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

Spring Wants and Wishes

Spring Wish List 

One of my favorite bloggers Looks Good from the Back  always posts these Buy this So We Don't Have to posts and I love them. I have often been "talked" into some amazing deals because of these posts, so I thought I may enable you with some exciting deals and adorable spring fashion from some of my favorites. 

JWLA by Johnny Was Plus, Short-Sleeve Tiered Embroidered Dress $ 108.50

This dress is gorgeous. I love the embroidery that is showing up everywhere this spring, plus this dress has short sleeves, and comes in my favorite color (black!)  It is perfect for going out for tacos and margaritas on the patio, or even wearing to to the office on a random Tuesday. 

Lotta from Stockholm Clogs, Low Heel Open Toe in Tan

These clogs are highly recommended and actually a pretty decent price.. And now, I realize that I would love a pair of these low heeled clogs. They look comfortable, they are real leather, and the tan would go with anything. Because I have very wide and yet small feet, I have trouble with finding sandals that aren't a thong. Most shoes hurt my pinkie toe and I end up not wearing them and just wearing my Black Saunk Yoga Spree Flip flops constantly. 

Since we are talking about a wish list, this new necklace from Kendra Scott is so cute and I need it:

Kendra Scott Miller Tassel necklace in Gold, $225

    it's definitely on the high end price-wise for me, but it's really pretty and so versatile. 

              Okay now this  is the ultimate bag for me. I have discovered that anything in sapphire blue is my new favorite color. It surprisingly goes with everything and gets so many compliments. I love a cross body bag for shopping or going out- it's so lightweight and you can't cram it full of 30 lipsticks ;)  I found my favorite purse last summer off barneys warehouse for an insane deal, and I am currently stalking this one until it goes down more. 

When talking about wish lists and wants I could go on forever. I didn't even go into beauty, because that is a whole other blog post!! 

Monday, Monday

It's Monday- ugggh. I spent the better part of the weekend on the couch, battling a pretty bad, spring cold. It involved fevers, chills, chicken and stars soup and lots of whining ;)

Is there anything better when you're sick?

                 Now, this morning I think I have passed it on to my husband (sorry honey!) and I think I am slowly starting to feel better. Hope you have a great Monday!! Will be back tomorrow with some more spring fashion posts! 

Favorite Online Boutiques: Plus Size Options

Favorite Online Boutiques: Plus Size Options

Today I am going to talk about one of my favorite online boutiques for plus sizes. I have found over time, that high quality, boutique style clothing in sizes 14-24 is something that has changed so much in the past 5 years. It has gone from non-existent, to many, many options, and some great high quality pieces, which is so great!

SWAKdesigns.com   Sealed With a Kiss Designs

I found this website about a year ago, and have been so impressed with their quality and design. Everything is made in the U.S.A. which is rare with boutique styles. I love the drapey, high quality knit of all of their clothes, and also they are made to flatter a curvy figure. The prices are reasonable, and believe me everything feels like butter. 

Joan Maxi Dress $41.99 on sale!!

• I love that this has sleeves, which is something I need on a dress. In the heat of the hot, southern summer, this is so easy to throw on with a pair of wedges, a long necklace, or even over a swimsuit- LOVE

Nadine Top $22.99

• Again, love the drape and silhouette of this, and the price is amazing. 

**This post is not sponsored by SWAKdesigns.com they are just my own, personal experience and opinions. :)

Friday Favorites Link Up!

Friday Favorites Link Up!

Today I am so glad it's Friyay! This week, the spring weather has been warming up, the dogwoods are in their peek bloom, and spring fever is in full swing in this town!

1.) Ft Lauderdale Trip!

•  Next weekend I am flying down for a quick trip to Ft Lauderdale to visit my Mom. I plan on  spending my time at the pool, a day at the beach, Nordstrom Rack, and trying out some  delicious restaurants. There is nothing better than having your Mom live in a resort town that  is just a short 2 hour plane ride away! 
  

2.) Dogwood Arts Festival  dogwoodarts.com

• Spring in East TN is definitely the most beautiful time of year in this area. The dogwood trails in this area are so gorgeous, and it's so fun to "window shop" for houses in all these gorgeous, old neighborhoods. We have already been through Lakemoore Hills, and were blown away by the charm and history of this area. I am a Knoxville native, and have never known of this cute neighborhood until recently. There are so many beautiful places in this city and a Sunday drive is just one of my favorite things to do. 
  

3.)  Swimsuits For All.com

•    Since I am headed down to Florida to soak up some sun and sand, I have been searching for a new swimsuit. Wow, there are SO many options this year. Last Spring I noticed the Plus Size bikini really took off, and now it's everywhere. I love the idea, I really do! Ashley Graham has made a huge place in the fashion world and I love that plus size and curvy body types are making huge leaps and bounds as the ideal body type. This suit is absolutely gorgeous and any woman who has the confidence to wear this would look stunning! 
  

4.)  Flower Season

• If you know me, you know that I am obsessed with flowers. I just love them. My husband learned early on in our relationship that flowers were my love language. The first time he brought me flowers, I cried. The first time he brought my flowers for no reason, I cried again, ha! I love this time of year when all kinds of beautiful flowers are blooming and the air has a heavy, sweet smell in the early evening. Peony season, which happens very quickly for about 2 weeks in early May, is probably my favorite. Followed closely by hydrangea season in June. I may or may  not carry scissors in my car ;) We are so lucky to live in an area with so many beautiful varieties that really thrive in our climate. I am trying my hand this year at a natural wildflower cutting garden, and I am really excited to see how it turns out. 
    

  

  My favorite time of the year

My 3 Desert Island Beauty Items

Hey guys! I'm linking up with Shay and Ericka to discuss my 3 desert island beauty favorites from my medicine cabinet.

1.)  Sheseido Senka UV Gel Sunscreen Spf 50 

Get on amazon here

This particular sunscreen is my favorite product for everyday. I have very fair skin and tend to freckle and burn after only a few minutes outside, and I take sun protection very seriously. I found out about this sunscreen about two years ago and read that Japanese are also very vigilant about sun protection and their goal is to keep skin as white as possible, meaning redness, sun exposure, etc are pretty much a standard in all these products. This particular brand (Shideido) is a high end department store brand here in the U.S. but in Japan, they sell it in drugstores and it's very affordable. Thankfully in this day and age, there is Amazon which allows us to order these from Japan and reap the benefits! It does take about 4-6 weeks for delivery, so I would order two at a time. It's so lightweight and grease less and melts right into your skin. I am in love with how their is NO white residue and it makes sun protection easy as can be.





2.) Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo 

Link to amazon here

I am a (color- treated) blonde, and I don't like washing my hair every day. I have used TONS of dry shampoos from drugstore brands to high end brands and this one is the best. It actually really allows me to go an extra day without washing and my hair actually has volume and doesn't feel limp and stuck to  my scalp. Days when I can skip the washing I can sleep in a few extra minutes, and hop in the shower with my shower cap and I feel amazing and clean after a few sprays of this stuff on my scalp! 

3.) Aquaphor Healing Ointment

Link to amazon

Ok, I know this seems kind of basic, but if we are talking desert island- I gotta have this stuff! From dry rough cuticles, to chapped lips, to even diaper rash, this stuff is a holy grail beauty item. It's unscented and gentle on all skin types. I keep a tiny tube in my purse and another one beside my bed, and pretty much all over my house. If my lips are bothering me, this stuff instantly soothes them, especially in the dry winter months. You can also use this to coat your feet with before bedtime and sleep in a pair of white cotton socks- you will wake up to baby softness that you never thought possible!