Check out our latest posts!
Performative Activism and why it’s not enough
I’ve seen this buzzword come up a few times in feeds and on social (just glue my hand to my phone at this point). I think it’s important to address, especially with my friends and family who hold positions of power and are capable of acting out institutional change. What does “performative activism” mean? It…
For my white friends who feel attacked:
To all my white friends and family who feel attacked right now, I want you to know I see you and I hear you. I don’t think it’s funny that you feel uncomfortable and I don’t think the people taunting you are always justified. I don’t expect your blind acceptance and I don’t want your…
Netflix’s Spinning Out is the right kind of cringe
In Samantha Stratton’s Spinning Out, compassionate storytelling weave the figure skating lives of the Baker women into their reality of living with bipolar disorder. Here’s what I think the show did well, and why you should watch.
You’re not broken; you’re just unhappy.
You’re not broken, you’re just unhappy. Let’s unpack that.
Outdoor Shoot Locations for Free or Cheap in Austin
Working on a video with low or no budget? Check out these Austin outdoor venues for backgrounds with a great vibe.
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.
The last year of my life changed everything about me. For the better.
Why not me, why not now?
How can you go from a world full of self doubt and reasons you can’t succeed to a place of confidence? Maybe it’s time to start asking: Why not me? Why not now?
I’ll put the psycho in your psychosomatic
Living with symptoms is only half the battle when you suffer from a long-term debilitating illness. The other half is psychological, social and a battle for your own beliefs.
Create a work life that acknowledges reality.
When we create a life that denies our very real needs, we end up breaking ourselves to fit someone else’s mode. I talk about creating a work life that is both realistic to you and lifegiving.
Castle Rock is everything you hate about Stephen King novels.
Look, I love Bill Skaarsgard so much. He is hella spooky looking and does not match his name at all, but he is incredibly talented. So when I saw he was in another horror show (he formerly starred in the Netflix gore fest that was Hemlock Grove), I thought – sure – I’ll give him…
Pops of Poppy
To bring out the green eyed monster in me (or just to brighten up my face) – I liked to use a purple look. Check out my tutorial featuring some nontraditional hues from Sephora Collection, Pure Cosmetics and more.
Let’s Talk Accountability
You’re responsible for the life you are (or aren’t) building. Today I’m talking choices that make up who we are and how we owe good decisions to ourselves and the people who support us.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
May is Mental Health Awareness month, and my message to you is to surround yourself with people who understand that depression and anxiety are NOT your fault or your failure.
Pretty in Purple
To bring out the green eyed monster in me (or just to brighten up my face) – I liked to use a purple look. Check out my tutorial featuring some nontraditional hues from Sephora Collection, Pure Cosmetics and more.
Dear Austin: Where are the women who look like me?
In America’s fittest city, living life as a healthy and happy curvy girl feels like sacrilege or failure of some kind. As a #realaustinwoman, I want to change that.
The Goddess Glow
Sometimes we want makeup that makes us feel like the goddess we are. Here’s my less than twenty goddess look for you to repeat!
Your People Exist. Go Find Them.
My journey back into the community was a slow, measured route taken a few steps at a time. Read why I think your people are out there, too.
My Everyday Casual Makeup
On a day when my skin isn’t so hot but I don’t necessarily want to go for glam, this casual look is my favorite easy apply look. I use dewy, natural colored products from Lorac, Tarte, Clinique, Butter London and more.
Barry is back and even better for season two
Bill Hader and Alec Berg managed to create a comedy that is both heartbreakingly sincere and filled with gut shaking dark humor in Barry season one. In season two, they’ve brought more of that to the table. Read why Barry is the show you should be watching.
Decide for Yourself Who You Will Be
Using your power to choose your fate can change your life. Are you making conscious decisions to direct your course? Read here.
Mindfulness for Beginners
Mindfulness as a practice can seem overwhelming. Here are some easy steps to start your journey toward full presence.
Sexuality is Fluid; Love Your Unicorn
As a married bisexual woman, sexuality was a complicated, messy question for me. Read why I think you don’t need definitions.
The Depressed Girl’s Guide to Contentment
When we’ve dealt with negative emotions for so long, sometimes we can convince ourselves that those are all we deserve. This is your guide to fighting for your happiness and accepting peace.
Places: Cute Nail Studio
In my Places section of the site I recommend my favorites – favorite nail salons, gyms, restaurants, dry cleaners, etc. in Austin. Need to get a cool manicure? Check out Cute Nail Studio
Getting Past the Woo: How to Check In with your Body, Mind and Soul
Checking in with our body, mind and soul may sound daunting and a little too “new age.” This post focuses on practical questions to ask ourselves to find the answer that lead us toward healing.
My Anti-Resolutions Resolutions
I think goal-oriented resolutions are often steeped in some form of self-hate or a societal ideal of what an adventurous, fit or healthy person does. Instead, this year I’ve decided to reflect and evaluate some of my relationships with the world around me that started changing in 2018 and I’d like to think about more…
My Skincare Routines for Camera-Ready Skin
I describe my morning and night-time skincare routines as well as my more intensive routine I use for upcoming shoots or events. Click for products and advice.
What’s it like to live with major depressive disorder
What it’s like to live with major depressive disorder. My experience handling major depressions and the life I get to live in between.
Thoughts: Wait for you.
“I’m waiting for me. And I may take awhile.” – Women of Manhattan. Read why I think waiting for your truest self to emerge is worth your patience.
Five Mental Health Tips for World Mental Health Day
These five tips are part of an arsenal I use to combat my worst depressions. Celebrate World Mental Health Day by using some for yourself.
Thoughts: Don’t apologize for being loved.
I think as a culture we have a tendency to apologize for our success or our hapiness. Here’s why I’m done apologizing for it.
Thoughts: Who you are is enough.
I’ve been fighting some post birthday blues and feeling unsettled. Here’s the mantra I’ve been working through.
ATX Life: Eat Drink Anthem
The new gateway to Rainey Street, Anthem, offers wholly unique cuisine, an inventive cocktail menu and a warm atmosphere. Find out more here.
Thoughts: Stories Still Matter.
“I would give up the unessential; I would give up my money, I would give up my life for my children; but I wouldn’t give myself. I can’t make it more clear; it’s only something I am beginning to comprehend, which is revealing itself to me.”
Reviews: 3 Award Winning Novels You’ll Actually Enjoy Reading
With a background in writing, I find myself drawn to well constructed literature. But not all good literature is good reading. These novels are both.
ATX Life: My Favorite Dates
Austin can be an overwhelmong place to plan in. for your next date night, check out my top three favorites for some romance.
Reviews: 25 Songs that Make Me Feel Things
Getting older has meant accepting emotions – so I’ve made a playlist of 25 songs that make me feel things for your listening pleasure.
Thoughts: All the Little Joyful Things
The world doesn’t have to be a perfect place for us to celebrate perfect moments. Read the difference between happiness and joy.
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Madie Leon Riley 