Friday Flashback

{An amazing dinner at the Columbia restaurant in Ybor City.}

Good Morning Lovebugs! Happy Friday! This week has been quite the interesting one. It started out kinda rocky. Tropical storm Debby hit Florida over the past weekend and stuck with us into the beginning of the week. I actually ended up getting a three day weekend out of it (I felt like I was back in school getting a day off for the weather.). After Mother Nature calmed down the rest of the week didn't. There was much to get done and with a shortened work week (although welcomed time off) everything seemed rushed. One of the best highlights was enjoying a lovely dinner at the Columbia Restaurant, Florida's oldest restaurant opening in 1905, and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world! You can read more about it here. Hope You had a great week. Enjoy your weekend!!!



{My meal - ropa vieja . . .DELICIOUS!!!}

{We sat in the Café dining room, the original 60-seat café that opened as the Columbia Restaurant in 1905. Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio frequented the Columbia in the early 1950’s. . .and sat in this room - if these walls could talk!}



{I've seen the movie Clue countless times and during my day spent at home due to the weather I added one more viewing. I cannot help but break out into uncontrollable laughter when Madeline Kahn, who played Mrs. White, rants about hating the maid SO MUCH that it felt like flames on the side of her face and that is why she killed her.}



Somebody to Love

Good Morning Gorgeous. I hope you have been well. I'm sorry for my absence. My computer decided to die on me last week and as such, I have not been able to spend much time here at I Look Good Today. But not to worry, my technological troubles have been resolved and I'm back :)

So now that we have that covered. . .let's get to the important stuff!

How often have you heard someone say, "I just want someone to love?" or "Why can't I find anybody who wants to be with me?"

From when we are very young we are all on that eternal quest to find love. To have that someone special in our lives that makes us feel appreciated, respected, safe, admired . . . that their world simply isn't the same without us.
I’ve seen it with friends and coworkers too – always bouncing from one relationship to the next with little time between to enjoy being single. No time to just be “you” rather than “the two of you”.

It’s like there’s something uncomfortable about being single for some people, as if being outside a relationship leaves them out in the cold, not knowing what to do. It is like there’s a fear that if they leave themselves in singledom they won’t find anyone else who’ll accept them, or that now that they are single they find who they are to be unacceptable.

When single, these people lose confidence in their ability to be themselves; they don’t trust that they can lead their life by themselves. If you’re one of these people, please listen to me. . .YOU ARE AMAZING ALL BY YOURSELF!!!

Now I can hear you over there. . .what does she know, she's married and has been with someone for 11 years! Who is she to tell me it is OK to be single?

Ok, I get ya! HOWEVER, the majority of my life I was the single girl. All my friends had one boyfriend after another in high school and college. Was I envious at times. Of course. Everyone I think deep down wants someone to love.

I had boyfriends, but they were few and far between and honestly I was fine with that.

The trick here is that I was (am) happy with who I am. I'm happy with being me. I'm happy in my world. Now that isn't to say that sharing my life and being with someone wouldn't bring me even greater happiness, however I realized, even at a young age, that my happiness and self worth should not ever depend on someone else.

The trick is to find a solid sense of who you are and what you’re about. A sense that no matter what happens – relationship or no relationship – you’ll be just fine. The trick is to want to be in a relationship because of everything it brings to the table and everything it allows you to be and do, not because you need to be in a relationship.

This means being brutally honest about what fears you have about being single, and finding a way to be okay with that fear. Entering into a relationship because you’re scared of what might happen if you don’t sounds pretty silly, doesn’t it? Entering into a relationship because you know how much you want to be in it strikes me as the most wonderful thing possible.

So my challenge to you friends, whether you are in a relationship or not, is this - be happy with YOU. Find those qualities in YOUR life that make you sparkle. Our life is too short to not be happy with WHO WE ARE!

Purple Passion

I don't know about you, but I have always loved the color purple. It truly is my favorite color.

Do you wear purple eye shadow or eyeliner? I'm loving this look for summer!

Isn't the way the purple shimmer catches the light just under her eyes so gorgeous!

Makes me think I should start being more adventurous with my summer day looks. If you're feeling the same way and now are basically dying to copy this look, here are some shimmery purple eyeshadows you can consider playing around with.



{L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Endless - $7.92}



{Nars Duo Eyeshadow in Jolie Poupee - $34}

 


{Urban Decay mini stardust and eyeshadow - $15}

 

What's your favorite shadow color to wear on a summer day?

Being There

This week I’ve been thinking about the important things in life. A lot of these things have combined in my world recently in thought-provoking ways, and from it all, I’ve seen the importance of just being there for people.

My entire life I have seemed to be the person that friends, family and even complete strangers open up to for guidance and support.

Whether it’s taking the time to really listen, answering a chat or email, a quick phone call or sending a thoughtful text, you can be there for someone and truly make a difference in their day; possibly even giving them the strength to get through their ordeal. So often people will not ask for help, they might even "shut down" and become distant, but that doesn't mean you stop being there for them.

I have always been the type of person that tends to deal with my issues (Thankfully there aren't many) on my own. I have the uncanny ability to put on a happy face and simply work things. However, there are times when even I need to turn to someone for a sympathetic ear.

I keep thinking back to a recent conversation with my BFF. I was thanking him for ALWAYS being there for me no matter what. I started thinking about those that are not as fortunate as I am to have people in their lives that they can really turn to to vent, cry, laugh and everything in between with.

Do you realize how much a smile, a kind word, a few moments of acknowledgement can mean to a person?

George Eliot once said, “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?” How often do you thank those people who are there for you, and how often do you step out of your world to be there for someone else?

Diamond Diva

Before you opt for one more boring French mani this summer, consider this daring-yet-glam option. Your fingers will thank you! 

Paint on one coat of pale pink polish, then take a wooden manicure stick and dip it into clear polish. Use it to pick up a rhinestone (the polish will act like a glue to help the gem stick) and place one at a time around the outer edge of each nail. Create another circle inside the first, repeating until your whole nail is filled. Seal all nails with a layer of clear top coat. 

10 Simple Style Steps for a New You

No matter what age or shape you are, a few small steps can change your whole perspective on how you look and how you feel. Follow 10 simple style steps for a new you.

Are you stuck in a fashion rut? Do you ignore current fashion trends and consider that style is only something that comes with money and fame?

Do you go for the same safe styles and colors when out shopping? Do you wear the same “best” outfit to every important meeting or social occasion. Do you turn down invitations because you have nothing to wear?

Are You Stuck in a Style Rut?

If you are the kind of person that stares at a bulging wardrobe yet still cannot find something suitable to put on, then you may well be stuck in a style rut. If thinking what to wear to the office every morning has become an ordeal then it is time to update your look!

Firstly there are two golden rules that you need to remember:

• Being stylish has nothing to do with your size. It is about making the most of your shape.

• Being stylish does not have to break the bank. Whether you’ve got $20 to spend in Top Shop or $2,000 to spend at Gucci, looking good isn’t about money, it’s about style, and style never goes out of fashion.

Fashion style is about attitude. Feel confident in yourself about the way you look and that will come across to other people. It doesn’t take much to learn what cuts and colors suit your body shape, just a few hours research on the internet will tell you what you need. In the words of fashion designer icon Coco Chanel, “Fashion is architecture. It’s a matter of proportions.” and she should know!

10 Simple Fashion Tips for Women

• Forget about the word “fashion” and think “style” – it may be mentally less intimidating or more “wearable”!

• Even if you stay at home, make an effort to dress everyday as if you are going out. This changes your whole approach to even the most mundane household chores. You will find you have a more positive attitude and are less inclined to be reduced to a couch potato, in your slovenly sweat pants and baggy T-shirt.

• Clear out your closet. Get rid of those items which are outdated, do not suit you or simply do not make you feel good. Make room for that new wardrobe of clothes that you are going to build, slowly, piece by piece.

• Take stock of how many classic items you currently have in your closet. Start building new outfits which will prove versatile and timeless – go anywhere and do anything. You should aim to have a wardrobe base of well cut, classic pieces and a few cheap fun, fashionable outfits that are right on trend, which can be replaced every season.

• Treat your wardrobe as an investment. Create a closet that is full of must-have pieces rather than make-do ones.

• Ensure that your wardrobe is built around some style staples which will take you from season to season and can be dressed up or down. A good coat, a little black dress, a wrap dress, well cut denims, a classic pair of black pants, cashmere cardigan and a stylish crisp white shirt. Update these looks every season with some fab accessories.

• Buying a really great bag and a pair of "look-at-me" shoes will transform any outfit. Transform your “walk” into a “wiggle”.

• Get to know your body shape. Are you a pear, apple, brick, hour glass or inverted triangle? Read up on the free fashion advice available on Suite 101 and learn how to dress for your body shape.

• Learn how to play down your flaws and make the most of your assets. Learn how to disguise big hips, stomachs or a larger bust and learn what not to wear if you are short or flat-chested.

• Shop smarter. Ask yourself a few key questions regarding what suits you before you shop and plan what to buy in advance.

There is never a better time than right now to create a brand new you. The first important step is to detox your wardrobe, clearing out those outfits which do not make you feel good. The second is to learn what cuts and colors work best for you and the basic style rules of women's fashion.

 So the next time you feel inclined to throw on a baggy T-shirt and pants remember this, anything that makes you feel frumpy, dumpy and lumpy does nothing for your sense of self.

Graduation Celebration

This year I have had a number of my friend's children graduating from high school. It made me think back to when I was graduating. . .back in 1996. How things have changed from now until then.

I thought it would be fun to take a trip down memory lane and look back on some of the things that were "in" when I graduated. . .

Popular Musicians

• Spice Girls - First Number 1 "Wannabe" 
• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• The Smashing Pumpkins 
• Alanis Morissette
• Mariah Carey 
• Foo Fighters

 Popular Films

• Independence Day
• Twister
• Mission: Impossible
• Jerry Maguire
• The Nutty Professor
• The Birdcage 

Popular TV Shows

• Boy Meets World
• Blossom
• Friends
• The Fresh Prince of Bel Air
• Home Improvement  
• Mad About You

Popular Fashion Trends

• Babydoll tops
• Lace blouses
• Chunky wedge heeled shoes
• Bomber jackets
• Flannel 
• Jean overall shorts

What was popular the year you graduated from high school?

Running on Faith

Sometimes life throws you a curve ball that you really never expected to come your way. You are hit smack in the face, seemingly out of nowhere, with emotions and decisions you never thought you'd have to deal with.

There has never been a promise that life was going to be easy. The thing is, what do we do about it when we are faced with these challenges?

I have faced a lot in my life living with a physical disability. I feel like thinking "outside of the box" is sometimes the only way I can make what is simplistic to most happen for me. However, that isn't any reason to give up.

Listen, you don't have to have a physical disability to understand where I am coming from. We all have our "stuff". It is how we deal with that stuff that makes us who we are.

Sure it would be easy to sulk, throw in the towel and enjoy ourselves a nice little pity party; but at the end of the day we are no better for it.

I realize putting on a happy face, holding our heads held high and speaking positivity isn't always the easiest when you are crying inside, but I will tell you, just doing these little things can make all the difference in the your situation.

I have found that trusting in my faith, in a higher power, is what has gotten me through more times that I can count. Reminding myself that I am not alone in this fight gives me the strength to carry on another day.

I am truly blessed to have an amazing husband, family, friends, co-workers that I can turn to for advice and support, but it is still my faith that gives me that comfort that one way or another, things will work out. I do have to remind myself that when I say "things will work out" it isn't always in the way I would have liked. However I have found that even if not initially, I come to realize that the outcome of whatever I was going through taught me a lesson and also brought me to a better place.

I say all this to simply say, keep your faith, whatever it may be, close to your heart. Never feel like you are alone in your situation, because believe me, you are not. Remember that YOU WILL make it through and YOU WILL be better for going through whatever it is that you are. So put on that amazingly beautiful smile of yours, hold your head up high and never forget how important you are.

Candy Coated

I want candy. But, since it's nearly summer and bikini season is right around the corner, I'd rather skip the calories and see the candy on my nails instead.

These 12 nail polish colors in cheery pastels are perfect for summer. They also happen to look absolutely delicious don't you think?

1. Nicole by OPI, Justin Bieber One Less Lonely Girl Collection, “Baby” Blue ($7.99, amazon.com)

2. Essie Nail Polish in Nice Is Nice ($8, essie.com)

3. Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Peche Nacree ($25, chanel.com)

4. Butter London Nail Lacquer in Muggins ($14, drugstore.com)

5. Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Gamma ($14, sephora.com)

6. NARS nail polish in Schiap ($15, amazon.com)

7. Forever21 Fresh Mint Nail Polish ($2.80, forever21.com)

8. Pop Beauty Nail Glam Polish in Burnt Orange ($10, urbanoutfitters.com)

9. Orly Sweet Spring 2010 in Snowcone ($5.67, beautydeals.net)

10. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color in Lickety-Split Lime ($4.54, target.com)

11. Paparazzi by Dashing Diva ($8, dashingdiva.com)

12. Revlon Scented Parfume Nail Enamel, Grape Icy ($4.79, drugstore.com)

Ombre Hair

Being practically virgin-haired (I've never changed my hair color), a part of me is secretly envious each time I read a news story about a celebrity changing hair colors like T-shirts. And there is one trend that never seems to get old: ombre.

Hollywood actresses Drew Barrymore's and Rachel Bilson's tousled waves have become synonymous with two-toned locks. And pop stars like Lady Gaga and Ciara continue to flirt with extreme versions. However, there are a few styling basics us everyday girls should keep in mind when going ombre. 

Ask your hairstylist questions before he or she breaks out the hair dye
When you visit the salon, bring in photographs of ombre you like, as there are softer versus more severe, trendy versions. Be sure to mention how you typically style your hair. For example, if you blow-dry daily, ombre will look super shiny. And if your texture is air-dried, ombre looks amazing, too. Brunettes going ombre can oxidize (chemical process in which hair color changes shades when exposed to oxygen and UV rays), so make sure to ask about the right shampoos to use and about how light the ends will be.

The good news: ombre works on all complexions
Women with light skin tones have more room to play with, as you can go for a more copper color. For medium skin tones, I’d recommend a more neutral to ash ombre, giving contrast to your ends and making your eyes pop. Darker skin should choose cooler ombre as well. The point of ombre is to enhance your skin tone, not match it.

Friday Flashback

Hello Lovelies! For a "short week" this one sure has been full of excitement! I am a girl that always believes that anything is possible and I am always up for something to get my hands involved in to help people. I'm sure when you logged in to I Look Good Today, you noticed the above logo in the sidebar. This week I signed on as the PR Manager for the film Sunrise Tonight (You can visit the official website here) that will star non other than my dear friend Steven Gantt (Who is in the running for the role of Christian Grey in the upcoming film Fifty Shades of Grey. Make sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook). Have a great weekend!!!