Thursday, January 31, 2013

Be Enchanted

Good Morning Gorgeous. If you have followed I Look Good Today for any length of time, you know that I am all about fragrances. I own over 20 perfumes, I have an abundance of beautifully scented lotions, body sprays, body mists - you name it.

I recently found a new fragrance that I am abosutely in love with (Thanks to my amazing intern). I must have asked her a thousand times what perfume she was wearing. It turns out, it wasn't a perfume at all, but Bath and Body Works "Be Enchanted" lotion.

Be Enchanted blends iced pomegranate, sugared petals and creamy musk to create a fresh, sparkling frosted floral fragrance sweetened with sugared pomegranate and inspired by all that glitters.

Top Notes: citrus, Iced Pomegranate, wildberries, passionfruit. Heart: honeysuckle, floral frosted bouquet, sugared violet, dewfruit, Asian pear. Base: vanilla, musk, sandalwood
I have grown up with Bath and Body Works and some of my very first fragrance experiences were with this line of scents - Vinellaberry having been one of my favorites that is now discontinued. I love it that I can continue going back all these years later and still find a lovely fragrance that I'm taken with.

What are some of your favorite Bath and Body Works scents?

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

{Top gifted, pink pants from Ann Taylor, Clarks bow shoes, pearl earrings and necklace gifted, Fossil watch}


Do you have pieces in your closet that you have had FOREVER and never paired them together? I have had this top for a few years and these pants. . .longer than that, and never - not once, have I worn them together. Last night when I was picking out my clothes for work the next day I pulled out this top and instinctively looked for the beige pants I usually wear with it - only to be reminded I no longer had those pants. I sat there staring into my closet, puzzled with what I would wear with this top and then I pulled these pants out.

To say the least, I was thrilled with how this outfit came together, and the pearl accessories seemed to add a delicate, girlie touch.

So do you like this outfit as much as I do?



 






Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Girl Crush: Lea Michele


Admittedly, Ms. Michele stirs up quite the controversy as some people are absolutely smitten with her like I am, while others are not shy about their feelings against her. I know everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but there are so many reasons to love Lea Michele.

Those pipes. At first sight, the 5-foot-2 actress looks anything but powerful, but when she starts to sing, my god! Can she bring it! The first time I really heard her break it down I was dumbfounded as to how a voice that big could come out of something that tiny. From the pop songs she sings on Glee, to the ballads she killed on Broadway, to singing on the big screen, to singing at the Superbowl -- you name it, the girl has a voice of an angel! There is little in this world I love more and listening to a voice like hers. . .well it is enough to make this wannabe singer jealous (I can hold my own, but certainly not like her)!


She's an activist. Anyone who is familiar with Lea Michele is familiar with her love of animals. A devout vegan, Ms. Michele has joined many issues against animal abuse and has most recently headed up the fight to stop horse and carriage rides in New York City (You can watch her PSA here.). A native New Yorker, Lea loves her city, but has been adamant about her feelings against the treatment of the horses used for horse and carriage rides, so much so she has sent letters and petitions to Mayor Bloomberg.

I too will do anything for animals. My heart goes out to them. Some years back a stray dog was tied up in front of a Wal-Mart. After seeing that the metal chain around its neck was causing sores and my friends and I were told by store management the dog had been there for weeks and customers would buy it food, I took action. I bought my new furry friend food, water, a proper collar and found this adorable boxer a good home. No animal should EVER be mistreated, so I applaud Lea for taking such a stand!


She loves her job as much as her fans do. The term "Gleek" is usually reserved for a super fan of the show, but if you follow Lea, or any cast member, on Twitter, you would know they are probably the show's biggest fans of all. Just recently she tweeted, "#iheartglee :)" With a show as huge and popular as Glee, it is really nice to see a cast that is just as excited they are on the show as their fans are.


She loves her fans. If there is anything Lea loves more than her show, it would be her fans. She constantly shares her love and appreciation for her fans through her Twitter site.


That look! Whoever told Ms. Michele that she wasn't pretty enough for "the biz" has absolutely lost their mind! I truly find her stunning. She has hair TO DIE FOR (Especially when she wears a fringed bang), and her makeup is always so put together. And let us not forget her amazing fashion sense. I have Googled many times "Lea Michelle lipstick" or "Lea Michelle how-to" to try and replicate this brunette beauty's look.


So what about you? Are you crushing on Lea too?

Monday, January 28, 2013

Cozy Cocoa

Hello Beautiful.

With the temperatures dipping into the 40s and it finally feeling like winter around here, I have been all too excited to be able to drink my hot cocoa and not feel absolutely foolish for doing so!

I have also found a new favorite nail polish for winter that compliments one of my favorite warm beverages - Cozy Cocoa by Maybelline.

One of the most universally flattering taupe colors on the market! It's creamy & opaque with one coat, but I apply two for lasting power. It's a brown taupe shade with a mauve tinge to it. Very suitable for the colder seasons.

As with most Maybelline polishes I've tried, I can wear this for close to a week without noticing any chipping - for the perpetual typer/texter, this is a must for me.

This is a great classic sophisticated shade that should feature in all nail polish wardrobes. Love love love this polish!!!

If you're in search of an awesome neutral, check this one out.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Friday Flashback

 
Good Morning Gorgeous!

This has been a really great week for me. The weather has cooled off (FINALLY), so I have enjoyed being able to pull out and wear some cozy sweaters. I have met some amazing new girlfriends and have enjoyed spending time with them and getting to know them better - you can never have too many you know.

My grandmother is in town visiting, which makes me so very excited. I don't get to see  her often - she lives in my hometown in PA. We spent hours laughing together and catching up. I also introduced her to Angry Birds on my Google mini tablet. We would take turns trying to complete the board. When it was my turn she would say, "Oh noooo - miss it, miss it." She is quite the competitive one!

So how was your week friends? Anything special happen? Have a wonderful weekend!

{Grandma made me her famous pizzelles. These Italian cookies are simply to die for - especially her recipe}

{My BFF and I were hooked on the show American Horror Story Asylum this season. This week we sat on the couch with our jaws on the floor of how it all ended.}

{An afternoon pick-me-up - Coke float!}


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Tame Your Jewelry Box Jumble

If you are like most women (I'm one of them!), your jewelry box is most likely cluttered and unorganized. However, getting it organized is easier that you might think. It is also very important. Storing jewelry properly will help ensure it will last for generations to come. The right organization will also allow you to see your jewelry so you can wear it more regularly.  I can't tell you how many times I go searching for the second earring lost in the jumble only to get frustrated and wear the first "pair" I end up finding.


Here are some simple tips to getting your jewelry box worthy of the jewels you put in it:

Don't jumble your jewelry – Always store your jewelry in a clean, dry place. Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with numerous compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper. This keeps your jewelry untangled and will help keep it from tarnishing. The problem with a lot of jewelry boxes is that they don’t have enough compartments and that causes your jewelry to get jumbled together. Look for a style with many little compartments over the styles that have a few larger sections.

Separate your everyday jewelry – Jewelry that is worn often can be placed it in a smaller jewelry box or in jewelry trays. Find a box or tray that can be kept accessible. Find one that matches your style so it can be left on top of a dresser. Many women don’t wear their beautiful pieces of jewelry because they overlook them or accessing them is difficult. Keeping jewelry accessible will help you find what you need and remind you of what you have. Keep in mind however, that a secure safe is still your best bet for your irreplaceable gems.

Hang them up – There are a variety of organizers that have a hanger like hook with numerous clear pouches. Those styles are a great way to keep your earrings separate and visible. Place one pair of earrings in each pouch to ensure that the posts will not scratch the other earrings. Hang them on the back of your closet door or even hanging in your closet.

Implementing these simple tips will makeover your jewelry box and ensures you will be able to enjoy your jewelry for years to come.

Fine jewelry is a precious possession that is designed and crafted to last a lifetime. However, proper care is required to assure the lasting qualities of your jewelry. Below are some simple, basic guidelines for the care and cleaning of your fine jewelry:

Basic care tips:Store your jewelry in a clean, dry place.Keep your jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry case, or in a box with compartments and dividers. If you prefer to use ordinary boxes, wrap each piece individually in soft tissue paper.

Don't jumble your jewelry pieces in a drawer or jewelry case. Pieces can scratch each other.
Be careful when removing your jewelry to wash your hands. Do not leave your jewelry on the rim of a sink where it can easily slip down the drain.
See your jeweler at least once a year to have your jewelry checked for loose prongs, worn mountings, and general wear and tear. Visit your jeweler every six months to have your jewelry professionally cleaned.
There are many types of small machines on the market that will clean jewelry in a matter of minutes using high-frequency sound. These machines are called ultrasonic cleaners and are available in many different models and prices. They can be a convenient way to quickly clean your jewelry at home. However, ultrasonic cleaners can damage some jewelry and prolonged use may loosen gemstones from their mountings. Your local jeweler can tell you if an ultrasonic cleaning machine is right for your jewelry wardrobe and, if it is, recommend an appropriate model.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Giveaway: What's your 'PerSKINality?!

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Good Morning Gorgeous!!! I am very excited to introduce you to my very dear friend Caitlin. Caitlin is an independent consultant with Rodan and Fields Dermatologists. She has partnered with the doctors that created Proactiv in their new company! She is now partnering with I Look Good Today to give not one, not two, but five, yes FIVE, lucky gals a special gift to keep your skin looking radiant!

I have been using these products (Thanks to Caitlin) for nearly a year now, and I cannot tell you the difference I have seen in my skin!

So what are you waiting for? Keep reading to see how you can enter to win!

Are you 'Too Hot to Handle', an 'Expressionist' or maybe you're 'Lucky and Lovely'?

The creators of Proactiv solution, Dr. Rodan and Dr. Fields, are leading the field once again with their new company to tackle skin care concerns other than acne, like aging and sun damage! Now they are the first to merge technology and skin care. They have developed an image analysis software called 'PerSKINality'.

The interactive app assesses your skin from a photo and brings the expertise of two of the country’s leading dermatologists – Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields - to you! How incredible is that?!

With this new tool simply answer five simple lifestyle questions, snap a foundation-free photo, and discover your PerSKINality. See what the Doctors recommend for your skin!
Take the quiz to find out your PerSKINality!

Everyone that completes the quiz and inputs your email address (it will email you the results) will be entered into a drawing to be one of 5 people to receive a free gift in the mail from me :) Rumor has it that it will be a little mini facial! Additional ways to enter would be to 'Like' my Facebook page (below), 'Like' the "I Look Good Today" page or follow the I Look Good Today blog on Google Friend Connect or on twitter @ilookgoodtoday1! Make sure to leave a comment with your quiz results in the comment section of this post and an email so we can contact you! 

Check Caitlin out on Facebook!




I've recently created a new business page on Facebook where I will be posting exciting announcements and giveaways so please "like" the page for updates!
My page: Caitlin Hamlin, Rodan + Fields Consultant - Tampa

I will be heading to Rodan and Fields Convention in Dallas, TX next month where the Doctors will be announcing their new 'at home skincare experience' and new product! So "Like" this page to stay up to date and to be one of the first to hear about the new product launch from the greatest minds in skincare!

Preferred Customers Rock!


Rodan + Fields Dermatologists offers everyone clinically-proven products, expert support with the RF Connection, and cutting-edge skincare information. And with our exclusive PC Perks program, enhanced benefits and even greater value are just a few clicks away.
  • 10% off ALL Rodan + Fields products, all the time
  • Free shipping on regularly scheduled orders
  • PC Perks hotline (pcperks@rodanandfields.com or 1-877-PERKSRF)
  • Exclusive Preferred Customer promotions
  • Want to be a Preferred Customer? Contact me to customize your routine, start saving and get on the road to the best skin of your life!
  • Not sure where to start on your road to great skin?! Get your PerSKINality or try the  Solution tool and discover what the doctors recommend for you!

Join me in business!


Ever thought you would get a chance to partner with the doctors that created Proactiv?! Or that you could own a piece of the $2.9 billion and growing anti-age skincare industry?! Or maybe, that you had the opportunity to be FIRST at something?! Well this is YOUR chance!

Teaming up with Rodan + Fields allows me to earn a substantial income while sharing our life-changing business with others. The best part is I’m given the flexibility to accomplish these goals around my family’s busy schedule. AND you can start this business on very part-time hours around your full time job!
This company is only a couple years old and is a ground floor opportunity! You can only be first once ...

Why not YOU? Why not NOW?

I'm looking for motivated people to join my Rodan & Fields Dermatologists team. Set aside your pre-conceived notions about direct sales- believe me I had them too, and get all the stats HERE in minutes. On top of that, the doctors are redefining the industry from what you think you know it as - there is no stocking of inventory, it's not party driven and all of the ordering/paying is online!

SO...who do you know that might be a perfect fit for this business? Maybe you? I have a fantastic referral rewards program... Refer someone else that is a right fit for our team and I will happily mail a gift to you!

One of the many incentive programs in this company is the chance to earn an iPad 2 your first full month in business! I've had several business partners achieve this so it is absolutely do-able!
I'd love to tell you more about this business and how it's changed my life! If you're interested in hearing more, please send me an email and we'll set up a time to chat.
 


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Thursday, January 17, 2013

Brown Eyed Girl

Hello Lovely!

What color eyes do you have? I have your everyday, normal dark brown eyes. Don't get me wrong, I do love my eye color, but I am not one that someone would say, "You have the most gorgeous eye color!" When I have received those comments I think to myself. . .my eyes are just plain brown, but thanks. I've always wondered what I would look like if I had blue or green eyes, and yes I know I can easily do so with colored contacts, but I just never have tried it. Maybe something fun to try for an upcoming blog post!

Since brown doesn't have an opposite or complementary color on the color wheel, most eye makeup colors will work for women with brown eyes - so I did get lucky there.

Follow these simple makeup tips for brown-eyed gals to look your best and enhance your natural beauty.

Brown eyes are the one color that most eye shadow colors work well on.The determining factor is usually the depth of the eye color -- are they almost black, or are they medium brown? Women with brown eyes can also pull off both black and brown eyeliner (brown works best in the day and black at night).
1

For deep brown eyes

If your eyes are dark brown, medium to dark shades of eye shadow will work for you. Try plum, forest green or charcoal gray. Check out the flecks of lighter color in your eyes and use those hues to select your eyeliner color. For darker brown eyes, also try dark browns or mauves. Gold and bronze is also beautiful on dark brown eyes.

2For medium brown eyes

Medium to light brown eyes can try green, violet or bronze colored eye shadows. You truly can wear almost any color of eye makeup if you have medium brown eyes. A purple or green eye shadow palette can work equally well for daytime. Experiment by pairing neutral shadow with metallic eyeliner in copper or bronze for evening.

3For light brown eyes

Avoid black eyeliner, if you have light brown eyes, and use dark brown or other colors instead. Apply a neutral shade of shadow on the lid, a darker hue of the same color in the crease, then line your eyes in gold or green to reflect the flecks of color in your iris. If your eyes are so light they are hazel, try champagne tones with violet, bronze or brown liner to define the eye.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

{Beall's ruffled top and attached necklace, maroon NY&Co pants, Coach boots, Fossil watch, earrings gifted}
Good Morning Beautiful!

I have to say, today I absolutely 100% lived the title of my blog. All day I kept thinking. . .I Look Good Today! I love how this fun, frilly top fluttered in the breeze, and how the chunky necklace seemed to be the perfect piece to accent this top's charm. To me this top felt like the complete essence of being girlie. This is definitely a new favorite in my closet!!!


Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Straighten Up!


Good Morning Doll.

Isn't it funny how we women always want the hair that we don't have? If we were born with curly hair, we want it straight, brown hair we want it blond. We are never satisfied are we?

I am very lucky to have extremely thick, very shiny, naturally auburn highlighted, dark brown hair. I LOVE IT! I have been complimented all my life about my hair. Just the other day in fact my BFF and I were at a restaurant and a random stranger came up to me and said, "Honey, you have the most gorgeous hair I have ever seen!"

I never know quite what to say other than thank you. What I want to say is that there is an asterisk when it comes to my hair. It is naturally very wavy, not curly. Living in the Florida humidity, I easily look like I stuck my finger in an electrical socket, so I take extra care in my hair straightening.

One of the things I do is get the Japanese straightening done once a year. If you haven't tried it - It is a MUST! No ironing, no blow drying. Just wash and go hair. I never in my life thought I could have "that" hair, but thanks to Maggie, my wonderful hair stylist, dreams do come true.

However when the Japanese straightening is wearing off, I have to get back into the routine of blow drying and ironing my hair, which I hate - only because the time it takes; remember I have a ton of hair. I also want to make sure I don't damage my hair.

Urban legends abound in the beauty world. These are specific hair care myths and stories that get passed from woman to woman, generation to generation. They run the gamut, but consist of fanatical ideas women believe to be true like "split ends are reversible" and "pluck one grey hair and two will come to its funeral." One of my personal favorite hair care fairy tales is some women just wake up with naturally smooth and perfectly straight hair. Bull winkle. Sorry ladies, but we all have to work for the frizz-free sleek stylings we envy on models and celebrities like Jennifer Aniston.

Any woman with curly, wavy hair, heck even "straight" hair should know that to get hair super smooth, some heat styling is in order. It is slightly unfair, but true. If you have pretty straight hair already, you likely only need the assistance of a blow dryer to get a sleek look, but if your hair has texture and is thick or course, you'll need the almighty flat iron to achieve stick straight strands. Fear not though, with the right hair care preparation, straightening tips, and responsible use, you don't have to fry your hair for it to look fabulous.

So without further adieu, here are my tips for super sleek, shiny hair.

Tip 1: Pick the right size flat iron

Flat irons are like clothes, they are not one-size fits all. The length and thickness of your hair should determine the size of your iron. The right size iron will be easier to maneuver, straighten your hair more efficiently, and decrease the risk of overheating and damaging hair.

For short, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with narrow plates ranging in size from half-an-inch to one-inch thick. This will allow you to iron smaller sections.

For long, thick or fine hair: Use an iron with wider plates ranging in size from one-and-a-half inches to two-inches wide so you're able to cover more surface area in less time. Also, be weary of the weight of your iron. Anything super heavy (more than two pounds) will have your arm hurting in no time. Straightening hair shouldn't be equivalent to weight training.

Tip 2: Use the right material

Look for flat irons that use ceramic, tourmaline or titanium metals. They will heat more evenly causing less heat damage to your hair. They are the gentlest on the hair because they release negative ions which work to tighten the hair's cuticle. This produces a shinier, healthier, less frizzy look and feel. On the flip side, be weary of irons that are ceramic coated or Teflon coated as they will heat a little more unevenly, and tend to have a more drying effect.

Tip 3: Prep hair properly

Once you've found the best iron for your hair, the next crucial step to straightening your strands like a pro is preparing your hair for the heat it's about to undergo. Here's how:

Preparation for fine hair: Wash hair with a lightweight volumizing shampoo like Rene Furterer Volumea Volumizing Shampoo, $23 and conditioner. Once out of the shower use a volumizing mousse with built-in heat protection like Nexxus Thermal Volume Volumizing Heat Protection Mousse, $11.99. Blow dry hair to create volume by lifting at the roots. Smooth hair from the mid-shaft to your ends using tension and a natural bristle brush.

Preparation for thick hair: Start by washing with a smoothing shampoo and conditioner like Redken Smooth Down Shampoo and conditioner, $14.50 each. Once out of the shower, apply a smoothing serum with heat protection technology like Kiehl's Heat-Protective Silk-Straightening Cream, $17. Blow dry hair thoroughly with a natural bristle brush and apply tension as you dry hair in order to make it as straight as possible.

Tip 4: Get a super straight look
Follow these steps to get a super straight, polished look:

Step 1: Start by clipping your blow dried hair into manageable sections -- the thicker your hair, the more sections you should create. Starting on the bottom half of your head, near the nape of your neck, grab a half-an-inch to two-inch section of hair.
Step 2: Starting half-an-inch down from your roots (this will help your hair maintain some volume), quickly smooth the iron down the hair shaft making sure to move at a steady pace. Continue this until you have straightened the bottom and mid-sections of your head.
Step 3: For the final sections near the crown of your head, lift hair off your scalp and get the iron as close to your roots as possible, pressing firmly while drawing the iron straight outward from your head to achieve a flat, smooth finish.
Step 4: Mist with shine spray.


Tip 5: Get a voluminous straight look


For a fuller, more voluminous look you will want to hold the iron a bit differently. Iron from the mid-shaft to ends, still moving the iron straight out to the sides, lifting from the scalp. As a rule, I do not drag the iron down when working, because it tends to put creases in the hair if you are going against the growth pattern. For added flip, twist your wrist slightly away from your face once you've reached the end of a straightened section for a bit of bounce. Mist with a shine spray or flexible hold hairspray.

Tip 6: Things to avoid


- Do not iron hair when wet, as this is a sure way to fry your strands.
- Do not use broken or chipped hot tools, as they can be dangerous.
- Do not use a flat iron everyday as any tool or procedure involving high heat will dry the hair and make it brittle over time, especially with prolonged and frequent use.









Monday, January 14, 2013

Marshmallow Nail Polish Bites


Hello Lovely.

I hope your having a great Monday so far. For my event this weekend I had to wear a black and white striped referee shirt, so I wanted to paint my nails to match. I wanted to used a recent color I picked up that I have fallen quite in love with.

I've been eying this color for a some time now, but being white I didn't think it would look nice. Some whites are kind of tacky and look like you put whiteout on your nails, so I always steered clear of them, other than on the tips for a french manicure.

Essie Marshmallow is a gorgeous milky white color. It's not very opaque so I did have to apply 3 coats. I think this color would look great on any skin tone, for any season. It turned out to be a bit hit too - I was complimented numerous times about my nails during my event.

Is this a color you would try?

P.S. Speaking of nail polish. . .check out these nail polish bites. Are they adorable or what?! Super easy to make too. Marshmallows covered in frosting with a Tootsie Roll on top.


Friday, January 11, 2013

Friday Flashback

{When I saw this metal dress form in Cracker Barrel I just had to have it! It is retro and funky all in one.}
Good Morning Sweetie.

What a week this has been! I am down to the wire planning an event for over 800 people this weekend for work and it has kept me in a constant whirlwind of tasks. I must say, everything is coming together very well and this nationally televised event is sure to be a success! You can read more about it here.

I would say that I can't wait for the weekend, but this week with the event ahead.  . .I could stand to have a few extra week days.

I do hope you enjoyed your week. What do you have planned for the weekend?

{New art deco piece over the TV.}
{Made peanut caramel milk chocolate cookies and hot cocoa with my BFF. So good on a chilly night.}
{It's an teeny tiny sock monkey. One of my best friends and I have a running joke about sock monkeys, so when I saw this little guy, I had to snap a picture.}
{I love Taylor Swift, and this cover of "I Knew You Were Trouble" is AMAZING! Couldn't stop listening to it!}

Thursday, January 10, 2013

What Would You Put in Your Dream Jar?


During my two weeks off for the holidays I did a lot of magazine reading. One article I was reading talked about ideas to help you keep your resolutions for the new year.

I mentioned to you earlier in the week that I am not much of the "resolution" keeper, but the idea I stumbled upon intrigued me.

The original idea in the magazine was to get a jar and put your dreams for the year. . .what you are most hoping for in the new year.

Although I loved this idea, it still felt a bit too "resolution-like" for me, but I didn't want to forget about it all together, so I tweaked it a bit.

Instead of putting my hopes for the new year in the jar, I decided my dream jar was going to have notes of all the different things that made me happy throughout the year. Just think about it.

Whenever something extraordinary truly makes you happy. . . or even something very simple, like an unexpected email from a friend or having your favorite dessert you haven't had in a while, you write it down and put it in the jar. At the end of the year you open your jar and reflect on all the joy that came into your life that year; most of which you probably will have forgotten, but I guarantee you, reading your own words of how you felt because you got a hug from a loved one you hadn't seen in a while or because you spent a fun evening at home laughing with your best friends. . .you will instantly be taken back to those moments and be able to cherish them once again.

I've already begun to collect happy memories in my dream jar. What will you put in yours?

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

{Periwinkle LLBean sweater, grey NY&Co pants, Coach boots, earrings from Bealls}

Baby it's cold outside! Ok, well COLD might be an exaggeration. This January started out unseasonably warm with temperatures continually reaching the 60s, 70s and dare I say even 80s!!! For my northern friends who are weathering the snow and bitter cold. . .I'm sorry!

I was excited this morning that the weather did cool down a bit from a storm we had the evening before, which allowed me to wear this gorgeous periwinkle cable knit sweater I got for Christmas. I may not have to bundle up in layer upon layer as a Florida girl, but I still love to put on a comfy sweater and a pair of boots!

And later when I came home from work this sweater was equally comfy to curl up on the couch with.








Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Around My Finger

Hello Lovely.

For as long as I can remember I have been a lover of rings. I still have my baby ring; a gold heart with a cursive "J" in the middle, and oddly I remember being only a few years old when I got this ring, but how grown up and fancy I felt when I slipped it on.

My hands might have grown since that first piece was placed on my finger, and so has my love of rings.

I went through a phase in high school where I wore a ring on almost every finger. I don't go that far anymore, but my heart still skips a beat when I find a new treasure to slip on.

{This adorable pearl cluster piece from Novica would be like a party for my finger!}

{Make your fingers sparkle and shine in this rhinestone bow and elastic stretch fit ring.}

{This turquoise flower ring is sure to make your outfit bloom!}

{These vintage book rings let you carry a little piece of history on your finger.}

Monday, January 7, 2013

This Is Your Body on Stress


Good Morning Gorgeous! How's your new year starting out? Have you kept to your resolution list? Have you even made one? I always have the best of intentions to make and keep new year's resolutions and for whatever reason I never seem to do so.


Although I may have not sat down to write out a list of changes I would like to see happen in 2013, I do know of one thing that I want to change, need to change and have already begun to change.

So what is the change I'm seeking you ask? Less stress.

"It's probably just stress." How many times have you heard those words from your doctor -- or uttered them yourself -- as you complained about the latest ache in your shoulder or pain in your stomach? Before you write it off as just stress, think again. Stress isn't something to be ignored. It's a whole-body experience that, if left unchecked and untreated, can make you old before your time. No body part is spared. From your brain and heart to your muscles and immune system, stress can affect every part of you, leaving you vulnerable to pain, illness, and disease.

It took such a toll on me that I ended up losing, probably 15lbs.

I couldn't focus.

I cried daily.

It was everything I could do to simply function.

So why don't we take stress more seriously? Probably because people think of stress as an emotional state. They don't realize that this emotional response triggers a cascade of physical changes. Of course, a little stress isn't always bad. The pressure of a job deadline can inspire a burst of creativity; the adrenaline triggered during an emergency can help us think clearly and act quickly. But the daily, unrelenting stress that many people experience -- bills, work, strained relationships -- can be remarkably hard on the body. When daily life means your internal stress switch gets stuck in the "on" position, stress can start to take an exacting toll on virtually every body part.

It's not just high blood pressure or heart attacks. Stress can give you headaches, back pain, indigestion, depression, diabetes, and sleep problems. Stress can make you fat or too thin in my case, cause your hair to fall out, and ruin your sex life. It wears on your heart, your memory, and your immune system, and may even give a boost to those rogue cells that can eventually lead to cancer.

With stress you are fighting an invisible war. No one can truly know what you feel inside and how daunting your struggle truly is.

Each and every day for me it seems like the clouds are parting a bit more and the sun is shining brighter.

I truly believe that we can overcome any hurdle that lies before us and create the life we want to live. Just as we develop our physical muscles through overcoming opposition - such as lifting weights - we develop our character muscles by overcoming challenges and adversity.

So to get rid of this dark passenger (Any Dexter fans out there like me?), what have I begun to do?

For starters, I take one day at a time; reminding myself that I am only one person and can only do so much.

I remind myself that as much as I might like to, I can't control everything or how another person reacts, so I am letting go.

I make sure to take time out for ME to do the things that bring me happiness.

I have surrounded myself with the ones I love and have my best interest at heart.

So what about you? What are some of your stress busting secrets?