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

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!!