FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS

I thought it would be fun to share with you my favorite beauty products that I use on a (almost) daily basis. I'm no beauty guru, but I've managed to find some products that I keep coming back to. I love to try out new beauty products and see what works best with my skin and these are my current favs! 

It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream with SPF 50+ // I've recently discovered It Cosmetics and this brand is a game changer. I don't use this CC cream every day, (because the powder is that good) but it's amazing when you're wanting a full coverage look. 

NARSissist Blush, Contour, and Lip Palette // I got this palette for Christmas. I've been using NARS products for a while now and have always loved them. This palette was no exception. 

L'Oreal The Infallible Blackbuster Liquid Eyeliner // This is my all time favorite liquid eyeliner. I guess it's been a few years now, but my mom bought this by mistake and gave it to me. The felt tip gives me the perfect line and wing. I only use this on my top lid. 

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Anti-Aging Concealer // This is another It Cosmetics product I just discovered. It's the best under eye concealer I've used. It's also great to cover acne and trouble spots!

It Cosmetics Celebration Foundation Illumination // Before I found this foundation, I always used a redness reducer or a ton a CC cream to cover my redness, but the coverage on this stuff is amazing. Unless I'm going for a full on coverage look, I don't have to wear anything but this. Does it get any better?

Urban Decay Cosmetics Naked2 Palette // Love all the choices! 

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeliner // Of all the drugstore eyeliner pencils, this is hands down my favorite. 

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel // I don't really know anything about eyebrows. Frankly, they intimidate me. I love this gel because it's like mascara for your eyebrows. You just swipe it over them and they look polished and natural without looking over done. Sold. 

IT Brushes For ULTA Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush // This was the recommend brush to go with the It Cosmetics Foundation. I normally wouldn't spend $24 on a makeup brush, but I had a gift card so I went for it. I must say, it was totally worth it. 

CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara // I'll never desert my CoverGirl mascara. The best. 

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxie Lipstick in Raise the Bar // This is my favorite neutral, everyday lipstick. 

Carmex Lip Balm // I apply this before any lipstick or gloss. 

And there you have it! All my favorite products.

What are you favorite beauty products?

Stay sunny,

Katie

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FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS

LET'S GET MOVING

ONE // Zella Arrow High Waist Leggings & Nike Free RN Running Shoe

TWO // Zella YOLO Leggings & Nike Tanjun Women's Athletic Shoes in blue

THREE // Lilly Pulitzer Luxletic Weekender Legging & Nike Tanjun Women's Athletic Shoe in gray

FOUR // Zella Rise Above Leggings & Nike 'Air Presto' Sneaker 

FIVE // Zella 'Splice it Up' High Waist Leggings & Nike Air Pegasus 89 Sneaker 

I have a serious love/hate relationship with working out. I truly love getting in a good sweat session, but getting myself to the gym is where the hate part comes in. I know that even when I don't want to go, I'll feel so much better afterwards. One thing I've finally realized about myself after years of trying to figure out what works best for me is to mix things up throughout the week. Instead of trying to go to the gym five days a week, I'll go two or three days and the other days I'll go run around outside or do an at-home workout. 

I've been into workout leggings for a while now. I swear half the excitement for me to work out is getting to wear cute matching workout gear (LOL...yes, I'm being totally serious. It's ok, you can laugh). I've picked out a few pairs of leggings and sneakers to get you a little motivated to get moving! 

Stay sunny,

Katie 

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LET'S GET MOVING

VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS

It's crazy to think January is already coming to a close and Valentine's Day is right around the corner! I've picked out a few fun gifts that I think would work for girlfriends, moms, sisters, and your best friends! I can't help but love a day that's surrounded by pink, red, and lots of candy. I'm totally eyeing the pink Lilly scarf and the pink Longchamp. ;)

Lilly Pulitzer Printed Water Bottle  

 Lilly Pulitzer Pink Stripe Scarf 

 Red Ombre Bauble Bar Crispin Drop Earrings

 Pink Vineyard Vines Baseball Cap

 Kate Spade New York Heart iPhone 7 case

 Lauren Ralph Lauren Pink Stripe Pajamas

 Ulta Lipstick Crayons

 diptyque Roses Scented Candle

 Pink Kate Spade 'Cameron Street - mini candace' leather satchel

 Pink Longchamp 'Large Le Pliage' Tote

 Kate Spade 'Be Mine' Card Case

 Kate Spade Valentine's Day Heart socks

 Red Personalized Monogram Key Chain


Stay sunny,

Katie

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VALENTINE'S DAY GIFTS

FRIDAY FAVORITES

a recent Instagram // hard to resist this pretty cookie! 

Happy Friday! This week was pretty slow for me and I for one am so glad the weekend is finally upon us. I hope you enjoy looking at some of my finds this week!

The prettiest rug // Loving this rug in all 3 colors.

Tiffany blue sofa, anyone? // Surely I can find somewhere to put this in my future home ;)

Love this tissue box cover // Too cute.

13 Reasons Why // A new Netflix series coming out with Selena Gomez. I read this book in middle school. It's pretty dark (be warned), but I think it'll be interesting.

A Walk to Remember // It came out 15 years ago?!! I'm pretty sure this movie is what got me hooked on Nicholas Sparks (#unashamed) This will always be one of my favorite love stories.

Draper James New Arrivals // I want it all. ;)

Hidden Figures // My boyfriend and I saw this last week and it was so good. Everyone should go see it! I also loved this article.

Favorite verse of the week // 1 John 3:18 "Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth."  Actions speak louder than words, my friends.

Stay sunny,

Katie

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FRIDAY FAVORITES

WHITE BELL SLEEVE TOP

GET THE LOOK: Pleine Knit Bell Sleeve Top - o/s in white, similar here // black jeans // Tory Burch boots (old, similar linked) // Tory Burch purse (old, similar linked) // Monogram necklace

I work a typical Monday through Friday 8-5 job in an office. Since I don't go to bed early as often as I should, I'm usually scrambling in the morning trying to get ready, get my coffee and breakfast and out the door. Tops like this one are a no-brainer. I usually run the curling iron through my hair, throw on a cute, simple top or sweater with jeans (if it's Friday) and riding boots and call it a day. I feel cute, comfortable, and most importantly, like myself. This is everyday me. 

A simple white top goes a long way in my closet. It's something I can wear all year long, change the look up with a scarf or a necklace and when the weather warms up, switch my boots out for sandals! I'm loving this bell sleeve trend that's upon us. As soon as this top came in the mail, I ordered it in pink (tempted to get the navy/white striped!). It's already been restocked in all colors once and I noticed it's already out of stock in white again, but I've linked some similar ones here and here.  

What are your go-to items in your closet? 

Stay sunny,

Katie 

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WHITE BELL SLEEVE TOP

GROWING UP

Going off to college was one of the best experiences of my life. I loved being a college student. I loved the atmosphere, late nights of studying at the library (maybe not at the time), dining hall food, clubs and campus ministries, and most of all, the people. I met my very best friends.

Once we graduated, everyone moved to different places all the way from Tennessee to Idaho. Since we are so spread out, weddings and showers are the only places we usually get to see each other and catch up. A few weeks ago we were able to get together for our dear friend, Christen's baby (!!!!) shower. Since Christen is the first to have a baby, we decided to get pictures taken to document this stage of life. These will be so fun to look back on in twenty years!

The soon to be mama, Christen. Can't wait to meet Baby Shaffer!

It's weird to think we are all in our mid twenties now. (#yikes) One day we're all on the same page, studying for finals, applying for jobs, planning weddings (for some of us - not me LOL) and then suddenly we're graduating, moving to new cities, starting new jobs, getting married and not having the "next semester" of life planned out. It's been two and half years since we graduated and every time we get together, it's like we were never apart. I don't know how I managed to get such wonderful friends, but I'm so glad the Lord saw fit to cross our paths. 

I've learned a thing or two in the past couple of years on how to keep up friendships after college (not without a bit of trial and error, though). 

-Make it a point to call or text frequently // Set up a phone date once a month or send a text telling your friend that you're thinking of them and your latest news. Group texting is also a great way to keep up with more than one friend at a time!

-Plan a reunion // Pick a long weekend and plan a fun little getaway or even just an evening for dinner in a central location to catch up!

-Send them snail mail // I love getting a handwritten note from a friend unexpectedly. One of my goals is to be better about this one. Plus, it gives me the perfect excuse to get some cute stationery ;) 

-Share an activity // Start an informal book club or Netflix show and share your favorite parts via text. 

-Love each other regardless // Life gets busy. Sometimes months will go by and I won't have called, texted, or had any contact with some of my friends before I realize how much time has passed. It's okay. We could all use a little grace. If they're true friends, they will totally understand. 

A friend of mine shared this quote the other day and I thought it was perfect. 

"In friendship we think we have chosen our peers. In reality a few years' difference in the dates of our births, a few more miles between certain houses, the choice of one university instead of another...the accident of a topic being raised or not raised at a first meeting--any of these chances might have kept us apart. But, for a Christian, there are, strictly speaking no chances. A secret master of ceremonies has been at work. Christ, who said to the disciples, "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you," can truly say to every group of Christian friends, "Ye have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another." The friendship is not a reward for our discriminating and good taste in finding one another out. It is the instrument by which God reveals to each of us the beauties of others." 

-C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves 

Stay sunny,

Katie 

Photos: Sydney Young Photography  

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GROWING UP

STATEMENT EARRINGS

To be completely honest with you, I partially wrote this post to inspire myself to step out of my comfort zone with statement earrings (#guilty) and I hope I can inspire you to do the same! I went to a military middle and high school and was only allowed to wear small studs, so I got used to putting on a small pair of pearls and diamonds and calling it a day in the jewelry department. 

Statement earrings can add the right amount of pop to a simple ensemble. Throw on a pair of statement earrings with a bright white top and jeans and you've got yourself an outfit! 

Here are some of my favorite statement earrings right now. 

One // Solange Drops // Navy and pom poms...yes, please! 

Two // Red Ombre Crispin Drops // These would be perfect for Valentine's Day!

Three // Chartreuse Sparkle Lantern Earrings // These would look gorgeous with a ruby red blouse. 

Four // Navy Dreamcatcher Earrings // Need these. 

Five // Tortoise Hoop Earrings // I have a hard time resisting anything tortoise. A great price point, too!

Six // Fuchsia Beaded Tassel Earrings // Gimme all the tassels, please. 

Seven // Coral Melina Hoops // These are so fun!

Eight // Gold Hana Drop Earrings // Perfect for a beach vacation!

Nine // Panacea Fringe Statement Earrings // These make me want to dance. 

Ten // Blue Beaded Rumba Earrings // How pretty are these? 

Which ones do you love? 

Stay sunny, 

Katie 

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STATEMENT EARRINGS

YELLOW PENDLETON RAINCOAT

GET THE LOOK: Pendleton Hooded Raincoat (also love the red!) // Gingham Button Down // Denim  // Red Sperry Duckboots  

What better way to brighten up a rainy day than a yellow raincoat? I snagged this Pendleton raincoat at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale back in August. It's out of stock at Nordstrom, but is linked above at Bloomingdale's (and it's on sale!). It's a heavier duty raincoat, which is perfect for fall and winter in the south. And it's got the most adorable plaid lining (swoon!) 

Other raincoats I love - here // here // here // here 

What's your favorite way to brighten up a rainy day?

Stay sunny,

Katie 

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YELLOW PENDLETON RAINCOAT

ICONIC INAUGURAL GOWNS

I always love seeing the fashion choices of prominent women in our society. The Inaugural Ball gives the First Ladies the opportunity to "introduce" herself to the people, if you will. I can only imagine how fun it must be to pick out a gown for an event such as this. I'm sure it's an honor for any designer to get to work with the newest leading lady in office.

Here's a look at the most iconic Inaugural gowns through out history. 

First Lady Melania Trump, Herve Pierre & Melania Trump, 2017

First Lady Michelle Obama, Jason Wu, 2009

First Lady Michelle Obama, Jason Wu, 2013

First Lady Laura Bush, Michelle Faircloth, 2001

First Lady Laura Bush, Oscar de la Renta, 2005

First Lady Hillary Clinton, Sarah Phillips, 1993

First Lady Hillary Clinton, Oscar de la Renta, 1997

First Lady Barbara Bush, Arnold Scaasi, 1989, America's "most glamorous grandmother"

First Lady Nancy Reagan, James Galanos, 1981

First Lady Nancy Reagan, James Galanos, 1985

First Lady Rosalyn Carter, Mary Matise for Jimmae, 1977

First Lady Pat Nixon, Karen Stark for Harvey Berin, 1969

First Lady - Lady Bird Johnson, John Moore, 1963

First Lady Jackie Kennedy, Jackie Kennedy and Ethan Frankau, 1961

First Lady Mamie Eisenhower, Nettie Rosenstein, 1953

First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Sally Milgrim, 1933

First Lady Helen Taft, Frances Smith Company, 1909

It's so cool to look back through time and see how fashion has evolved. 

Which is your favorite First Lady look?

Stay sunny,

Katie

image source here & here

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ICONIC INAUGURAL GOWNS

FRIDAY FAVORITES

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Happy Friday! I thought it would be fun to do a "week in review" sort of post with things I come across in my week that I really liked. Let me know what you think!

Krista's swimsuit post // Krista from Covering the Bases wrote a post that everyone should read.

Bush sisters letter to Obama sisters // I thought this was a really classy thing to do. I can't imagine being the President's daughter(s) and dealing with the pressure that comes along with that. Wishing them the very best!

Everyday Makeup Routine - Dad does voiceover // This is hilarious. Enjoy!

Weatherman's response to daughter // I got such a kick out of this!

This article about the Crown // It makes me that much more excited to keep watching. If you haven't seen this Netflix original, get to it! It's so good. It prompted me to start reading this. #royallyobsessed

New favorite game - Code Names // I played this at a girls weekend recently.

How cute are these pineapple paper clips?

New Starbucks Cascara Latte // It's like heaven in a cup.

'Crazy Jewish Mom' Text // I know this happened a while ago now, but I'm just now seeing it. So funny! The mom is a little too much for me at times, but she sure gives me a good laugh. This mother daughter duo inspired this book. Ordering it asap. 

Topshop Bow Clips // These are genius. You need them. I snap chatted about them the other day! (katie_layfield if you want to follow!)


Did you come across anything interesting this week?

Stay sunny,

Katie

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FRIDAY FAVORITES

10 WAYS TO START FRESH

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Anytime I'm feeling bogged down, stressed, or just down right out by anything from work to personal problems to just "I forgot to do my laundry again and now I'm out of clean underwear" (sorry, mom), I try to find ways to reboot, start fresh, and not let the little things get me down. 

1. Clean out your closet (and do that laundry!) - I have to admit, a decent amount of stress for me comes from my closet and not having it organized. I usually try to go through it once every season and purge what I no longer wear and re-organize it all. It always makes me feel so much better to not look at a hot mess of clothes when I open up my closet in the morning. 

2. Clean up your diet - This is a hard one for me. I'm definitely not one to say "no" to any kind of food I want. I try to only eat when I'm hungry, but I usually eat what I want. I am definitely guilty of over doing it on the diet sodas and Starbucks drinks, so one way I start over in that area is to drink a glass of water before bed and first thing in the morning, choose unsweet tea over a diet drink when I'm out to eat, or order that burger - but get a vegetable in place of the fries. #babysteps 

3. Go for a walk - Elle Woods said it best, "Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don't shoot their husbands, they just don't." Aside from the not shooting their husbands thing, Elle has a point. When I'm feeling particularly crabby, I love to go for a walk. I would love to say I workout every day and get in those 10,000 steps a day, but I don't. Sometimes all I can manage is a walk around my neighborhood or at a near by park - and it always makes me feel better! 

4. Go to bed early and wake up early - I don't know about you, but when I don't get enough sleep, I am not the most pleasant person to be around. An easy fix for me is to get enough sleep and wake up in enough time for breakfast and coffee. 

5. Set up a savings plan - Getting your finances in order is so important not only for your own health, but your life in general! If you don't already have a savings account set up, drive to the bank now! Maybe you're not at a point in life where you think you can save "enough" to matter, but it does matter. It doesn't matter how small you start, it's that you start! Want to stop living pay check to pay check or go on that trip you've been dreaming about? Go get yourself a brand new piggy bank!

6. Praying/Journaling - Journaling is something I've found to make me really happy. I journal everyday and love every minute of it. I journal my thoughts, prayers, aspirations, feelings, you name it - I've probably written it down before. Sometimes it's good to see on paper what you're thinking to put things in the proper perspective. 

7.  Take a relaxing weekend trip - If you're able, take a weekend and focus on you. Call up an old friend to visit or book a night at a B&B. Maybe you can't afford a weekend getaway at the moment -  try a day at the spa at home or read that book you've been putting off. Which leads me to #8...

8. Read a book - That book you've been putting on the back burner...read it! Take a day and just sit and read. Turn off your tv, computer, and phone and take a break. 

9. Organize something small - A lot of New Year Resolutions are to be more or get organized..then it's overwhelming and you're back again the next year with the same resolution that may or may not ever be fulfilled. One way to start is to start small. Pick a bookshelf, a room, a closet, and start there. Maybe you want your entire house to be organized but there's a particular place that just bugs you? Start there! Instead of trying for the entire house or apartment in one weekend, doing a little at a time will be a lot less overwhelming and you will probably be able to make better decisions on what to keep and throw out. 

10. Take a break from social media - Boy, I can't stress this enough. So much of my time and energy is focused toward what's going on, who said what, or the latest news story that day. Sometimes it's good to (temporarily) delete the apps and not look at it. 

What are some ways you like to start fresh?

Stay sunny, 

Katie

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10 WAYS TO START FRESH

OMBRE STATEMENT EARRINGS

gray ombre crispin drop earrings // black sweater // denim // Tory Burch flats 

How fun are these earrings? I ordered these on a whim and ended up loving them. The time between the holidays and spring time leaves me feeling pretty uninspired that I typically end up wearing the same few sweaters in rotation. When I saw these earrings from BaubleBar, I thought they would be perfect for adding a little pop to an otherwise plain outfit. 

Statement earrings are usually too heavy and end up hurting my ears, but these are so light weight! I'm thinking of ordering a couple more pairs in bright colors for the warmer months. They'd look so great with a chic ponytail!

Are you loving these baubles as much as I am?

Stay sunny,

Katie

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OMBRE STATEMENT EARRINGS

CURRENTLY LOVING 01.17

HEY there! I wanted to share a few things with you that I've been loving lately. 

Kate Spade Satin Pajamas // One thing I have always love and will always love is a fresh set of matching pajamas. I just can't seem to resist a good pair. There's just something about a set of pjs that makes me feel like I have my life a little bit together...(#progress) 

Steve Madden Suede Slip Ons // One color I've been craving in my wardrobe is pale pink. We're in that odd time of the year where I'm over the boldness of holiday fashion and ready for spring but it's still freezing out. These seem so fresh to me and would pair perfectly with an oversized gray or blush sweater and jeans. I just ordered these so I'll let you know what the final result is!

Vince Camuto OTK Suede boots // (check out yesterdays blog post if you missed it!) I am in L-O-V-E with these boots! I got these for Christmas this year and I can't speak more highly of them. The color is a mix between a gray and brown which makes them a little more versatile. They're a steal compared to the ever so coveted Stuart Weitzman boots (swoon!) and SO comfortable. A game changer for sure. 

Gray Ombre Crispin Drop Earrings // How fun are these?! I'm usually a strictly pearl stud kinda gal and ordered these on a whim and was sold as soon as I tried them on. I hope they stay in style for a while because I want a pair in every color. 

NARS blush // I'm convinced this blush looks good on every skin tone. A long time fav!

Nike Sneakers // Loving these peach and navy Nikes. I'm not sure how practical these are to actually work out in but they would make for the perfect athleisure attire. 

Oversized Turtleneck Sweater // Perfectly slouchy sweater...and it's pink. What more could you want? ;)

Warby Parker Tortoise glasses // I try to give my eyes a break from contacts a couple of times a week and what better way than adorable pair of glasses? I'm a huge fan of anything tortoise. 

Bye Bye Under Eye // I'm always into trying out new makeup and figuring out what works best on my skin. I recently watched a video from Krista at Covering the Bases and she recommended this eye cream. GAME CHANGER. I not only have incredibly dark circles, but they're also big, dark circles and this stuff completely masks it. I got it in 'medium', but I could probably use 'light', too. 

Fitbit Blaze // This was a birthday present from my parents. I've wanted a Fitbit for a while now, but never got around to getting one. I love keeping track of my sleep, steps and how many calories I've burned. It definitely gives me a little more motivation to get more steps in than I normally would through out my normal day. 

What are some things you are loving right now?

Stay sunny,

Katie 

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CURRENTLY LOVING 01.17