I'm Just Too Far, From Where You Are

Good Morning Beautiful. How is your week going? Mine has been full of event planning, chatting with good friends and a whole lot of missing those that are important to me.

In 1985 my parents and I moved from a little town in PA to sunny FL to start a new. I was seven years old, so although I still consider myself a northerner, I really am a FL girl (Wouldn't you say?). Being over 1,000 miles away from my family really stinks. When I was younger I was able to make the trip home each year, sometimes even twice. Now that I am married, have a full time job and a life that never seems to settle down, those trips to see my family are sadly not as frequent.

Lately I have really been missing my family and being a part of their day-to-day lives. Yes a phone call is great and yes there is email; but honestly, nothing can compare to the in person interactions you get when you live close to each other.

It struck me the other day that I haven't been home since 2009. That is A LONG TIME without seeing your family! Granted a few come to FL now and then, but usually stay with or near my parents which is two hrs away, so I only get to see them for a quick visit.

I was listening to the radio on my drive to work this morning and Michael Buble's song "Home" came on the radio. I swear I almost broke down in tears. It made me think even more of how much I miss everyone.

I am so excited and anxious for July to get here. I'm headed home to PA with my hubby to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday. I cannot wait to see everyone!

The thing that has struck me the most is that I never want to take for granted those important in my life that I don't get to see often; family or friend. It is so easy to fall in to the chaos of life and go another day and another day and another day without talking, and before you know it, it has been weeks or months or years without talking. I have definitely been guilty of that lately and intend to do better.

What it comes down to for me is labeled throughout Michael Buble's song, "I'm just too far, from where you are. . .I wanna come home!"

Mint Condition

Celebrate the upcoming season with a refreshing mint palette. If I were to say I was a little bit excited over this lovely whimsical color I would be lying! I love these gorgeous mint green colors from one of my favorite stores, Ruche!!! You can see their whole mint condition line here, but these are some of my favorites in the collection.

{Renaissance Ruffle Blouse $39.99}

{Foaming Seas Indie Earrings $24.99}

{Hey There Leather Heels by Seychelles $99.99}

{Iris Floral Ring $19.99}

{Castro Mint Sunglasses $14.99}

{Sicilian Summer Strapless Dress $52.99}

Giveaway: My Memories Suite

My Memories Suite is a digital scrapbooking software that makes scrapbooking easy. If you are like me, I take pictures constantly. I have a closet full of photo albums and my computer is full of pictures capturing those special moments that I never want to forget.

When I was contacted by My Memories Suite to partner for a giveaway to offer their software to a lucky reader I was super excited! My Memories Suite is rated #1 by Amazon and TopTen Reviews. Using this software, anyone can create digital scrapbooks, photobooks, cards, calendars and gifts without having to buy expensive and complicated software programs.

I tried using it to make a simple page for my office. One of my favorite sayings is Live Laugh Love Often. With a few quick steps I made this adorable print that I plan to frame and put in my office.

So, as a special gift from My Memories, you can get this amazing program for yourself using my Special Discount Code: STMMMS23016 for a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store -( $20 value!)

OR EVEN BETTER - you can enter to win it first!!

HOW TO ENTER: Go to http://www.mymemories.com/, check out all the creative options they have available to you and leave a comment here telling me your favorite digital paper pack or layout.

FOR EXTRA CHANCES TO WIN:- Follow I Look Good Today via Google Friend Connect (see left sidebar) and let me know that you did in the comment section!  
- Follow I Look Good Today on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you did.
- Like I Look Good Today on Facebook and  leave a comment letting me know you did.
- Like My Memories on Facebook and leave a comment letting me know you did.
- Follow My Memories on Twitter and leave a comment letting me know you did.

Good luck and spread the word! This giveaway ends Sunday, March 3rd at 11:59pm EST.  Open to all followers (international). Winner will be selected by random.org.

Friday Flashback



{I know this isn't the clearest picture from my cell, but I HAD to share it with you. You've seen this little lady before on my blog. She is by far my favorite patient I work with and she was a special guest at a large event we had today. She came over to me and told me she was a princess in her purple dress *melt*. She is a shining example of why I love my job!}

 I love those weeks when you’re finally able to tie up loose ends that have been left fraying for far too long. I was able to complete tasks that have been in desperate need of attention at work, I managed to squeeze in some time to have a night out with close friends, and started to read the book Cold Tangerines by Shauna Niequist (I highly recommend it!). I’m so glad the weekend’s here, and these are some other things currently making me happy.


{Cracker Barrel's broccoli cheddar chicken. My favorite!}



{Finally an H&M store near by. This is very, VERY dangerous for me!}

{A very emotional Glee episode that left me absolutely speechless!}



Make Me Up

I manage to go through make-up bags with ridiculous frequency. Whether it’s a foundation spill or mascara that gets smeared across the fabric, I end up purchasing about a few a year. In the past, I picked cosmetic bags that merely were cost efficiant and would hold my assortment of beauty supplies, but when this M. Andonia cosmetic bag caught my eye, I knew it was the end of my boring purchases. For under $40, this bag is coated with a plastic covering and a fun, floral-inspired print that is lined in washable nylon, making all spills, smears and smudges a thing of the past.

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

{Black tee from Target, mint green pants from XOXO, necklace and earrings from Target, shoes from Espirit}

The weather this winter has been unseasonably warm; even for Florida standards. I loved pulling out these mint green pants to add a little color into the mix. I am so excited to kiss the warmer colors of winter goodbye and say hello to the softer, more cheerful colors of spring.

You Are Beautiful

Do you ever have a song that just speaks to you? I know it isn't a new song, but lately I have been obsessed with the song Beautiful by Christina Aguilera (I'm actually listening to it as I write this post.).

Every day is so wonderful

Then suddenly, it's hard to breathe
Now and then, I get insecure
From all the pain, I'm so ashamed

I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
So don't you bring me down today

Each and every time I hear this song I think about this blog and those that find their way to it each day. I think about the patients at the children's hospital I work at that just need a little pick me up.

The hardest thing for me is hearing that a reader or a patient or friend is feeling down on themselves, especially because of someone else's words or actions. That when they look in the mirror they can't say, "I look good today," or "I'm important," or "I make a difference." Sadly, I hear this over and over again.

My BFF jokes with me all the time. He will say to me, 

"Jamie, I just wait for the day when you say, I look bad today." 

Want to know my response to him? 

"Keep waitin!"

In our society, when so much seems to be judged on appearances, I understand the pressures people feel about their looks. My entire life I have felt like I have had to prove myself because of my disability. It isn't "normal" to society to have someone like myself be in the forefront of things, and that is exactly where I like to be!

When I was in high school and college I was in show choir, I have been in advertisements on billboards, on the side of buses, in TV commercials, radio, magazines, online, in a movie, etc. For the past eight years I have been in the PR field; again in the public eye. I have never let my disability or people's impressions of me or what I look like derail me from going after what I want.

The lyrics in this song simply affirm my beliefs that we are all beautiful in our own way and we need to believe that we are deserving of all we desire! I refuse to let someone's negativity dictate the way I feel about myself or determine what I will accomplish.

The key is to believe in yourself. If you are having one of those down moments, choose one thing; just one thing about yourself that you are proud of and build from there. You will surprise yourself with just how impactful speaking those positive words over your life can be!

Navigate Her

This spring is all about bright, cheerful colors. I am definitely ready to leave the winter colors behind and brighten up my wardrobe and makeup choices.

When I received my goodie box from Essie's marketing team, I was so excited to try their new spring colors; and especially Navigate Her. Hey if the whole spring line branches off of this color it has to be a keeper right?

Navigate Her is such a beautiful, perfect light green for spring.  It isn't quite pastel but definitely isn't a medium true green. I know a lot of people (including myself) don't like green polish, but this one is more "comfort zone" worthy.

I have gotten so many compliments on my nails with this color. Navigate Her has quickly become a spring must in my book. It certainly inspires a refreshing spring feel and will fit right into the new season's trend.

Is this a shade that you would try? What spring polish colors are you looking forward to?

P.S. Check me out over at DisabledStrongProud today talking about finding love.

Friday Flashback

{I will soon be spending a lot of time here.}

TGIF! I don't know about you, but I am SO READY for the weekend. Although chaotic, this week has been a very good one for me. The biggest news is that first steps have been taken to get my new convertible (AKA new wheelchair). There is nothing wrong with my current wheelchair, however there are some features I need to have added that are simply not possible with this model. In other exciting news, I am going to start horseback riding again. I used to horseback ride weekly when I was in high school, but after I had back surgery I was not allowed to ride for a year. When I finally had the OK to ride again, the ranch I went to that had adaptions for those in chairs to get on the horse was closed. My wonderful hubby found a farm close to our home that provides what I need to get back in the saddle again. I can barely contain my excitement about both of these things. . .good things are coming! I hope that you have a restful weekend!


{My incredibly talented  singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist cousin released a new song called "Everything That Grownups Know." You can listen to the song and learn more about his on person "band" The Simple Carnival here, I have and always been his biggest fan! Hey, I love him!}



{I am in love with these pearl cluster earrings from Etsy!}



{I don't think I have ever mentioned my love for the show Fringe. I have been hooked ever since the first episode and this past week's episode has left me with so many open questions. It just isn't right that they leave me hanging like this!}

From Where I Sit: Stop Picking on Me!

Recently I received an interesting comment in regards to one of my posts and I thought it would be a perfect question to discuss in From Where I Sit.

Although there was a lot more detail within the question (You can read the whole thing here in the comment section of the blog post.), the basis of the question was simple; was/is my hubby ever teased because I'm in a wheelchair?

I have to admit that my first reaction to this question was actually being offended. Why would someone make fun of my hubby because of being married to me? The best part is, that evening he and I were out at dinner and I brought this reader's comment up to him. The reaction he gave without even one slight hesitation again reconfirmed why I love him so much. What was his magical response?

"No, but if someone ever did I'd punch their teeth down their throat. If anything I think people would make fun of you being with me."

Here is the thing. My hubby and I don't focus on my disability. He doesn't coddle me like a baby. He doesn't treat me any different than he would if I were walking instead of rolling next to him. He treats me like a normal person, because that is what I am.

I do think because we don't focus on the differences in our marriage, the world around us doesn't either. I will tell you this though. When I describe to people the help my hubby gives me each day the response I usually get is almost always, "Wow, what an amazing man!"

Now don't get me wrong; I know he is amazing and I wholeheartedly agree with their statement. Although I do agree, that same statement makes me feel like I am a charity case. Like, "Oh he is so amazing for marrying a person with your challenges."

What I really want to say instead of my normal, "Yes, he's a keeper," is, "Well you know, he has his quirks that I deal with in our marriage too. Where is my medal?"

Since he responded that no one has ever made fun of him for being with me, I asked him why he thought that I am never made fun of period. Why I am never oddly stared at. Why I am always 100% accepted?

You have to understand about this conversation we were having. We were at a restaurant seated at a high top table. Try to picture this. In a normal wheelchair, the table would literally be over my head. However I have a wheelchair that the seat elevates, so I can raise up and sit with him as if I were sitting in one of the stools. This DOES NOT look normal people, and still I am never gawked at, and in fact, the most adorable thing happened.

A little girl was sitting at a lower table next to us with her mother. She had to be only four or five years old. She was informing her mother that she could count all of the people in the dining room because she had learned to count to 100. As she went through each table counting higher and higher. . .19, 20, 21. . .she looked over at us and paused. Instead of making a comment about the different nature of my chair, or asking what was was wrong with me, what does she say?

"Wow mom, she's pretty!"

I am truly blessed to have gone through my life thus far and not been teased because I am different. I hope that I can be an example to people to simply be confident in themselves. If you don't believe in yourself, then who will believe in you?

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

{Paisley top from Target, black bandeau top from Amazon, vintage jeans, Brook Hollow shoes, initial necklace by Ryan & Ryan, fleur de lis earrings gifted}

I never take time off from work. There always seems like there is too much today. However, I decided that today I needed a break to simply enjoy some me time with my BFF. The weather was a perfect 65 degrees with a nice breeze. You will see in many of these pictures that I am either laughing or have a crazy look on my face. I couldn't help it though. My BFF was in rare form and simply cracking me up.

Notice anything different? I cut my hair. The votes were very close on whether I should keep my hair long or go a bit shorter. After considering all of your comments and email suggestions, I decided to go for the short, sweet and sassy look. What do you think?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hello Sweetheart! I would like to wish all of my lovely followers (and special visitors) a very Happy Valentine's Day! Tonight my amazing Hubby and I are having a romantic dinner at the Rusty Pelican (Which is where we had our wedding reception). I'm so excited. Just being there sets such a romantic mood as it brings back so many wonderful memories of the happiest day of my life!

To commemorate this day, here is one of my favorite pictures of us. . .our very first picture ever 11 yrs ago. I love you Honey!

Spring Trend Preview

Good Morning Gorgeous! I am very excited to share with you a hot Sprint trend preview from my friend and fellow blog gal Beth from Sunglass Warehouse. I am so excited for what is in store this Spring! What will your favorite Spring trend be?

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to say bye-bye to these dreary winter blues & a big HELLO to spring sunshine! The warm weather may still be weeks away, but the spring trends are here now. Whether your taste is soft and delicate or bold and bright, Spring 2012 won’t disappoint!

Lady-like

When it comes to femininity this spring, think 1920’s flapper meets Jackie O. Modest cardigans and pleated skirts make a statement in soft sorbet hues. Pastel shades of pink, green, yellow, and blue will be big this season. For a modern twist on this classic look, you can pair softer shades with bold colored accessories, like a cobalt blue handbag or shocking red high heels. If you’re looking to embrace your inner First Lady this spring, look for pieces with feminine embellishments like lace, pearls and crocodile skin. When it comes to eyewear, cat eye and semi-rimmed lenses will be popular. As an added bonus, lace ankle socks paired with heels allow you to show off your favorite peep toe heels while still keeping those toes warm!

American Heritage

This bold and beautiful trend is not for the shy and timid. Color-blocking with bright greens, blues, yellows, and oranges paired with wild patterns is the basis of this style. When looking for color palate inspiration, think of brightly colored parkas and Native American jewelry. Look for accessories featuring beads, tassels, and woven texture. Complete this bright spring look with embellished tortoise sunglasses.  

Sporty

For the athletes among us, this spring is your time to shine! Look for strong and solid athletic details such as stripes, spades and zippers on clothing and accessories alike. Retro style sunglasses featuring sporty accent stripes will be big along with perforated fabric dresses and jackets. The men in your life can jump in on this trend too with monochromatic skinny ties and the return of the white suit.

Beth is a fashion writer with a love for all things vintage. When she isn’t blogging about the latest accessory trends from socks to retro sunglasses, you’ll find her behind the lens of her camera.

Friday Flashback



{Thanks to my friend Hillary, I have been on the search for her tiramisu ice cream, and have not been able to find it anywhere :( I did however find this creme brulee ice cream that I had to be careful and not eat the whole thing in one sitting.}

Happy Friday Beautiful. What a blur this week has been for me. I have had so many meetings and events to attend, and the craziness is going to extend into the weekend with more events to go to. I took yesterday off to recharge. I spent the entire day with my BFF. Although I get to see him all the time, it was so nice to spend the entire day together and not having to worry about the time. I did get my hair cut yesterday as well and I am excited to share pictures with you next week. Your advice certainly helped me in my decision on how to get it cut. I won't spoil the surprise though; you have to tune in next week to see what the final decision was. I want you to know how much you make me smile. Your comments, emails and support mean so very much! Have a wonderful weekend!



{My sassy turtleneck dress from Venus came in the mail! Going to feel like a little hottie in this baby!}



{Absolutely loved the premier of the NBC show Smash. It will definitely be added to my must watch list!}



{Getting a super excited text from my friend Michael Clayton of the NY Giants after his team won the Superbowl. So excited for him!}



Me & You

You know Friends, lately I have been doing a lot of thinking of how nice it is to be married and have that someone special in my life. I have always been a person that is completely happy on her own. I never needed anyone to make me feel complete. However, without my Hubby I would now feel lost.

There is something so comforting in the revelation that there is a wonderful person in my life who loves me unconditionally. That is willing to put up with my good days and bad. That is always there to cheer on my accomplishments and to console my fears.

I have been with my hubby for 11 years now. Wow, even just typing that I can't believe it has been that long. In those 11 years we have been through so much. We have gone through many tests that would challenge our feelings for each other and our relationship, but with each test we grew stronger as individuals and as a couple.

I hope that you have someone special in your life that makes you happy. Someone that just the thought of puts a smile on your face. If you do, make sure to tell them how much they mean to you. I make it a point each day to make sure my hubby knows how much I love him. I never want there to ever be any doubt in his mind where my heart is.

Queen of Hearts

Good Morning Gorgeous. If you haven't figured it out already, I am an absolute hopeless romantic. I absolutely melt when I hear "our song" on the radio or I get a sweet text/email in the middle of the day for no reason from my Hubby. I get butterflies with every kiss and embrace. Granted, I like to think I am a low maintenance woman (I don't insist on my Hubby buying me flowers all the time or spending a crazy amount of money on me.), but I do like to be wooed from time to time and to be treated like the treasure that I am!

In anticipation of celebrating Valentine's Day, I have been particularly drawn to anything with hearts. I think it just reminds me of being in love and the excitement that goes along with it (Remember, hopeless romantic over here!). From clothing and accessories to home and office, here are a few of my must-have heart items.

{Ikat Heart Blouse - Blush}

{V Collar Heart Cardigan Deep Red}

{Sheer heart tights}



{Diamond-601h Womens Red Rhinestone Heart Slide}

  

{White gold diamond heart ring}

{Godinger Silver Plate Heart Purse Mirror with Stones}





{Heart paper clips}

{Heart Nickel-plated Business Card Holder}



No Strings Attached

This past weekend I was feeling in the mood to stay in my PJs for an extended period and watch a chick flick. Rather than going to my standards that I have seen a million times, I thought that I would peruse NetFlixs and watch something I hadn't seen before.

One of the movies suggested for me was "No Strings Attached." I love both Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman and had wanted to see this movie in the theater, but never made it, so I was thrilled that it was available!

I knew the premise and could figure out the ending even before the movie started. Boy meets girl, boy and girl "hook up", one/both start to have feelings for the other even though they promised there would be "no strings attached", feelings get hurt and inevitably they would either get together or call it off. I'm not telling you the ending; you have to watch it for yourself.

I have to tell you, my prediction was pretty spot on. I will say though that easily predictable and all, I LOVED this movie! "No Strings Attached" poses the question: Is it possible to regularly have sex with someone and not run a risk of falling in love? The answer according to this movie is no.

Maybe it is the romantic in me, but I thought it was incredibly cute how Adam was pining over Emma. He would have done anything to truly be with this woman and all she wanted was to be friends with benefits. . .well until the possibility of losing him forever came into reality.

If you are like me and find yourself wanting to lounge around in your PJs for the afternoon during the weekend, I highly recommend this movie. It's funny, sexy and and will leave you wondering. . .why didn't my man ever make me a period mix?

Lollipop Lollipop

Gorgeous and girly! I've been looking for a perfect red nail polish for Valentine's Day and found it in Essie's Lollipop.

Lollipop is a beautiful, super shiny red with sort of a retro vibe, which I love. When this shade was included in the set that Essie's amazing marketing gal, Kristen, sent me to try I was so excited. I had been eying it in the store, but was always hesitant to try it thinking it may be too much for my little hands.

I recently wore this with a gray skirt and my nails just looked unbelievable against the steely backdrop.

I am not your typical red polish wearing woman, but this one will go into my fave collection of powerful reds for sure.

What’s your favorite red nail polish?

Use these beauty coupons and try every red.

Friday Flashback

{Fun and fruity drinks at the Tampa Brick House. Every time I'm there I want to sing, "She's a brick. . .house!"}

Do you ever have one of those weeks that by Friday you just think, wow, this was a great week? So many things happened for me that made me happy, and all of them had to do with my friends, both old and new. I had the opportunity to spend a girls night with one of my closest girlfriends who I haven't seen in nearly a year. I have been connecting with a very unexpected new friend on the West Coast. I've had impromptu visits by friends coming to see me at work, just to drop in and say hello becuase they were in the neighborhood. I am very blessed to have the people in my life that I do and that certainly includes all of you. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face each week. I hope you have a great weekend!



{Was so excited on Monday to come home to find the new Essie spring collection on my doorstep to try. I'm thrilled to be partnering with one of my favorite cosmetic companies!}



{A big hug from one of my favorite kids!}



{One of my favorite shows is Archer on FX which just started back for its new season. It's an adult cartoon that is sexy, witty and down right hysterical. I want to be just like Lana Kane when I grow up. . .she rocks!}