerialist!the juggler/stilt walker

my outfit

Anyways, after the dance was over, me and a couple of friends took a limo to San Francisco where we spent the rest of the night/morning. Needless to say, it was a fabulous night from what I remember. My Saturday morning consisted of recuperating and recovering, and then spending time with my mother who finally came home from London after a week! Unfortunately she's leaving again on Tuesday for New York, but that's a shorter trip. Speaking of New York, I'm off to the East Coast in less than 2 weeks! I'm quite excitedd! Well, I'm exhausted from the weekend so I'm headed to bed. Cheers to you January! May February be Fabulous!

listening to headdress - amazing baby


stay classy,

hot mess

hello lovelies,
I'm a terrible mess currently... it's a bit ridiculous (as you can see above)!! Ahhh! Well I'm picking back up with school so I've been quite busy this week with meetings, blah, blah, blah, and my BIRTHDAY on THURSDAY! YAY! I will officially be legal! Ohhh boyy. Its an absolute travesty, however, because I have nothing to wear to school for my birthday, nor do I have a fabulous outfit yet for my tea party on Saturday. Ohhh joyy. Anywho, yesterday I had a pleasant visit with a friend who had been away in Madrid all semester... it was nice to see him and chit-chat and hear about all of his amazing travel experiences. EEEK! I'm so ready for college next year! In fact, I'm visiting Fordham, NY and Northeastern in Boston in February... exciting much? I think so.
Besides all of the exciting things happening, I've currently run into one minor dilemma. My ex. We had a pretty terrible break up more than 6 months ago, and after he has gone MIA, not responding to any of my texts/calls/ emails/facebooks/etc. hes deciding to contact me now... and I'm not sure WHAT to think about it! Luckily I don't have that "ohhh lets get back together" feeling... thank god. But this person is a completely different person than the one I knew many months ago. He's basically gone through a 360 degree change, for the worse... its unhealthy, and I don't think he's happy. I definitely don't want to be with him ever again, and I want to make him feel how terrible I felt when he left me without a word for MONTHS, but at the same time I want to be there for him... no matter how distant and different he is. He forgot how we used to be, and has forgotten so much about me, and our past relationship... and I must admit, it hurts. But I'm glad this has been made clear to me that I shouldn't be missing him and don't want to be with him, but I dont know if I should stick around and help him with his "problems" and "issues". Its bad. I'm conflicted, confused, but ontop of it, and selfishly... relieved that I no longer have feelings for him. Ohhh dear...

...Wow. That was an unattractively long post. WOOO I apologize! I feel like it all had to get off my chest!

stay classy,


listening to: black the colour of my heart - monarchy
thinking about: posting new art stuff!

LA LA land

Well, to start, I'm so glad finals are over! These past two weeks have been so exciting... Lets see, for starters, I got into college! I was accepted into Fordham University in New York, Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, St. Johns University in New York, and Northeastern in Boston. Thus far, I'm leaning towards St. Johns, because they've given me a pretty legitimate scholarship, and Northeastern, because I got accepted under the Journalism major, and I'd be under the school of Media & Graphic Design... and plus, who doesn't want to be in Boston!? I must say I'm fucking ecstatic for college next year.
Anyways, I had a pretty ridiculous weekend down in L.A. with my cousin. Despite our troubles renting a car, hotel room issues, forgetting concert tickets, getting stuck in traffic, almost missing our flight home, it was really fun and exciting! Essentially, this weekend was the epitome of Murphy's Law. I swear to god, everything that could possibly go wrong...did go wrong. But it was nonetheless fun! Our hotel, Loews, was right on the beach, and our view overlooked the Santa Monica pier, and the visiting Cirque de Soleil, so beautiful!

So we spent Saturday night around the Third Street Promenade area shopping, and for dinner. Sunday we spent the whole day in Disneyland... it was so gorgeous! I've never been in Disneyland for Christmas, so I was absolutely amazed to see everything transformed Christmas-y.

Yesterday we didn't have anything really planned, except for the Lady Gaga concert in the evening of course. So we spent the morning/early afternoon walking around Venice Beach, and having an amazing lunch at this beachside grill, and then we went back to our hotel room, got dolled up, and then we were out to the L.A. Live area for sushi before the concert... except my cousin forgot our tickets. So we had to turn around and I had to run back into the room to get them... almost breaking my heel off of my shoe :( But it all turned out okay! We got to the area with time to spare and had out of the world fish at Trader Vics, which was right next to the Nokia Theater. All in all, this weekend was a success! I have no idea what the rest of Christmas break has in store for me. I want to start on a stop-motion movie sometime this week, and possibly a new painting... we will see what happens!


stay classy,