My New Hair Styling Obsession

I have a new hair product obsession. For months after I have my hair chemically straightened, I am spoiled by having wash and go hair (Which if you knew how much time I typically have to put into my hair, this is a Godsend!). However there comes a time that in order to keep my hair looking its best my trusty Chi flat iron has to come back out.

I don't like to put a lot of styling products in my hair, but I had heard so much about Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy Flat Iron Spray I just had to try it to see if all the rave was true.

I used this spray for the first time this weekend and I am hooked. First of all, it has this amazing aroma. I have actually had people ask me what I used on my hair to make it smell so good. Even better than the smell is how incredibly soft it leaves your hair. My hubby can't stop playing with my hair now.

Infused with rich Brazilian cocoa nut oils and combined with hydrolyzed keratin protein to seal and protect your hair from thermal heat styling, Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy Flat Iron Spray protects against heat damage caused by flat irons, curling irons and any other heat tool.


Just recently I shared one of my hair secrets with you to having shiny locks. This has definitely been added to my arsenal.

This product can easily be found in your local drug store and for under $10 you have absolutely nothing to lose and envy worthy hair to gain.

The Long & Short of Things

Hello Friend. Today I come to you for your advice. I need your infinite wisdom. You know how I feel about my hair. . .I'm very particular about it. It's been curly, straight, short, long. . .I'm at the point that I need to get my hair cut. Since the horribly botched haircut almost six months ago I have only had my hair cut once to allow time for the uneven layers to grow out.

Now my hair is longer than it has been in a VERY long time, and I am actually really loving it. I feel it gives me a sort of rarrrr appeal LOL. I would like a few longer layers in front to give it some more style (Now that the layers are FINALLY even!), but I think I am liking my hair better long right now.

What's your vote?

Short

or

Long

Friday Flashback

{I pass this tree every day on my way to work. The awesomeness of this tree is that for the majority of the year this tree has ordinary green leaves. However, there is a glorious two week or so period that out of nowhere it blooms these vibrant pink flowers. One day this week my favorite tree went from green to pink over night. . .just in time for Valentine's Day!}

Happy Friday Friends. I don't know about you, but I often find myself finding the most joy out of the little things in life. The smell of fresh air, turning on the radio to the exact time a favorite song is starting, a sweet kiss from my hubby are all things that make me so happy. This week seemed to be full of life's simple pleasures. With my busy schedule of event planning calming down this week, these moments seemed more and more apparent (or at least I was able to notice them more). I hope wherever you are in the world you have found time this week to relish in what truly brings you joy!

{Hubby and I were lucky to get invited into a suite at Tropicana Field. Free food, drinks and great friends to enjoy the EW Shrine Game that I worked so hard on! Nice perk for a job well done!}

{I am a huge quote person. I surround myself with my favorite quotes. This came in an email to me this week. Love it!}

{These adorable black bellied whistling ducks were taking a leisurely swim in the lake behind my house. What you don't see is about 50 of their closest friends in my yard.}

11 Fun Facts About Me

Tag, I'm it! Special thanks to Hillary at Daisy to Sunflower for tagging me in this latest round of getting-to-know-you blog questionnaire. Take a quick glimpse at the rules, and then check out my answers below.

Rules:

1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about herself on her blog.

3. Answer the questions the "tagger" listed for you in her post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

4. You must choose 11 people to tag and link to them in the post.

5. Go to each blogger’s page and mention that you have tagged her.

Questions:   

1. When was the last time you laughed? I laugh all the time! However, the last time I had one of those can't breathe, side splitting, crying laughs was a few evenings ago when my hubby was entertaining me with his "little Jamie voice".
2. Cried? Around Christmas when I was thinking of our family dog Abby who we had to have put to sleep last year. Being in my parent's house without her was just so odd.
3. What is your favorite food EVER? My dad's homemade pasta. He makes everything from scratch (The dough, the sauce, the meatballs, etc). My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
4. Cats or dogs? I am an absolutely animal lover. I get giddy any time I am around animals and I've had both cats and dogs, but if I had to choose, I would be a dog person.
5. How dependent on your mobile phone do you consider yourself to be? Not very. To be honest I am still in the stone ages when it comes to my cell. It is just a basic phone used for calling only (My plan doesn't even include texting believe it or not.). I am on the computer and "connected" to the Internet throughout much of my day, I make it a point to just use my cell as a phone. However, I won't lie. . .I really have the itch to have a smart phone.
6. Coffee or tea? Ehhh neither. Hot caramel apple cider or hot chocolate for this gal.
7. What is your favorite flower and why? I love burnt orange calla lilies. I don't know why, I just have always liked them. I used those in my wedding bouquet instead of roses.
8. What is your favorite song? Frank Sinatra - The Way You Look Tonight
9. Are you married? If not, do you want to get married someday? I am married to the most extraordinary man. We've been married for 5 years (together 11).
10. Do you write in cursive at all? I write in cursive all the time. I prefer it over print!
11. Do you keep a journal on paper? No. Even as a child I loved the idea of a journal and would always start one, but never kept up with it.

My Tags:

Dianna @ The Budget Babe

Erin @ Truffles n Ruffles

Alyson @ The Average Girl's Guide

Michelle @ Sweet Musings

Carrie @ Couture Carrie

Ivana @ Macarons and Pearls

Erin @ at Apartment 34

Robin @ Farewell Stranger

Nicole @ Being a Marine Wife

Joanna @ A CUP OF JO 
Lia @ Smart n Snazzy

My 11 questions are:

1. What is your motto in life?

2. Are you a morning or night person?

3. Favorite childhood story?

4. What is the farthest road trip you have ever taken?

5. What collection do you have right now?

6. Coke or Pepsi?

7. What is your favorite table or board game?

8. Do you have any piercings/tatoos?

9. Favorite smell?

10. How do you feel most loved?

11. When was the last time you did something for the first time?

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

{Gray bow top from Ruche, black pants from Target, Espirit shoes, gifted earrings}

 Hello Gorgeous! I'm so excited to share this fashion post with you. I want you to take a good look at this outfit. Does it look familiar to you? Need a hint? Take a look at my blog's header. Anything look familiar? When I had reached out to Ashley Brooke Designs to create a new header for me, Ashley studied some of the items I had mentioned were on my wish list and chose this top from Ruche. To my extreme delight, my wish came true under the Christmas tree to have it for my very own. I love the way it fits and I think I did my header character justice, don't you?

{I loved the look of this top from the moment I saw it online. It is soft and flowy and has a sort of sailor vintage feel to it.}

Classic Tiramisu

Growing up in an Italian family the word mangia, which means eat, was commonly heard. From homemade pastas and soups to decadent desserts, there was never a shortage of scrumptious goodies to be found that were a tribute to our heritage. 

As an adult one of my very favorite Italian desserts is tiramisu. A coworker of mine recently brought this no bake tiramisu to work. It was absolutely one of the best tiramisu recipes I had ever tasted, and when I found it was a no bake it was definitely for me.

Ingredients:

3 egg yolks                       

½ Cup sugar

½ Cup milk

1 pk mascarpone cheese* (8oz)        

1 ¾ Cup heavy cream         

2 pk ladyfingers (3 oz each)   

1/3 Cup coffee liqueur (or brandied espresso**)

Unsweetened cocoa powder for garnish

Chocolate curls for garnish

Directions:

1.   In a medium saucepan, whisk together egg yolks and sugar until lemon colored, about 1 minute. Whisk in milk and cook over medium heat, stir constantly, until mixture boils for 1 minute, remove from heat and allow cooling slightly. Cover tightly and chill in refrigerator 1 hour.

2.   Add mascarpone cheese to yolk mixture, beat until smooth.

3.   Whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form.

4.   Fold whipped cream into egg yolk mixture; set aside.

5.   Line bottom and side with ladyfinger halves. Brush with coffee liqueur.

6.   Spread one third of yolk-cream mixture over ladyfingers, repeat layers.

7.   Garnish with cocoa and chocolate curls.

8.   Cover and refrigerate overnight or until it set. 

* Substitute for mascarpone cheese:  

Combine 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, ¼ cup sour cream and 2 table spoons whipping cream, mix until blended and fluffy.

** Brandied Espresso:

Combine 1/3 cup hot water and 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules. Stir until coffee is dissolved.  Blend in 1 teaspoon brandy.

I Wish I May, I Wish I Might. . .

On the way home from dinner last night I told my hubby that I sometimes think about the things that I would love to do, if only I could walk. I wish I could ice skate. I wish I could do gymnastics. I wish I could take dance lessons with my hubby. These are things I never really think about in my day to day life because I can't physically do them. However, it is nice to imagine what it would be like to do those things.

Isn't this wall of wishes whimsical? I can just imagine having something like this in an office or hallway. What are some things on your wish list friends?

Friday Flashback

{Playing a referee at our big football event last Sunday. It was so nice seeing our patients and their families having such a good time!}

I'm so excited friends!!! Why you ask? Well, starting in 2010 my hubby and I have become involved in being extras in movies and commercials. We were in the movie Dolphin Tale with Harry Connick Jr, Ashley Judd and Morgan Freeman, a commercial for Disney World and another for Universal Studios. Well now another venture is on the horizon. I find it ironic that just a few days ago the topic of the blog post was my hair and my secret to its shine. Well yesterday I get an email from a casting company wanting me to be in a Head & Shoulders commercial next week. How fun is that? See I knew this hair would be worth something some day LOL!

Have yourself a wonderful weekend. Remember to do something special for yourself! You deserve it!

P.S. Have you checked out my lovely sponsors yet (There on the left)? They both have some great features going on right now. Who knows, you might find something special for your someone special . Valentine's Day is right around the corner you know!

{Hanging out with NY Giant player Michael Clayton. He used to be with our Tampa Bay Bucs, but transferred a year ago to NY. He came by our hospital yesterday and hung out with us a little bit. I can't even begin to tell you how wonderful of a guy this man is!}

{My new favorite nail color, Frozen Fantasy by Estee Lauder}





{I love these glitter ballet slippers I found at Target!}



From Where I Sit: Acceptance

Once again, while watching Glee this past Tues I was struck with the urge to cheer Artie on in his fight against stereotyping those with disabilities when it comes to dating.

If you didn't see this episode or are not a Glee fan, here's the skinny of it. Becky is a fellow student at McKinley who has Down Syndrome. After hilariously dismissing the other boys, Becky chose Artie as the target of her affection. Was it because he is disabled as well? I don't know, but my thoughts are that perhaps she felt he would be more likely to give her a chance because he was. He had just been talked down to by Sugar Motta for being disabled, a theme that would play out in two of the week's main story lines.

Artie didn't know how to handle Becky's new-found interest in him, and he agreed to go to dinner with her for a presumably innocent "date." The two hit it off as friends, but Artie never had any intention of continuing down the romantic and sexual road Becky had planned. He realized this too late when Becky expressed her interest via sexy text photo, and it took a talk from Sue to set him straight. He eventually told Becky his true feelings, and despite her cool exterior, Dame Helen (her inner voice) revealed the tragedy inside; that once again she felt her having Down Syndrome was keeping her from love.

I know I have touched on my dating history in an earlier version of From Where I Sit, but I didn't really delve too much into the concept of acceptance and my perception of it in a romantic relationship.

I am a firm believer that the way you perceive yourself is the way the world will see you too. For example, if I went around with my head hanging down with my eyes to the floor the world would perceive that I was not comfortable with who I am, physically challenged or not. Now, if I went around with my head held high, smiling and making eye contact with people, the perception completely changes. . .wheelchair or not.

Wouldn't you agree that it is safe to say that we all easily make assumptions as to why the person of our romantic interests doesn't reciprocate our feelings? We quickly go to those attributes about ourselves that we are self conscious about. "He must not like girls that wear glasses," or "He must not like me because I'm too fat." The list is endless of excuses we come up with.

How easy would it be for me to immediately go to the assumption that, he must not like me because I'm in a wheelchair? EXTREMELY easy.

I am about to be really, REALLY real with you. I don't know if back in the day when I was single if I would have dated another person in a wheelchair. Not because I have anything against people in wheelchairs (Hello, how crazy would that be?), but I think looking at the big picture and future, how would that work? My hubby helps me with things on a daily basis that I cannot do. How would another wheelchair user help me? Granted, if I had fallen in love with someone who was in a wheelchair, we'd just have to work it out.

Here is where I would say that I don't care that I'm in a wheelchair and you shouldn't either if you want to be with me!!! Fact of the matter is, I could be any one of you out there. Every single person that stumbles upon this blog post could be in my shoes at any given moment. Accidents happen. I pray that it doesn't, but you could be me. And what if you were? You wouldn't want people to treat you any differently right?

I hate to say it, but I think sometimes those with disabilities focus on the fact that they are different and will hold that against others if the romance they are hoping for doesn't happen. I've seen it happen again and again where hearts are broken and the assumption becomes that because they are disabled that is why things didn't work out.

I will tell you this; I am not and never have been that girl. The one that holds her disability over someones head for not being interested in me back. I have liked my share of men, and some relationships worked out and some didn't, but the best one stuck!

What I think people need to remember is that we all want to be accepted and treated with respect, romantically or otherwise, disabled or not. The key to acceptance is the willingness to have an open mind and an open heart.

My Secret is Out

Good Morning Beautiful! Today we are going to talk about hair. . .and more specifically my hair. I would have to say that my hair is one of the, if not the physical feature that I love most about myself. Ever since I was a little girl I have been complimented on my hair.

Almost from day one of starting I Look Good Today I have been asked what my hair "secret" is. "How do you get your hair so shiny?" and "What is your hair secret?" questions find their way into my email box and in the comment section of this blog almost on a weekly basis.

I hate to break it to you ladies. . .99% of what I have going on is God given. I do however have one product in particular that I swear by and keep in my beauty arsenal.

I cannot say enough about Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle Moist Deep Conditioner! My hair always looks flawless and smells great after I use this. I chemically straighten my hair, blow dry and when my straightener is wearing off, I flat iron my hair multiple times in the week (Not to mention styling it each day even if I don't wash it.), so it goes through a lot and this deep conditioner makes it feel soft and healthy in just 3 minutes!

Years ago I stumbled upon this product when I was out of conditioner (Sadly, I am a girl that buys shampoo and conditioner for its smell and not so much for what it claims to do for you.). So when I tried this product and saw the results I was absolutely thrilled and hook! 

I am lucky to have well hydrated hair to start with (Other than this product I don't condition my hair because when I do it is greasy in a day.) that has a lot of natural shine and highlights, as well as being very thick hair that does not break or split easily. Even with those pluses on my side, I found that Aussie's 3 Minute Miracle really conditions and even repairs hair without weighing it down.

I actually don't use this product each time I wash my hair. I put it on about once a week and as you can see, it leaves you with healthy, shiny, flawless hair!

Girl Crush: Christina Aguilera

OK, I have a confession to make. Ever since the Genie in a Bottle days, I’ve had a not-so-secret girl crush on Christina Aguilera.

Xtina made her film debut in the movie Burlesque along side another musical Diva Cher, which quickly became one of my favorite movies. One of my favorite songs in the entire movie is "I am a Good Girl" where Christina sings about her dress that's Chanel and her shoes that are YSL. Apparently, her bag is Dior and her lingerie, Agent Provocateur! (Oh, that old game of rhyming some of our favorite designers!) However, Xtina wants you to know one thing: She's a good girl who didn't do anything frisky to get those designer pieces.

In addition to her killer pipes and a new silver screen acting career, Christina has her own line of jewelry and perfume, she is an advocate for 17 different charities and causes and her work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, four Grammy Awards and one Latin Grammy Award. Rolling Stone ranked her number fifty-eight on their list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time, ranking as the youngest and only artist on the list under the age of thirty. The list of her accomplishments just goes on and on.

I adore Christina's style that is so completely feminine with a vintage appeal. From the beginning, to me, was the epitome of what a woman should be; sexy, sophisticated, fearless and awesome . . .and she still is!

Getting Organized: The Closet Makeover

I can only dream of having one of those closets like Carrie from Sex in the City has that could be a room all on its own. I currently share a walk-in closet with my hubby and have completely full a closet of clothes in one of our two guest rooms.

I won't lie, I sometimes go to my closet (especially in the guest room) and think, wow, I totally forgot about this piece!

My goal over the next few weeks is to have a come to Jesus meeting with much of my wardrobe and if it is not something I'm totally in love with, it's being donated. I can't completely say I'm doing this because I want to clear out some space, but if I do want to start to change up my wardrobe, some of those less worn pieces have to go.

I have pieces from college (Maybe even high school. . .) that are tucked in the back of my closet. Not because I wear them all the time (Hello, they are in the back of the closet.), but because I think, "Oh that might be nice to wear for _____." Being honest with myself, I realize that when _____  usually comes I have found something else to wear.

Seeing that I obviously have trouble parting with my clothes unless I am truly just over them, here are a few tips I found to make the choices a little easier.

You need a clear, clean space to plan and visualize how you're going re-organize your closet. Take everything out of your closet including:

• Clothing;
• Accessories (i.e. shoes, handbags, scarves, etc.); and,
• Closet organizers such as shelf dividers, trays, baskets, bins and hangers.

Then, give your closet a good 3-step cleaning:

1. Dust the shelving and hanging rods.
2. Run the vacuum or Swiffer the floor.
3. Wipe down any baskets or bins that could be collecting dirt and dust.

Closets are finite spaces so choose wisely when giving up valuable real estate and be prepared to separate your clothes into distinct piles:

• Toss
• Keep

It's important to focus on what you want to "keep" at first rather than what you want to "toss." Be a brutal critic here--if something is just so-so, you will probably not wear it, therefore it's not worth the closet real estate. Ask yourself these 3 questions:

1. Do you love it?
2. Do you wear it?
3. Does it project the image you want to project? (I love this question via organizing guru Julie Morgenstern)

If the answer is YES to all 3, then you can confidently place that item into the Keeper pile. Congrats to that item!

Rule of Thumb: The more often you work on closet maintenance, the less time it will take. Go through your closet and complete a quick makeover (or make-under) once a month, and tackle the full re-organization process twice a year. You can also follow one of these schedules:

• By Season: 4 times in the Fall, Winter, Spring and Summer or 2 times in the Fall and Spring.
• By Date: Choose an important date like your birthday or New Years and make a habit of re-organizing at that time each year.
• By Event: The next time you can't find an important piece of clothing, that's a good sign you need to re-org your closet.

So friends, do you have any tips for me to make it easier to say goodbye to some of those pieces that although I haven't worn I just can't seem to part with?

Friday Flashback

{I'm in the market for a new "convertible" and this week I took this little baby out for a test drive (minus the headrest). It was unbelievable! Not only does the seat elevate, like my current chair, but it tilts, reclines and has power elevating foot rests. I could seriously fall asleep in this thing. With at least a $28k price tag on it, I'm doing some comparing to make sure all of my mobility needs are met, but this might be the winner!}

I had the best news of my life this week. I didn't share with you all (I didn't want to worry you.) that right before Christmas I had an appointment with a dermatologist regarding a funny looking mole on the sole of my left foot. It has been there for the past five years and I promised my mother I would have it checked out. As soon as the doctor saw it she said it had to be biopsied and she went over what a cancerous mole looks like in a brochure and told me that I had three out of the five criteria for a cancerous mole. To say the least I have been a wreck (At least on the inside and in the privacy of my own home.), mainly because with the holiday's it took almost a month to get my results as the doctors office was closed and then my doctor was out of the country until Jan 6. Well I finally found out that the mole was benign!!! Thank you Jesus!

In other news, this has been a very intense week. I've been at work late every night planning our biggest event we have each year with nearly 1,000 people. . .this year there might actually be more. With the stresses of event planning at their max, I have made sure to take some time to focus on the things that are making me exceptionally happy this week. Oh, and my raise surely helped make all my hard work worth it!!!

I hope you have an exciting weekend!!!



{Hearing from my beautiful mother that her tennis team won the state championships in Daytona!!! Getting that call and hearing her so excited simply made my week!}

{I'm starting to read this book. I have heard such great things about it and had mentioned to my hubby, so he decided he was going to order it for me. He's such a sweetie!}



{What I kept reminding myself until I got my news that everything was OK with my foot. I loved the rusticness of this sign and the message was exactly what I needed, so I bought it from this Etsy shop.}



{My super sweet bloggy friend, Hillary who makes me smile each and every day! I just adore this girl! You can check out her fabulous blogs here, here and here.}





The Butterfly Syndrome

We all have had it at some point in our lives. It keeps us up at night, it makes us daydream during the day and it makes up check our email/texts/voicemails over and over again. I'm talking about what I call The Butterfly Syndrome.

No, this is not some crazy illness that requires medical attention (Well, I guess it could if you are crazy enough, but I digress). This is the feeling you get when you are crazy about someone. That uncontrollable feeling in your stomach that will not be ignored.

Now this is usually the feeling you have when you are first starting to date a person. The thought of them instantly puts a smile on your face. Their embrace makes you weak in the knees. When you are not together you can't stop thinking about them and you cherish every single phone call, text or email that comes from them.

When my hubby and first met, oh I had it BAD! Can I tell you a secret (Promise you won't laugh!)? After only a few months of dating he went to Chicago to visit one of his guy friends from high school. He was going to be gone for a week or so. He called me when he could throughout the day and each night before he went to bed. I missed him soooo much that I would call his work voicemail (We worked in the same company) multiple times throughout the day just so I could hear his voice. I'd look at pictures of him. I had a cologne of his at my apartment and at night I would spray it on my t-shirt so I could smell him when I went to bed. OMG crazy lady much?

Now we have been together for 10 years and things have "calmed down" as far as those butterflies are concerned. Don't get me wrong, I still love my hubby with all my heart, but let's face it, things change after that initial newness of the relationship wears off and your lives become one.

Well ladies, I have a confession. I don't know what is in the air, but The Butterfly Syndrome is back with a vengeance for my hubby. Ever since we returned home from being with my family over the holidays things have been "different".

My hubby and I have a wonderful relationship already, and it is hard to imagine that it could get any better, but it is. Last night I went to bed before him and I could not stop thinking about him as you would when you first meet. I couldn't wait to kiss him again, to be in his embrace again, to hear his voice again and HELLO he was just in the other room. All I had to do was call out to him, but I didn't. I enjoyed revelling in the intensity of my love and desire for him.

The funny part about this whole thing is it seemed to come out of nowhere. We aren't actively doing anything different, however I do notice that we are both making it a point to leave our stresses at work (as much as possible) and to not take for granted the blessing of each other that we have. Just those things alone have rejuvinated feelings for both of us.

It is such a wonderful feeling to see him secretly watching me from across the room with such a look of, "gosh I love this woman."

So how about it ladies? Do you suffer from The Butterfly Syndrome? What do you do to keep those sparks alive?

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

{Caramel striped sweater from Forever 21, black pants from NY&Co, heart necklace from Etsy shop GingerKittyDesigns, ankle boots from Innocence and silver hoop earrings from Targe}

I have always been the type of girl that as soon as I buy a new outfit or accessory or I am gifted with either, I cannot wait to wear it. One of my Christmas gifts this year was a sweater from Forever 21 I have been eyeing and a necklace created from nail polish (I must learn the secret to create my own.) from an adorable Etsy shop. With the weather around the holidays still too warm for the sweater, I jumped on the chance to wear it today with our temps cooling off. I L-O-V-E how the sweater fits and how the necklace adds a bit of whimsy to the look.



{Once I saw these pictures, I really thought to myself. . .hmmm, I think this carmel color looks really nice on me!}



{I really like the button accent on the shoulders of this sweater!}



{Is this necklace exquisit or what?! I love the black and silver crackle design. How it is made from nail polish is beyond me, but I'm determined to find out!}



{Any chance I get to wear these ankle boots I do! Remember them with this outfit?}

{My BFF commented that I must have planned to take these pictures in my backyard because the frost bitten grass matches my outfit perfectly. . .I had to look for myself as you can see.}

{A flock of ducks were flying over head.}

{It is so peaceful having a lake behind my house!}



Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lipgloss

Pamper your lips with fresh, fruity flavor, a burst of shine and the smooth feel of a lip balm! Each pocket-sized tube of Covergirl's Wetslicks Fruit Spritzers Lipgloss has a conditioning formula, with botanical ingredients, that helps improve lip condition over time and lock in moisture for hours.

This lip gloss is a must have to keep in your purse. The colors are phenomenal! My go to color is "Fig Splash."  I've never smelled a fig before (much less tried one...) but to me it smells like chocolate. Talk about making it hard to not lick your lips!!!

Fig Splash looks like a pale shimmery latte brown with pink/silvery tones that goes on very smoothly. I like that it's more frosty and shimmery than the other Covergirl Spritzers.

I am happy to use this gloss on its own, however, I have added it on top of my lipstick and I have to say, it it just adds polish to my whole look!

One word of caution though, these spritzers can be on the "runny" side, so a little goes a LONG way. I typically just use a dab in the center of my lips and it is enough to cover everything.

So tell me, what is your favorite lip gloss go to?

I Want to be a Lumberjack

I have always been a fan of plaid. I love buffalo plaids along with red and black plaids and the accessories that go along with them. While the winter months often get a bad rap for overcast skies and chilling temps, I actually look forward to January through March so that I can break out my favorite plaid pieces that spend most months tucked away. Here are a few pieces I wouldn't mind adding to my collection.

{Alaskan Guide Shirt - Filson}

{Red and black plaid flannel satchel - Buy Now or Never}

 

{Vintage 60s Plaid Skirt - 86 Vintage}

{Fossil red and black plaid flats}

{Main Guide Wool Parka - LL Bean}

Friday Flashback

{My co-worker made the most delicious tiramisu I have ever tasted for a nice mid afternoon treat.}

Good Morning Friends. I hope the first week of this new year has been as good to you as it has to me. I came back to work on Tues and from the minute I stepped (errr rolled) in the door it has been a whirlwind planning for a large two-part event for our patients on the 15th & 21st. Also this week my hubby and I finally went back to our church since the break in of my van in July of last yr. Our church moved buildings and now that renovations are complete, the Wed night service we attend was finally back on. I can't tell you how much this was like a family reunion. So many hugs and "we've missed you" sentiments. Leaving the service I felt an empowerment that I haven't felt in quite some time. A reassurance that in life we all will stumble, but we just have to get up and continue the race.

What were the things this week that made you happy?


{Eating way too many of these little guys!}



{Growing up one of my favorite shows was The Monkees. For Christmas my parents got me the entire series on DVD. I've been enjoying watching these classic episodes and reliving a piece of my childhood!}

{My hubby and I honeymooned in Bar Harbor, Maine which is part of Acadia. Knowing that I like ghost stories, he bought me this book for Christmas. I could not put this book down. I loved learning about all of the "haunted" parts of the island. So many of the areas I remember visiting. I'm glad I didn't run in to any of these special guests.}

How Do You Measure Up?

A woman is often measured by the things she cannot control. She is measured by the way her body curves or doesn’t curve.  By where she is flat or straight or round.  she is measured by 36-24-36 and inches and ages and numbers.  By all the outside things that don’t ever add up to who she is on the inside.  And so if a woman is to be measured, let her be measured by the things she can control, by who she is and who she is trying to become because as every woman knows, measurements are only statistics and STATISTICS LIE. - Marilyn Monroe


On Tuesday I went to see My Week With Marilyn with my BFF, and in a word, it was AMAZING (You will definitely be seeing a Girl Crush post on Michelle Williams after this movie!). I have always been a fan of Marilyn Monroe. She was such a classic beauty and I admire what she stood for- a positive image for women.

My entire life, I have faced looking different. Now, granted I know I'm a hottie LOL. Hello I Look Good Today doesn't come from low self esteem! In all seriousness, I am realistic and I know that my body is different than my able bodied peers, but you know what, I'm OK with that.

I will never have the cut abs that I dream of having. Why? Well for starters, I don't have the strength to sit up by myself, so no crunches for this little lady (sigh). And to add to that, I was born with the curvature of the spine called lordosis. this is a curvature of the spine forward. So not only did I acquire scoliosis as a teen and now have a metal rod from my hips to my shoulders to keep my spine straight from curving to the right, my spine with the lordosis also curves forward. You might not be able to see it in pictures, but I have a little "pooch" not from being overweight, but rather because my spine pushes my tummy out.

It is because of women like Ms. Monroe who to me where a healthy body weight (Let's face it, the girl had curves), that I am so comfortable with who I am. As Will Smith said in Men in Black, "I make this look good!"

As this new year begins, I encourage you to look in the mirror each day and tell yourself, "I look good today" (and of course think of me when you do *wink*), and remember that true beauty cannot be measured by how tall you are or what your waistline is. True beauty comes from inside. Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic.

What I'm Wearing Wednesday: Classic Comfort

{Green cable knit sweater from LL Bean, brown ribbed trousers from NY&Co, gold vintage watch necklace - gifted, gold hoop earrings - gifted, two toned watch from Fossil}

The weather here in sunny FL has gone from over 80 degrees for Christmas to 31 degrees this morning. Being from PA originally, I actually look forward to the bitter cold. I may have left the steel city when I was only seven years old, but I can't help but love that crisp nip in the air.

What I love most about this weather is I can pull out my heavier clothes that sit in the back of the closet most of the year that are just begging to be worn.

Today I opted for a classic comfort look . . .a cable knit sweater and trousers. I've always been a fan of this basic style of sweater and feel so relaxed and cozy from the minute I put it on.

What are some of your classic comfort pieces?