She Who Leaves a Trail of Glitter is Never Forgotten!

Hello Lovely!!

I started this blog in 2011 to tell my adventures of being a fabulous, outgoing girl who has gone through life sitting down and who wants to share the things that I love with other people! I want people to see that my wheelchair does not define me and if you get to know me, you will see that my life is filled with hilarious stories of overcoming challenges, endless exploration for my next favorite outfit, tasty treats and so much more. . .but most of all, I'm just me. I have the most wonderful boyfriend in the world, I love my family, fashion, makeup, music, movies and just living life to the fullest.

I have met so many wonderful people through my blog and have been able to experience so many wonderful opportunities had it not been for I Look Good Today!

Recently I was contacted by my absolute FAVORITE nail polish company, Julep, to give them a description of what my "signature" nail polish would be and what I would name it.

If you don't know about Julep, you are missing out!!! Julep Maven is a monthly nail polish and beauty subscription box. They make all their own products, so subscribers get a good value each month – over $40 retail worth of product for $24.99 a month.

Each month Julep releases a new collection on the 20th, and you can decide which box you want, you can upgrade to the entire collection, or you can skip that month. (They recently changed their skip policy – If you’re a new subscriber, you earn a skip every 6 months).

If you’re new to Julep polish, it’s vegan and 5-free. I personally LOVE the formula! It lasts far longer than any other brand of nail polish I have ever worn (And that is a lot!), it has this wonderful shine and it just goes on to perfection!

You can check out the colors they currently have available at http://www.julep.com/shop/nail-polish.html.

So to say the least, being asked to describe my ideal color and being able to name my color, I was absolutely flattered and excited!

All of Julep's nail polishes are named after women. Although I think having a nail polish named Jamie would be amazing, the more I thought about it, the more I wanted my nail polish (If I am lucky enough to be chosen for this opportunity.) to be called Jasmina (Pronounced Haus-me-na).

When I was in high school taking a Spanish class, our teacher gave each student a Spanish name that they would be called while in the class; mine was Jasmina. I remember going home and telling it to my family, and it just stuck.

So, what would my signature color look like you ask? Well, if you have visited I Look Good Today for any length of time you would know that my favorite color is. . .purple. I have purple nail polishes, but I have never found an iridescent purple with silver micro glitter in it.

My boyfriend's nickname for me is Twinkle, and the thought of an iridescent purple nail polish with silver micro glitter on my fingers, to me, embodies me perfectly - I love purple and I try to "twinkle" with happiness each and every day .

In order for me to have the opportunity to get my own nail polish color, I need your help! Visit http://www.julep.com/nyfw-sweepstakes?ref=138q to win a shopping spree in NY! Hello! Shopping spree in NY? Yes please! The more people who sign up with the above link are more chances for me to win my very own custom nail color.

I challenge you to look in the mirror each day and say to yourself, “I look good today.” This small statement for me became the reminder that it didn’t matter if I was sitting in a wheelchair while all of my family and friends were walking. I am comfortable with ME, and I truly believe that when we tell ourselves that we do have something special inside of us, that small reminder each day helps you to hold your head a little higher and believe that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.

I promise you, people will take notice when you leave your trail of glitter wherever you go. . .perhaps on your fingertips with my Jasmina nail color from Julep!

 

 

 

 

Friday Flashback

Good Morning Sunshine.

This week has been full of wonderful little moments that made me smile. Probably the best moments were spent with two of my favorite patients at our hospital. They were here for a clinic appointment and we had made plans for a lunch date. When I came into the lobby to get them, they saw me, screamed  my name and ran to me with open arms to give me a big hug. They kept telling me how much they missed me and loved me and the of course wanted to share all the glorious things going on in their little girl worlds. Hearing their giggles and seeing their smiles gives my heart such happiness. I may not be able to have children of my own, but the patients I become so close to are like my children and I just love them to pieces!

So how was your week? What made you particularly happy?

 

{Hot air balloons floating right outside my apartment. My boyfriend was coming over early one morning and called me to come outside quick. I'm so glad he did or I would have missed this awesome site. I would give anything to go up in one. One day I definitely will!}

 

{I am absolutely addicted to the TV show Resurrection. With only one episode left I am completely on the edge of my seat wondering how these people are coming back. Have you seen this show? If not, I would highly recommend it!}

{A blue Sapphire necklace to accentuate my blue bow sweater.}

{The little sweethearts that bring such joy into my life with their little girl smiles, hugs and giggles. It was a hug fest with them for sure. . .and I loved every second of it!}



When Thinking About Life Remember This

Hello Sweetie. I found this quote today and it really resonated with me.

All of us have to go through our own challenges in this world. We all have to deal with the cards life has dealt us, whether we want to or not, right?

Depending on the situation you are going through, it can be very taxing on not only your emotional health, but your physical health as well.

I can tell you that my divorce was THE HARDEST emotional issue I have gone through in my entire life. This was harder for me than any surgery I have had. . .one of which nearly took my life.

I WAS A MESS!

The strong girl that everyone has looked up to in the past was gone. I couldn't find "Happy Jamie" no matter how hard I tried to find her.

It is amazing what time can do though. Life could rebuild itself and I could build a new future.

I had regret of a failed marriage. I thought I had everything with my hubby. There was guilt that I couldn't make it work. That I couldn't "fix" our marriage (Yes, I'm a fixer of problems.).

I had regret of not trying to seek help for he and I a lot sooner.

Most of all I had regret of not being true to myself and allowing myself to lose who Jamie really was.

What I have learned is that we all must keep our faith, no matter what that means for you.

We must do what is best for ourselves. I'm not giving you an excuse to be selfish and hurt others for your gain, but I'm saying you need to make good decisions that will bring positive outcomes in your life.

Finally I learned that we are so much stronger than we ever give ourselves credit for, and we must NEVER give up.

I was completely broken.

I had my physical form, but I couldn't find ME inside.

I thankfully had a great support system that held me up when I couldn't hold myself up.

One day you find that the clouds do part, the sun starts shining again and your life gets back on track.

Would I change this experience? YES.

Would I have rather not had to go through it? ABSOLUTELY!

Am I proud of the person I have become because of it? YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!

Whatever your challenge is, know that you are not alone. No matter how lonely you feel, people DO understand what you are going through.

Remember that things WILL get better, no matter how clouded that future has become in your mind.

Most importantly never look back with regret. Your amazing future is waiting!

Pretty in Pink

Hello Lovely. Today I was feeling particularly Springy with so many flowers in bloom, the birds singing and the weather just absolutely perfect for outdoor activity. It makes me feel like love is truly in the air. . .that could also be because I have the most amazing boyfriend a girl could ask for!

I was very excited this morning to pull out my Everlasting Love Lace Dress from Forever 21. I originally bought this for a romantic Valentine's Day dinner with my boyfriend, and just like I have fallen in love with him, I am head over heals for this dress.

I do not like anything too low cut in the front, so for me personally, this rounded neckline is perfect. What you can't see in the picture is that this dress also has a keyhole button closure and cutout in back to give it just a little something extra.

I will never forget the reaction I got when my boyfriend first saw me in this dress. I was coming out of my bedroom and he was waiting in the living room for me to head to our Valentine's Day dinner. When he saw me he paused for a second, got a huge smile on his face and let out this amazing, "WOW!" I was hoping he would like it, and was thrilled to receive such a response from him!

We all need that one dress that makes us feel great. It fits right in all the wrong places, it accentuates our femininity and it gives us that confidence booster that yes "I Look Good Today!"

This is MY I Look Good Today dress. What does yours look like? If you can, post a picture in the comments or tell me all about it below!

Friday Flashback

Happy Friday Beautiful!

This week I returned from a week long vacation to visit family in PA (My home state) for my cousin Kyle's wedding. It was a beautiful day and one that brought so many family members together that I hadn't seen in over 20 years! I always love seeing what everyone is wearing and the decorations at receptions. I absolutely LOVED the centerpieces at their wedding. So elegant, yet very simple.

While I was up in PA, the weather took a drastic change. When I arrived it was gorgeous. . .mid 70s, no humidity; definitely a nice change from the balmy weather this Florida girl is used to. This weather is what I was expecting for mid April and that is how I packed. To my surprise, the weather on Tues of last week dropped to in the 30s and snow. . .SNOW! Yes I have seen snow many times, but is has been nine years since I had seen it. I know for my northern readers you probably think I am crazy being so excited to see snow after you have endured a very brutally cold winter, but I was like a little kid seeing it for the first time.

Fast forwarding to this week, it was full force getting back into the swing of work and of course celebrating my birthday! I cannot express the gratitude I have to everyone for their birthday well wishes. I thought I'd share a few highlights of my special day with you. . .



{A special bday photo sent to me from two of the sweetest girls I know.}

 

{A birthday dinner with my bff. We started with a cheese board: goat cheese, fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola and buffalo}



{To finish off this AMAZING meal was a special brithday cannoli from Ciao Italian Bistro.}

This morning my boyfriend surprised me with many gifts that were meant to bring back memories we have shared together. I loved everything, however I am still in AWE of this this gorgeous hand blown glass bowl!

I would love to hear about your week. What you have been up to? Did anything inparticular make you smile?

A New Year, A New Me

Hello Gorgeous! Remember me?

I know it has been a very long time since my last blog post - last July to be exact. However today, on my 36th birthday, I wanted to hopefully get back in to the blog that brought so many amazing people into my life.

Since we last talked, my life has been a whirlwind of change! As you know I had been married and I shared wiith you many stories of our life together. Well, part of my absence here is due to the fact I was dealing with my divorce. I have to tell you this took me through the darkest time emotionally I have EVER faced in my entire life. I'm sure a lot of you might think that is interesting knowing I live life from a wheelchair and things might not always be "easy" for me. However, no challenge I have ever faced with my disability compared to the heartache I felt making the decision to leave my husband - a man I had been with for 12 years.

As time has moved on, the clowds have parted, the sun has shined through and I swear I am stronger, happier and more couragous now than I have ever been in my entire life. I look back in amazement of how strong the human spirit truly is!

I am of course LOVING my job and the little lives I get to be a part of each and every day. I mean, how could you NOT love these little cuties?

My social life is amazing. I have a wonderful group of friends and the most amazing boyfriend a girl could ask for. I'm excited to tell you all more about him later.

So being that it is my birthday, I have one wish. I hope you will join me once again here at I Look Good Today so we can continue to touch people's lives and bring some sunshine to each other's day!