Getting to Know Me...21 Questions

Today, I thought I would answer one of those surveys that have been going around from time to time. Some questions may be obvious if you know me, and some may not be. Here goes!

1. Are you named after anyone? My mom got the name Megan as a combination of her two sister's names, Margaret and Anne, so yes. 

2. When was the last time you cried?  It was probably a month or so ago. Can't remember specifically. 

3. Do you have kids? No 

4. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?  Of course, I think I have a pretty good sense of humor and enjoy entertaining people. so that alone makes me fun. 

5. Do you use sarcasm a lot?  Yeah, I do. A LOT.

6. Will you ever bungee-jump?  Hell to the NO! I'm not into the kind of physical rush that feels like I may or may not be dying. 

7. What's your favorite cereal? Crispix is really good and I also love Cinnamon Toast Crunch 

8. What's the first thing you notice about people?  Probably their clothes. I love fashion and clothes and instantly like to check out what someone is wearing, especially if it's something I would wear. 

9. What is your eye color?  Hazel 

10. Scary movie or happy endings?  I like happy endings, or indie dramas or documentaries. 

11. Favorite smells?   My pug Lulu after she's had a bath, fresh cut grass, a baby's head, and my favorite perfume is Juliette has a Gun Not a Perfume 

12. Summer or winter? Summer

13. Computer or television?  Television. I love local news, and cable! 

14. What's the furthest you've ever been from home?  Probably Muscat, Oman. 

15. Do you have any special talents? I am really good at imitating people's voices and accents. 

16. Where were you born? Pennsylvania 

17. What are your hobbies?  I like to do anything water related- swimming, boating, going to the beach. I love traveling, and even just going for a long drive along back roads. Oh, and we're obsessed with our pug, so we like to have a "best friend day" once a month where we cuddle up and spend the whole day together. 

18. Do you have any pets? Yes, I have a pug Lulu London who is almost 9. I have two brown tabby kitties. The first is Wichiku or Wichi for short (pronounced Way-shee) and she is approximately 18. She's very old, but still kicking. Then we have Minnie, who is 7 and also a brown tabby. She looks like she could be Wichi's daughter, so that's where the name came from. 

19. Favorite movie? Dirty Dancing. Love it and need to watch it again this simmer 

20. Do you have any siblings? Yes, my sister, Maureen who is 4 years younger, also two older half siblings, brother, and sister. 

21. What do you want to be when you grow up? Happy with my husband Marc, our family, and lots of Pugs and perhaps a Persian kitty too ;) 

What's Up Wednesday

It has been a few weeks, errrr  almost 27 days since I last blogged, so I am popping in today, to share some updates!

What We're Eating this Week:

My Mom was here last weekend and made one of her favorite recipes from when I was growing up. My sister and I love this and it's a very simple recipe. 

Chicken & Puff Pastry
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, 
1 tbsp olive oil
2 gloves chopped garlic
1 can cream of mushroom soup (you can use cream of broccoli, or chicken)
2 cups broccoli florets (frozen or fresh)
Pepperidge Farm Frozen Puff Pastry Shells

Saute garlic and chicken in olive oil until chicken is fully cooked. Add soup mixture and broccoli and cook over Low for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, cook puff pastry according to package directions. Serve with herbed white rice. This recipe will yield lots of extra sauce to spoon over rice and pastries. 



Something I'm Excited About:

I am really excited because my sister in law is driving from Kansas this weekend and we will get to see my nieces and nephew! My nephew is just 2 and we haven't seen him since last Christmas. He is getting so big and is now at a fun age, where he will want lots of "pway" time! 

Colton and his Auntie Megan 

What I'm Loving:

I recently started subscribing to Sephora Play, a monthly beauty subscription box, and my July box was really great! Everything I got, I am obsessed with! 

The Too Faced bronzer has a chocolate scent that I love, and is a really great shade, even for my fair skin! And the Smashbox primer is bulletproof and is the only thing saving my face in this 100 degree heat & humidity. The Ouai spray is something I've been wanting to try for a long time, and I love this so much, I'll probably buy a full size bottle when this runs out! 

Friday Favorites: Food for the 4th!

Today is Friday!! We have made it through another long, hot week and this is one of my favorite weekends of summer. I remember it being the height of summer when I was a kid. July the 4th was when school seemed so far away, and there was still so much left of summer to look forward to!

I have apparently turned into the designated potato salad maker for whenever we have a cookout with friends. Everyone raves about this potato salad and I have never seen it exactly this way, so I will share my version, Ths is at least 3 generations old. I think the simplicity and use of really good ingredients, particularly mayonnaise,  and the fresh parsley is what makes it.

"Halfpenny" Potato Salad

5 lb red potatoes, peeled.
1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
3-4 stocks of celery including leaves, finely chopped
Approximately 1 cup of flat leaf parsley, finely chopped, plus more for garnish

Dressing

1 cup of Hellman's mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp celery salt
salt & pepper

Boil potatoes in salted water until tender. Drain, cool, and break up into small pieces. Add chopped onion, celery and parsley. Pour dressing over and mix thoroughly. Garnish with more parsley and celery salt. Serve chilled with your cookout feast.

Right now I am really obsessed with all of the wonderful fresh fruits in season. I had the most delicious plums and nectarines this week, and I would love to try grilling them and adding as a topping for vanilla ice cream...bonus if it's homemade

Also, the other day in Trader Joe's I was persuaded to buy this drink and I am now obsessed with it! It is absolutely delicious and tastes like summer in a bottle! It would also be really good with a little bit of sparkling water, or vodka as a refreshing summer cocktail. Bonus if you make them into popsicles ;)

Happy 4th of July!

The Great Southern Road Trip: Knoxville, TN

Welcome to my hometown, Knoxville, TN. We are in the eastern part of Tennessee, right beside the Great Smoky mountains. We are a medium sized city and we are growing by leaps and bounds! The past ten years has been a sort of renaissance for our downtown area and it continues to grow and change exponentially every year.

View of Knoxville downtown waterfront

     Right now in summer, this is when our college town is much slower paced. Our students have left for the summer, for the most part , and no university sporting events are happening. Football is huge here in the fall. There are tons of festivals going on almost every weekend, and so much local food, beer, and culture to immerse yourself in.

Where to Stay:

The Olivier Royale is a lovely boutique hotel in downtown, just steps away from Market Square which is full of great restaurants, and lots of other happening events.
The Oliver Hotel, Knoxville

Air B&B
You can stay in a Scotish castle across the river for a really neat experience! It's in a wooded area, right on a 300 acre nature preserve, and there are even secret passages and towers!

Williamswood Castle on Air B&B

What to Do:

I would recommend walking through the market square farmer's market, if you are here for the weekend. It goes on every Saturday morning here from April- November. There are so many things to buy here! Cute flower arrangements in mason jars, local meats, honey, huge selection of locally farm grown produce- if you are here in the summer, you must try a Grainger county tomato! And don't miss all the food trucks The Cruze Farm dairy sets up a food truck with homemade buttermilk biscuits, and ice cream that is to die for!

http://marketsquarefarmersmarket.org/
http://www.cruzefarm.com/

Knoxville Brew Tours:

Knoxville has opened quite a few new breweries in the last year or two. We are adding more constantly and if you like craft beer, this is a great thing to try!
http://www.knoxbrewtours.com/

Where to Eat:
For breakfast or brunch:
The Tomato Head has a really interesting , unique brunch menu and is a very popular local restaurant, also is one of the oldest on Market square.

Hope you enjoy my hometown as much as I enjoy living here!

Friday Favorites!

Happy Friday! Summer is here in full swing. It has been a scorcher this week in East TN.  The only way to be outside is in or around a body of water. Preferably a pool with spf 50, a hat and a Starbucks "pink drink"
Have you tried one? If not, ask for their strawberry acai refresher with coconut milk. It's delicious and tastes just like a pink starburst! Go get one right now- you're welcome ;)

2.) Another thing I am loving for summer is my Swell water bottle. It's a double wall stainless steel bottle that keeps your drink cold for up to 24 hours! Mine is gold and I even added a vinyl monogram to personalize it! I get a lot of compliments, or even questions about if it's a champagne bottle! ;)

Not a champagne bottle, but does keep your water COLD 

3.)  I am also loving being blonder for summer. I just got my hair highlighted and I feel like a whole new woman with all this blonde! I picked up some of these new Redken products while at the salon to keep my hair looking bright all summer. I'm all about the way a shampoo smells, and this one is very nice. And the fragrance lasts all day too! 

4.)  One additional product on my list this week is this shade of white nail polish from OPI. I have never been one who buys the $8 bottle of OPI but I swear it lasts the longest of any other polish brand on my nails.

And last but not least, I am loving this man, as we celebrate 3 years of marriage this weekend! 

June 20, 2013, Mr. & Mrs. Bryant 

Hope your weekend is filled with pink drinks, love, and sunshine!!! xoxo

What's in my Bag?

Today I'm going to talk about what's in my bag. I love to carry a large bag with me to work everyday. I never know what I may need throughout the day, but on the weekends and when I go out shopping, I have stopped lugging a large bag around and usually carry a cross body style that is hands free. 

My every day work bag is this gorgeous Milly hobo bag. This color goes with all colors in my wardrobe. It's sold out everywhere, but Barney's still has a similar version

PS- Wait until they do an extra 60% off clearance sale, which is usually a few times a year. They did one over memorial day, so sign up for e-mails and keep an eye out!

Inside my bag, I carry my wallet, iphone,  zippered bag for makeup and lipsticks, a mini hairbrush, band aids, sunglasses, nail clippers and file, pill case with advil/ aleve, inhaler, hand cream, hand sanitizer, cortisone cream, and ponytail holders. I am always prepared! Usually if I'm just running out for a quick errand, I pretty much just carry my wallet, phone, lipgloss, and keys. Here are some of my favorite purse essentials:

Mark and Graham Monogrammed Gingham Pouch

Kate Spade Croc Embossed wallet

My favorite everyday lip color is MAC lipstick in brave. It's a great  pink/ nude color that I tend to reach for. I also love this new matte shade  by Clinique. 

Happy Tuesday!

Fab Friday: Curly Hair, Don't Care!

Another week has gone by, and it was a short and HOT one! 
Summer is finally here. Kids and teachers are out of school, pools are open, and I am jealous of all of you who are enjoying either of these things! 


Today, I would like to say that I have officially given up drying my hair for the summer. A few weeks ago, my hair dryer broke while I was using it. It started smoking, and I promptly unplugged it, scrunched my hair with a little curl cream and went to work. And I didn't hate it! My hair dries into a wavy/ natural look and I'm loving it for summer. It makes getting ready so much quicker too. I've been using this curl cream by Parlor that I got this in my Birchbox a few months back. I love the smell, and it doesn't produce any crunchiness.

I have been on the lookout for additional products that aren't necessarily a sea salt spray- I have tried many and they seem to make my hair frizzy and I want something that smells good, but not the same old coconut smell. Has anyone tried these products?

Fave4 Up for Air Air Dry Cream $16 Birchbox.com

Also, this looks amazing, and supposedly has notes of amber and musk in the scent, which are my favorite:

Ouai Wave Spray, $26 Sephora.com

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! 

P.S.-

Modcloth has so many cute things for summer right now!

Friday Favorites!

It's finally Friday! I feel like this week has been particularly long for some reason. I am sooo glad to have arrived at the end of it.

Some things that are my favorite this week:

1.) Lancome Juicy Shaker


If you are a child of the 90's, you probably remember the super popular Juicy Tubes from Lancome. I remember my sister had tons of those, along with Lancome Miracle perfume and that scent instantly makes me nostalgic for her wicker vanity and a pair of black pumps we fought over all the time :) Anyway, this new product is sheer, and considered a lip "oil" which sounds perfect for summer! It keeps your lips moisturized, not sticky and has a hint of color. I want the juicy watermelon shade:

2.) Heated Eyelash Curler



This little product is amazing! It was really inexpensive and makes a huge difference with my lashes. The little red piece turns clear when it's heated up. I use it right before I apply my mascara and love the result.  

3.) Essie Bubble Bath nail polish

This is the perfect sheer pink polish. I paint two coats and I love that it still shows my nails under, but gives them a really natural look. If I don't have nail polish on, my nails tend to peel and never grow long(ish). This stuff really does last 3-4 days without any chips, and when it does chip a little, it doesn't show because the color is so natural. Love this and have been wearing on repeat for the last month!

4.) Edy's Outshine Fruit Bars

I love any kind of frozen treat.  I don't limit myself to summer, but when it really starts to get warm and it's light outside until 8 pm or later, I have to have a popsicle. This was a daily ritual in ym childhood, and I am still mad that there aren't the Lifesaver Flavor Posicles, or Jello Fruit pops anymore! Those were both my absolute favorite. But, this Edy's fruit bar is really good. I love anything peach flavored and these are so yummy!  

5.) Twinnings Cold Brew Iced Tea, peach flavor

So good, and it really is perfect when steeped in cold water! It doesn't hardly need any sugar. I add a little bit of stevia, and it's the perfect drink! I drink mostly water, but I looove iced tea, especially sweet, and again peach. I haven't been able to find it the last two times I was at Kroger, so I may end up ordering it.

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! It's supposed to rain here on Saturday, but Sunday looks beautiful! XOXO

Five on Friday!

Five on Friday!

Today I am linking up with some of my favorite bloggers, April from A. Liz Adventures, to talk about 5 things you may not know about me!

1.) I was born in 1982, and am a Leo. Although I don’t think that necessarily means anything.

2.) All the women in my family are “M” names and I have never hated my name, Megan Patricia

3.) I lived in Ankara, Turkey for 3 years from 1990-1993 and attended a British school. I left with a pretty good British accent, almost fluent in Turkish, and friends and times I will always look back on fondly.

4.) I have seen every episode of Seinfeld several times. My husband and I started watching it together when we first started dating, and we quickly learned we both had similar senses of humor. My favorite is probably half George/ half Elaine. I see myself in both of them! (ha!)

5.) Speaking of humor, I have a very sarcastic and irreverent sense of humor. Most people who know me very well know I have a contagious laugh and find pretty much everything funny. One of my old high school friends told me the other day, I should try stand up. Umm, not that brave.

Hope you all have a great weekend! Our peonies are looking and smelling beautiful. The weather is going to be beautiful, and there is a lot going on in Knoxville! The International Biscuit festival is happening on Market square this Saturday! If you are local- you must check it out!

www.biscuitfest.com

Wednesday Recipes!

Today I have 2 recipes for 2 current favorite things to eat when the warm weather hits.

1.) Italian Pasta Salad

I make this at least once a week for an easy side dish or even main dish. It's delicious the next day, and the flavor gets even better! It's delicious and one of my favorite things in the warm months.

   

     1 box Rainbow Rotini pasta, cooked, and drained.

     6 ounces sweet, local tomatoes chopped

     6 ounces Green Bell pepper, chopped

     1/2 Purple Onion, chopped (optional, I actually leave this out!)

     6 ounces mozzarella string cheese, chopped into bite sized pieces

      ** This recipe is pretty versatile and you can also add salami, olives, cucumbers, anything you have on hand!

     

   Dressing:

   1/2 cup Olive Oil

   1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar

    1 tsp dried basil, parsley, oregano seasoning.

    1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Cook pasta according to directions, drain and rinse with cold water. Let cool. Meanwhile chop and dice all the veggies and cubed cheese. Combine pasta, fresh veggies and cheese. Mix up dressing in small glass pitcher or bowl. Pour over pasta and veggie combo. Chill for about 20 minutes before serving. Add fresh lemon and Parmesan cheese to garnish. 

2.) Tres Leches Cake

  I made this a few weeks ago for a dinner party and it was a big hit. The delicious combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream is the show stopper in this recipe for sure. 

Ingredients

1 yellow cake mix (with pudding) baked as directed in 13 by 9-inch pan

For topping mixture:

1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup rum (or to taste)

To finish:
Whipped cream, to cover cake

Fresh strawberries, for garnish

Poke holes in the cake with a fork all over. Pour topping mixture over cake. Let mixture absorb completely in refrigerator.
Cover with whipped cream and strawberries, serve chilled from refrigerator.

    

    

Friday Favorites link Up

Happy Friday!

Today I am re-capping my recent trip down to Florida, as well as talking about a few amazing finds!

I spent 3 days last week in Ft Lauderdale visiting my Mom. I had very nice, warm weather while down there. I wore this adorable swimsuit I loved the color, and the ruching :

My sunglasses are from amazon: 

Other than that, I have been spending a lot of quality time with Lulu, my pug and catching up on Bravo shows. I am excited for nice, warm weather this weekend. My sister is having a dinner party, so I am also  excited to eat and hang out with friends on Saturday night!  Happy weekend!

Beauty Tuesday: Wants, Loves, and Wishes

Beauty is a topic that I have always been passionate about. I love trying out new products. I use the word "products" to encompass anything and everything: makeup, skincare, fragrance, hair care, nails, and bath and body. I love it all. I'd say my favorite category is probably makeup. I love to do my makeup everyday. I am shocked at what a difference, just a little wash of color on my face makes! And it takes no time. I am definitely one those people who chooses not leave the house without at least something on my face. Here are some of my favorites, and new things I am intrigued by:

•      Everyday for the past 10 + years, this little pot of goodness has covered my worst skin flaws, erased dark circles, and primed my lids before I even knew what that was. MAC Studio Finish concealer has spf, comes in tons of shades ( I'm NC15) and makes me look human again 

MAC Studio Finish Concealer, Spf 35 

I'm also pretty obsessed with lip color. I always have at least 35 lipsticks in my giant lipstick bag that I carry around with me. I love to change up my color daily, and obsessed with the perfect moisturizing formula that lasts and doesn't cause my lips to flake. 

•   Gerard cosmetics is a semi- obscure brand that I've never seen in Sephora or drugstores, and it's only sold online. The Hydra Matte Lipstick is literally amazing. You know the current super-huge trend made popular by Kylie Jenner? Big, huge matte lips, in grey/ neutral/ brown shades? It's kind of weird, especially since that seems so 1995 to me, but it's HUGE right now in the makeup trend world. A lot "you tubers" that I regularly watch will sometimes link to this particular brand, and I see why. The colors are so rich, the hydra matte is very moisturizing, light and feels really good on. The colors are right on trend, but not harsh, and there are always some great deals happening! I have tried the Serenity shade and love it. The 1995 is probably my next shade to try, but they all look beautiful, and new colors are coming out constantly. 

Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte Lip Color

•      Last but not least, is my favorite makeup remover. Boscia is a Japanese brand that I have seen at Sephora and recently tried this awesome product to take my makeup off at night. I am often lazy and just use a wipe, but I often find this doesn't get rid of everything. I end up using water to get excess mascara or eyeliner off and this stuff breaks up all your makeup instantly! It's so lightweight too and doesn't feel oily or smear onto my contact lenses. I am in love with this. So much easier and more effective than a wipe.

What are your favorites? Any obscure items that I need to know about?

Mod Cloth for Mother's Day

On Sale At Modcloth

One of my favorite sites to browse for gifts, shoes, and adorable clothes is Mod Cloth. They have so may cute little things, from beauty, to home, as well as accessories, and even pajamas! There are so many cute things, that any Mom in your life, would love to get!

Gifts for Mother's Day from Modcloth


I love this charming, little picnic basket:

Open Air Enjoyment Picnic Basket, $99.99

Oh, and this picnic blanket would be the perfect accompaniment to your day in the park. Just add some delicious cheese, grapes, and something sparkly to enjoy and you have the perfect spring afternoon with the favorite Mom in your life <3 

Lunch is on Me! Picnic Blanket $49.99

Speaking of cute PJ's, these are adorable and any Mom would love these, especially a new Mom with a newborn:

Yawn Voygae Pajamas $20.99 on sale!

** Life in 865 earns compensations from brand collaborations, affiliate programs, etc. All opinions are my own, and all brands and products are ones that I personally love. Thank you for supporting these brands, which make this blog possible! xo