Monday, October 31, 2011

Happy Halloween

Today is one of my favorite holidays! I've always loved dressing up in fun Halloween costumes. I don't know about you, but I remember the days when Halloween costumes consisted of a plastic mask of your chosen character held on by a rubber band and a plastic night gown type piece that accompanied it that would have an illustration of the body of your character. Some of the favorites I remember from my childhood were Rose Petal (from Rose Petal's Place) and Barbie.

As years have gone by Halloween costumes have come a long way from the plastic mask days. Here are a few of my favorite costumes. What will you be dressing up as this year?

{2003 - I was Punky Brewster and hubby (then boyfriend) was "Mike" a 50s guy.}
{2004 - Fifi the French maid}
{2006 - Cleopatra}
{2009- Wednesday Adams}

Friday, October 28, 2011

Friday Flashback

{We spent our Saturday shooting a commercial for Universal Studios Orlando.}
Happy Friday Friends! This week has been bitter sweet for me. Hubby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary, we were in a commercial for Universal Studios and our hospital celebrated Halloween with the patients trick-or-treating throughout the hospital, deptartment skits (Which ours took 2nd place. . .we were cheated out of 1st!) and our annual Monster Mash Halloween party. With all this excitement going on and the smile that I always had on my face was clouded by this aweful cold I have had since Monday evening. Let me tell you, when it comes to having a cold, I am not a good patient. Now five days later, I'm so over it as I continue to sniffle and cough. This weekend I'm looking forward to some R&R so I can kick this cold. I hope you have a good one!!!


{The view from our boat during the evening portion of the commercial shoot at Universal's City Walk.}

{After our commerical shoot, hubby and I hung around the area and enjoyed some food, drinks and music at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritavill.}

{Each department had to decorate a pumpkin without carving it as part of this year's Halloween contests. Check out ours, Mr. Jack-O-Lantern Sparrow.}

{The Gleeks. We danced to the Glee version of Proud Mary with most of the group in wheelchairs. Each one of our shirts said an attribute we like about ourself, like they also did in Glee . . .accept they wrote things they were self concious of. We rocked and took 2nd place!}

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Fashion Rules to Break: Clash or Credit

The Rule: Certain color combos are forbidden


Break It: When done right, any color can be worn together. Of course prints can contain numerous hue combinations, but solid blocks of heretofore taboo pairings can also look scads more stylish than a play-it-safe palette. Black/brown, black/blue, even red/pink all work if you keep the tone the same — pastel shades put together, inky colors partnered, neon brights paired up.

So what about you lovely? Is this a fashion rule you will stick to or break?

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

From Where I Sit: Portrayals in Pop Culture

Hello Beautiful! Do you know how much I love you? You are what makes me so excited about this blog. Your comments, your questions, your sweet sentiments just make me so happy! I was recently asked by another anonymous reader a question for a "From Where I Sit" piece. I think it is awesome that you feeling open enough to ask those tough questions. We're all friends here.

So this question is about how people with disabilities are portrayed in pop culture and if I am offended by any of it. I was so excited over this question because I think some of my thoughts on this topic you won't expect coming from a person with a disability. So let's dive right in. . .

Q. How do you feel about portrayals of handicapped people in popular culture like Joe Swanson on Family Guy or Timmy on South Park? I have to admit I find it funny when Coach Sylvester refers to Artie as a cripple on Glee. I almost peed myself laughing when Steven Hawking was having wheelchair sex with his wife on that episode of Family Guy where Brian went back to college. Some people have said it was un-PC but I think we take ourselves too seriously these days and need to lighten up. What are your thoughts?

A. I think these shows are HYSTERICAL!!! One of my very favorite shows is Glee (I'm a little obsessed actually) and Family Guy is another favorite for both my hubby and I.

First let's look at Glee. I think the Artie character is done very well. I think Kevin McHale, for an actor who is not disabled, does a very good job in utilizing a wheelchair correctly in a show that is very " show/performance" oriented. When Sue chimes in with her "cripple" comments I laugh because that is just Sue. She cuts on everyone. Remember the episode where she was making her own Glee club and stealing all the minority kids. I loved her line, "Santana! Wheels! Gay kid! Asian! Other Asian! Aretha! Shaft!" It's great comedy.



Let's not forget about Becky. I LOVE that the writers/producers of Glee have given this actor the chance to be a part of such an amazing ensemble. Becky brings such a great spirit to the show, and pairing her up with Sue. . .even better!

OK, Family Guy. To me, if anyone is too uptight about darn near anything, they should not be watching this show because everyone and everything is made fun of. It is a cartoon people, and obviously things will be taken to the extreme because, well, it can be. I think it is too funny when Joe's wife is changing his diaper and their babies diaper. Maybe I can laugh at this because I don't have those restroom issues, but again, it is a cartoon. Laugh people!

Recently my hubby and I had the wonderful opportunity of being in the major motion picture film Dolphin Tale, a commercial for the Disney parks and another for Universal Studios Orlando. For the two commercials I was the only person with a physical disability. I was curious to see how the director would handle this. Would I be sent to the back corner of the shoot to not be in the main scene? Would I hardly be on screen period?

In all of these experiences I was treated with the utmost respect. I was even approached by the director on the Universal shoot on the great job I was doing and how happy he was with my "performance".

I bring these topics up because here I was getting a first hand account of how a person with a disability (me) was going to be portrayed in these different media pieces. In each one, I was treated no differently and my disability was not accentuated at all. They focused on me the person, not me, the wheelchair girl.

Getting back to the initial question of how I feel about portrayals of handicapped people in popular culture. . .I feel that for the most part I am on board and OK with it. I will say that sometimes I feel like a person with a disability is more times than not used as a charity case or the sad sob story. What pop culture really needs are the strong willed, independant and totally awesome individuals that have disabilities to portray exactly that. To show the world that their disability does not define them. Now that I want to see because I think those roles are somewhat lacking in pop culture. I would totally be up for that role! I'll be waiting for your call Hollywood!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Hot Apple Cider

One of the things I love most about fall are the all of the warm, yummy drinks that are now "legal" to drink. I’m kind of obsessed with them actually. I’m sure a lot of you are used to having a hot drink in your hands just about every morning, year-round. But see, I don’t drink coffee, so I'm like a total weirdo rolling around with a cup of hot chocolate in the middle of July in FL no doubt. So when the cool fall weather rolls around, it’s my cue that it’s socially acceptable to be seen with my little hot chocolate. And during the fall months, there’s nothing better than a warm, spicy cup of caramel apple cider!

I should mention to my international friends (I know, how cool does that sound?) here in the US apple cider does not refer to an alcoholic beverage like it does overseas.

I love this recipe. Our friend Ed made this when a group of our friends got together and it was delicious. It is so simple to make. Just put everything into your crock pot and let it warm up. It can of course be cooked on the stove, but I prefer the crock pot route! Enjoy!!!


INGREDIENTS:

1 gallon apple cider
27 whole cloves
8 cinnamon sticks
1 quart pineapple juice
1 can (6 ounce) frozen orange juice concentrate



PREPARATION:

Mix all ingredients in a large crock pot and simmer. Serve hot.

P.S. I'm a big fan of caramel apple cider, so I add about a tablespoon of caramel syrup (the ice cream topping) and whipped cream with caramel syrup drizzled to my cup. . .sooo good!!!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Make No Bones About It

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! I love decorating our house, dressing up and handing out candy to the neighborhood kids. When it comes to embracing the fashion and accessory trends that go along with the haunting mood leading up to the bewitching event, I’m much more Gossip Girl than Gothic girl. I do have a fancy for skulls around Halloween though. These are a few of my favorite pieces. What about you? What are some of your favorite Halloween accessories?

{I love the feminine look to this skull and crossbones rhinestone tee from Crazy Haute.}
{I would feel like a total rock star with this metal studded purse with the rhinestone skull and crossbones.}
{This skull and crossbones necklace is the perfect accessory to add a little spooky sparkle to your outfit.}
{If only I didn't have wrists the size of a five year old. I just love this leather, gold and silver skull arm wrap.}

Friday, October 21, 2011

Friday Flashback: Five Years Ago Today

{We vowed to love each other unconditionally.}


{Our two lives became one.}
{We knew we would always be there for one another.}
{Your kisses gave me butterflies; and they still do.}

Happy Anniversary Honey!!! These photo makes me feel so blessed. . .for everything. Everything that happened on our beautiful wedding day; everything we have to do at home like laundry and pay bills; everything we do together like Tai Chi, gaming, watching endless hours of Cops and snuggling. I am so glad we are in love. I promised that day and I'll promise everyday that I will do anything to make you and us happy forever!

I love you!!!

Thursday, October 20, 2011

A Blushing Bride


On the day of the wedding I was on a mission to stay calm, to remember all of the emotions I was going through and to really enjoy the day. While my bridesmaids were doing hair and makeup in the in their hotel rooms, I was having my hair and makeup done by the very talented Shelley Giard. And this whole ‘glow’ thing? I never understood it until that day… I’m sure other brides will totally agree.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

From Where I Sit: Finding Romance

"Anything less than mad, passionate, extraordinary love is a waste of your time." That's one of my favorite quotes from the romantic comedy, "Dream for an Insomniac."

I've always been a hopeless romantic. I'd watch countless romantic movies in high school and hope that someday I too would have what I was seeing on the big screen. I knew that these were just movies, but they always gave me hope that one day someone would love me just as passionately.

I was asked not long ago by Ruth a question to be answered in the "From Where I Sit" segment. Since this week is devoted to love, I thought this question was quite appropriate.

Q. Did you ever feel like your disability might prevent you from getting married?

A. Plain and simple, no I never did. I did however think that my prince charming would have to be one of very special qualities. After all, there are differences that come with dating/marrying me.

I was always the girl growing up with more guy friends than girl friends. Some of the most popular guys in my high school I would spend countless hours on the phone with after school or chatting it up in the halls as they would walk with me to class. I watched as they would go through one girlfriend after another and I seemed to be their sounding board.

This might sound not so fun to you right? Watching guys that you have a crush on date your friends or classmates all the while inside you secretly wish they were dating you.

Well, for me it was a double edge sword. Ya, there were times that I wanted to be those girls, but when all was said and done, these guys were done with them and still very involved in my life. . .I win.

I knew that at the high school age, most (not all) guys (or girls for that matter) are not at the maturity level to date someone who is "different". They are not ready for the questions or stares or differences dating a person with a disability entails.

For me, my first true boyfriend came in my second year of college. He was a true catch! Very attractive, a baseball player for his college and just an all around sweet guy. We were together about eight months, and then due to distance decided things were better for us to just be friends.

After that the world of dating seemed to open up for me. I had numerous guys ask me out on dates throughout my college career, and I seemed to be living the "normal" dating lifestyle. Suddenly the fact I was in a wheelchair did not matter anymore.

As mature as a person may be when it comes to dating/marrying a person with a disability, I am no dummy. I know there has to be a willingness to take on the added responsibilities that go along with it. For instance, my husband has to help me in and out of bed, get dressed, shower, etc. Marrying me is not like marrying someone else and I realize even a guy that might be totally in to me may not be ready or able or willing to take on all of me; and I was always OK with that. I got it.

Even with that in mind, I NEVER thought I would not find my true love and one day get married. Perhaps it was my upbringing that was full of love and acceptance. Perhaps it is my attitude towards my situation; that I am no different than anyone else. I just knew that there would be someone out there for me, and it didn't have to be another disabled person. I was deserving of someone's love and when the right person came along, I would have my romantic movie. Now five years in to marriage, I'd say we're off to a box office hit wouldn't you?!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

They're Playin' Our Song

We all have one. That one song that makes us instantly think of our sweetheart. It took years before my  hubby and I had "our song". We'd say it was this song or that song, but at the end of the day, none of them really stuck. Then we heard the song "Ordinary" by Wayne Brady. We both instantly knew THAT was OUR song. Have you heard it? If not, you can listen to it here.

Each time we hear it on the radio we will stop whatever it is we are doing and just sing along, holding each other tightly. I remember one morning (Well maybe very early afternoon. . .I'm a sleeper given my own choice with no alarm clock.) my hubby woke me up by playing this song and came in to our bedroom singing and dancing to it. So sweet!

So do you and your honey have a song? I'd love to hear what yours is.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Our First Date

This Friday my Hubby and I will be celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary. I thought it would be fun to spend the week focused on all the special memories and moments that have made our time together (Actually 10 years overall.) so special. Today it seems appropriate to take you back to the beginning. . .our first date.

Hubby and I met at work. We worked in different departments, so it was "legal" to date each other per company policy. The funniest part of our relationship is that when he first saw me, he thought I looked like a snob. Can you even believe that? How dare he!

{Our very first picture ever taken together. We weren't dating yet, but I think we were already smitten with each other!}
I started working at this company in January, by February I knew that he had a girlfriend. I had very sneakily (or so I thought) asked him,

"So do you have a valentine?"

When he answered yes I was heartbroken, but didn't want him to know that. I quickly came up with a reply,

"Awwwe, that's nice. Me too."

I soooo lied, but I wanted to see if there was any disappointment on his face.

After Valentine's Day had come and gone, I asked him how his went. Turns out he broke up with his girlfriend. As I quietly did the dance of joy in my head, I was as sympathetic as I could be about his breakup. He didn't seem really heartbroken at all, and even more interested in me (I had to come up with a dumped fake boyfriend story and fast LOL).

After a few months of "randomly" stopping by each others desk throughout the day, cute emails back and forth and both ending up on the company softball team (He as a player and me as the team's scorekeeper.), he got up enough courage to ask me out.


We went to Grady's American Grill for dinner and had a lovely dinner. We sat for hours having the "getting to know you" chat. The whole dinner he was so attentive to everything I said. I couldn't keep my eyes off of his amazing smile. I remember thinking to myself how easy he was to talk to. I felt like I had known him for years.

At the end of the dinner he excused himself to go to the restroom before we left. He had already paid for the bill, which I was very curious as to how much this had cost us. We both had fairly expensive dinners, wine and dessert. While he was gone our waitress brought back our receipt. I had to take a peak (I know I'm bad.). It was over $100 dollars!!! Yikes.

When he came back, since it was late and we had work the next day, the plan was to head home. Since I don't drive, he was driving. We get into the van and instead of heading towards my apartment, we start heading towards what I like to call the "ritzy" part of Tampa.

We spent the next few hours leisurely driving up and down the brick paved streets looking at multi-million dollar houses. I noticed something about the conversation when we were pointing out things we liked about this house or that house. We would say things like,

"We could have a place like that," or "Wouldn't you just love to have a wrap-around porch like that?"

Everything we mentioned was as if we were planning our future together. Who knew, that is exactly what we were doing.

What about you guys? What did you do on your first date with your main squeeze (or past boyfriends/girlfriends)? I'd love to hear...

Friday, October 14, 2011

Friday Flashback

{This gorgeous necklace from the Etsy shop GingerKittyDesigns. Tracey is a jewelry designer using nail polish. How cool is that? You have to check her out!}
Love is in the air friends. I'm off to a wedding tomorrow to watch a good friend and co-worker marry his bride-to-be and Hubby and I will be celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary next Friday. This whole week as I have prepared for the upcoming nuptials with wedding gift shopping and picking out my outfit for the event as well as planning for our celebration next week, I can't help but to reflect on how lucky I am and all those things that make me smile when I think about my man. Next week will be completely dedicated to topics of love: first kisses, first dates, wedding stories and all those romantic things that make us girls get butterflies in our stomachs. I hope your week has been a good one. Enjoy your weekend. In the meantime, here are some things making me particularly happy right now.

{The new pumpkin pie blizzard at Dairy Queen. Talk about Heaven in a cup!}
{There are pumpkin sales popping up everywhere!}

{I finally watched the pilot episode of Whitney (Thank you On Demand). I think this is going to be one of my new favorite comedies! Have you seen it?}


Thursday, October 13, 2011

Radiant Cosmetics: Beauty with a Purpose

As long as I can remember I have been a lover of makeup. If you have followed this blog for any length of time, I'm sure you have caught on to that by now. I am also a woman that is deeply drawn to helping people. I have always said that I wanted to live a life where I knew I was making a difference in the world to help people live their lives to the fullest.

I recently stumbled upon Radiant Cosmetics. I was instantly drawn to their rich colors of lipsticks, their silk eye shadows and their foundation, concealers and powders that promise to leave your skin looking natural and flawless. I was already hooked and then I read their mission,

"Our mission is the help garner awareness for human trafficking by raising funds through cosmetics, to provide resources for those on the forefront of change as well as victims of trafficking."

Reading further I found out that they donate a minimum of 20% of profits from each purchase to anti-trafficking organizations! Now I was really hooked.

I got in contact with their founder, Nicole Marett (Absolutely the sweetest gal around!) and let her know I wanted I Look Good Today to partner with Radiant Cosmetics. I truly believe in their mission. I started this blog in the hopes that it would empower people with disabilities and those without to believe in themselves. . .it seemed like the perfect match.

I received a package in the mail with some goodies from Radiant Cosmetics last week. To put it mildly I was ecstatic! Inside were the following items:

- Ginger Lip Gloss
- Apricot Shimmer Moisturizing Lipstick
- Tiny Dancer Matte Eye Shadow
- Stormy Weather Frost Eye Shadow
- Thistle Frost Eye Shadow

Now I have tried A LOT of beauty products since my love affair with makeup began. Everything from 99 cent lip gloss to $40 foundation has been on this face.

Radiant Cosmetics has now become my new favorite cosmetic line! Their lip care products are so moisturizing and long lasting. Even through eating meals, my lips looked perfect! They eye makeup is equally as impressive. I have normal to oily skin and a HUGE problem I have with eye shadow is caking, creasing and fading throughout the day. Radiant Cosmetics eye shadows go on like silk, beautifully show their color without having to put a ton on and do not crease or fade throughout the day. I am in love!!!

The best part is, Radiant Cosmetics is so affordable! The average price for their products is in the $14 - $22 range. I cannot wait to try their foundation, powder, eyeliner, mascara. . .just give me one of everything!

So what are you waiting for? Check out Radiant Cosmetics and help this amazing cause, as we all deserve the chance to be radiant! I know I look good today because of them!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Autumn Wedding Scene

There is something about the crispness in the air that just makes it the perfect time of year to get married (I did. . .Oct 21, 2006). A co-worker and friend is getting married October 15, and I need to find something to wear. Hey, I'll use any option for a shopping excursion!

The wedding is in church with an indoor reception. I think an outfit something along the lines of these below is what I'm going for. What would your choice be?


{Dress: TopShop, Bow Clutch: Newlook.co.uk, ‘Giana’ Pump: Nordstrom, Headband: Modcloth.com, Cheek and Lip Tint: Benefitcosmetics.com}


{Dress: Fashionunion.co.uk, Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler: Sephora, Jessica McClintock Satin Clutch: Nordstrom, Flower Earrings: Miss Selfridge, Nude Pumps: Cutseygirl}
 
{Dress: Debenhams, Pearl & Crystal Bracelet Set: Monsoon.co.uk, Moon Beam Complexion Highlighter: Benefitcosmetics.com, Silver Flats: Wantedshoes.com}





Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Tuesday Tips: Organizing Your Closets

I love our house. It is open and airy with wonderful vaulted ceilings and gorgeous views. The one thing that is lacking is an abundance of closet space. In our three bedrooms we have a walk-in closet in the master bedroom and double slinding door closets in the other bedrooms. In addition to those there is a linen closet outside of our guest bath in the master bath and one last coat closet in my office. It might sound like a lot, but when you have as many clothes as hubby and I do, we have to be wise when it comes to our shopping because if something new is coming in, something old just might have to come out (I hate that!).

In my desire to make room for more without having to ditch some of my old time favorites I am starting a new feature here at I Look Good Today called "Tuesday Tips" to share makeup how-to's, shopping/money saving ideas and simple ways to make your life easier.

Since not all of us can have Carrie Bradshaw's closet, here are 10 tips to organize your closets and clear the clutter with these clever methods and products (Thank you CNN Living!).

Tip 1: Clear it out
Distinguish clothing and shoes that you wear and items that you need to get rid of. You can do this by the golden rule of closet organizing: If you haven't worn it in a year, toss it. Also, if it doesn't fit you well, it is time to get rid of it. Instead of hanging on to your "skinny jeans" until you lose a few pounds, donate them. Then, when you get down to your goal weight, treat yourself to a new, stylish pair of jeans.

If you are on the fence about an item, "flag" the hanger. As you wear each item, remove the flag. At the end of each season, items that are still marked with a flag should be donated. If the item is in good condition and/or if you paid a lot for it, think about selling it at a local consignment store or online at a site such as eBay.

Tip 2: If the shoe fits
If you are keeping your shoe boxes, label what is inside. We like the Post-it Durable Tabs because they offer a writable surface and are quick and easy to apply. Alternatively, invest in clear shoe boxes with drawer-front pulls; they allow you to see what's inside so you can easily access your shoes.

Tip 3: Measure up
Once you have whittled down your wardrobe, you need to assess the layout of your closet. Measure the space you have, making sure to utilize backs of doors, floor space, and all interior walls. When you go to shop for boxes, bins, and other necessary space-savers, make sure you have your closet measurements in hand. Use every square inch of your closet. Hang shoe racks on the back of your closet door. Classic belt hangers with multiple hooks are also a good solution for hanging camisoles, bras, or scarves.

Tip 4: Get hung up
Invest in the right kind of hanger for the type of clothing you are hanging. Use padded hangers for items made from delicate fabrics, plastic hangers for button-down shirts, and sturdy wood hangers for suit jackets as they help retain the shape of the items.

Remove all wire hangers (they don't properly support your clothes) and plastic dry-cleaner bags (they don't allow fabrics to breathe, keeping the chemicals used in dry cleaning in your clothes).

Save time in the morning by coordinating your wardrobe. Sort by color, and hang like-types of clothing together (i.e. skirts, pants, blouses, etc.).

Tip 5: No sweat
Sort sweaters, T-shirts and other folded clothing by color as well. Always remove sweaters from hangers and fold them. Hangers will ruin the shape of sweaters over time. Store sweaters on shelves in manageable-sized stacks using sweater dividers to keep them from turning into leaning towers of Pisa. Even better, store them in sweater boxes with well marked labels.

Tip 6: Eyes have it
Keep items you use frequently at eye level or below and items you rarely use higher up. Labeled boxes are good for storing things like bathing suits or turtlenecks because you can rotate them higher or lower in your closet depending on the season.

Move any snow boots, rain boots or other "outdoor" gear to your front hall closet (or mudroom if you are lucky enough to have one); restrict what goes in your clothes closet to dress shoes only.

Tip 7: Seasonal change
It's possible that no matter how much you try to edit and organize, you just have too much stuff to fit in your closet. If that's the case, then you need to resort to a seasonal system by rotating your fall/winter clothes with your spring/summer clothes. Covered clothing racks can be filled with out-of-season clothes and kept in your attic or basement or under your bed. Flat storage boxes can serve a similar purpose.

Tip 8: Linen closets
Store folded sets of bed linens inside one of the set's pillowcases. Group same-size sheet sets together on shelves. Use attractive, easy-to-attach tags to mark the edge of the shelf with sheet sizes.

Tip 9: Storing table linens
Always clean and iron table linens after use. Tablecloths are best stored hanging from a pant or skirt hanger in your closet. Bundle clean, folded, matching napkins together in a paper or plastic bag and loop it over the top of the hanger.

Tip 10: China and crystal
You don't have to take up precious kitchen cabinet space to store your crystal and china unless you use both frequently. Find a safe place elsewhere in your dining room, basement, or other closet. Place paper coffee filters in between each plate and bowl before you stack each on top of one another.

Do not store crystal rim-side-down, as the rim is the most delicate part of the glass. Also, make sure you leave enough room in between glasses so they don't knock rims and accidentally chip.

Monday, October 10, 2011

If You'll Follow Me Please. . .

I am so excited today! I am hoping when you stopped by to visit you noticed some things look a little different. Yes, I Look Good Today got herself a little makeover. Hey, we're all women here (Well mostly). We know how important and needed it is to pamper ourselves every once in a while. So what do you think? I'd say she's lookin' pretty fabulous!

Let me give you the grand tour.

New header: Thanks to my most talent friend Ashley of Ashley Brooke Designs, the beautifully creative new header now illustrates yours truly surrounded by so many of the things I love. Notice the bow top (which is inspired by this one I mentioned here.), the laptop, the fashion magazines, makeup, framed photo of my adorable hubby, purple flowers (my favorite color), mirror (So I can make sure I look good today), chandelier and of course my Pepsi which you know I have to have each day. I absolutely love the personal traits that come through with this new design! It touches on so much of what you will find me talking about here and is so adorably illustrated. . .the Jamie character even looks like me, don't you think?

Three  column layout: You will now notice I Look Good Today has expanded to a new, easier to read three column layout. You'll now find the ways to follow, blog archive and my favorite daily reads on the left hand side of the page for easier access. On the right you will find my blog awards proudly displayed, as well as some of my favorite shops that might interest you as well.

About me: There is a new "About Me" button at the top of the page. Here you will learn a little bit more about me and this blog.

I hope you like what I've done to the place. I'd love to hear what you think!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Friday Flashback

{It was awesome seeing #34, Earnest Graham live in action on Monday Night. We went to high school together and now he plays for the NFL. So proud of him!} 
Happy Friday Friends. This has been a non-stop week for me, but with endless to-do list hubby and I managed to fit in a trip to Raymond James Stadium for the Monday Night Football game as the Bucs took down the Colts (Go Bucs). I have enjoyed seeing the Halloween decorations popping up in our neighbors yards and feeling just the slightest bit of coolness in the air in the evenings. I hope your week has been a great one. I cannot wait until Monday to unveil to you the new look of I Look Good Today! Until then, here are a few things currently making me happy.

{My wonderful parents who I love with all my heart celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary!}

{The adorable candy corn bear hubby and I made together at the Build-A-Bear store. . .yes we are just big kids.}
{A delicious cut of hot apple cider with cinnamon sticks to add some additional spice.}
{I think this leopard sequin wallet is just too adorable for fall.}

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Nighttime Numbers

Hello Gorgeous. What do you wear to bed? A nightgown? Little shorts? Something frilly? Do you sleep naked?


When I was a child I would typically wear a nightgown, but now that I am older you will usually find me wearing a tee shirt and little shorts most of the year and some flannel PJ's when it's colder out, but now and again, I'll shave my legs and wear my silkies (As I like to call them). The one thing you will always find me wearing to bed whether summer or winter is a pair of fuzzy socks. Now my hubby doesn't even sleep without socks anymore. Maybe we're weird, but it works for us!


I could see myself wearing any one of these nighttime numbers.
















What's your bedtime uniform?

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

What I'm Wearing Wednesday: Hard Rock

{Top gifted, distressed/torn jeans from high school. . .yes I can still fit in to them LOL, chain necklace and silver hoop earrings from Target}

Just ten minutes from my house is the Hard Rock Casino. I hate to admit it, but there is just something about the flashing lights, the noise and the overall feeling of anticipation of the possible "big win" that draws me in. I wanted to wear something comfortable and jazz it up with a few cute accessories. How did I do?




{I love this fountain at the casino that is behind me. It has music videos projected through the water. . .very cool!}

{Always have to get a pic with hubby! Also shown here is my really cute sort of quilted heart purse from Target.}