Jamaica Me Crazy

Have you ever went shopping and found yourself scanning the same pieces of merchandise that you have seen time and time again, only to take a second glance and notice something new?

That was the case when I stumbled upon Essie’s “Jamaica Me Crazy” nail polish. I am a sucker for purple hues, and this lovely bottle of polish is jammed packed with purple/magenta goodness.

What I love about “Jamaica Me Crazy” is that it also features shimmering glitter accents and is rich & true to color.

“Jamaica Me Crazy” is my new go-to summer color. What colors have you been sporting on your nails this season?

What Suits You?

With the weather nice and steamy this summer, we are all dreaming about those happy days when we can stay off work and spend a few hours lying on the beach or by the pool and thinking about nothing. But before that happens we should think about what to fill our wardrobes with to make the vacation season totally unforgettable. Here are some of my favorite swimwear trends everyone is sticking to this summer:

Swimwear Trend #1: Prints
All kinds of prints will look amazing on swimsuits. But florals, wild and tribal prints as well as geometrical ones are hotter than ever. Python, leopard, stripes, zigzags and kaleidoscopic prints can be great options.

Swimwear Trend #2: Sequins
If you love sparkling clothes you might as much get attracted to shining swimwear pieces which are a hit on the beach this season. Sequins is everywhere, in all colors, complemented with beading, crystals and embroidery.

Swimwear Trend #3: Monotone
Monotone bikinis will always be among favorites with women. During the Summer 2012 season pastel tones, orange and white hues are dominating. Look for pieces with interesting details to avoid looking boring on the beach.

Swimwear Trend #4: Retro
Retro is again in fashion (WHICH I LOVE!!!). While men don’t really find high-wasted bottoms and full-coverage tops very appealing you can wear a retro-inspired bikini or a one-piece suit and feel comfortable in any situation.

Swimwear Trend #5: Ruffles
Ruffles have been everywhere on the runway which explains why there are so many of them in swimsuit fashion. They aren’t bad and look sweet. But stay away from them if you want to look slimmer, especially in the hip area.

The Best Things in Life . . .Aren't Things

In a world where people seem to think the more things, the more stuff, the more money they possess; the more likely it will be that they will find happiness and contentment - I'm here to say, those people need to WAKE UP and realize what is most important in this life.

I'm not going to sit here and lie to you, my sweet readers, and say that those things don't bring me joy; I love going shopping and filling my wardrobe with wonderfully fashionable new items or my house with beautiful new accents. HOWEVER, I do make a conscious effort to not put so much focus on the material things in my life, and rather set my attention on the many blessings that fill my world each and every day.

I mentioned yesterday that I recently went to Pennsylvania to celebrate my grandmother's 90th birthday. . . NINETIETH! When I stop to think about all my grandmother has lived through, experienced and seen - the first traffic signals, the Great Depression, World War II, FDR's fireside chats, the Civil Rights movement, the advent of television, the first man on the moon, Elvis, The Beatles, the Kennedy assassination, the microwave, mobile phones, the Internet - she would be the first to tell you that the most important things in life, were in fact not THINGS, but rather, family, friends and the experiences she lived through.

Do you ever stop to think of what makes certain events in your life special? OK fine, you got a new car for your 16th birthday. Yes, I'll agree that is pretty memorable. But aside from that, isn't it safe to say that what makes moments in your life so unforgettable are the PEOPLE you share them with?

We sadly live in a world that is consumed with the ME, MYSELF and I mentality. What is going to benefit ME? What is going to land ME a better job? What is going to help ME live in the house I want or drive the car I so desire? 

Don't misunderstand my sentiments. Yes, you go out and GET YOURS! Be the best YOU that you can be! BUT, while you are working on attaining your goals and dreams, don't forget to make it a point to help those around you. Lend a listening ear to a friend. Volunteer your time to help a stranger in need. Give one more hug to your loved ones and never miss the opportunity to tell them how much you love them!

Where Have I Been?

Good Morning Gorgeous. It is so good to see you again!!! I bet you have wondered where I have been this last week and a half? I promise I was not abandoning you.

My grandmother turned 90 last week and of course I was not going to miss partaking in this celebration for anything in the world. So in my absence you would have found me been back in my hometown of Ellwood City, PA.

It was a wonderful trip! I hadn't been home for three years and I'll tell you, it really did my heart some good to be around my family, to visit old haunts that hold special meaning and memories for me and to simply decompress from everyday life.

I hope you are all doing well, enjoying your summer and will share with me what you have been doing while I've been away.

Until tomorrow, here is a little picture preview of some of the highlights of my trip for you :)

{We decided to take the train to PA instead of flying. . .I've never been on a train before. We did it up right and had our own first class sleeper car.}

{On the way from FL to PA we had an 8hr layover in DC where we had the opportunity to visit with my cousin. Hubby and I were excited to see some of the historic sights of the city . . .the Washington Monument.}

{The Capitol in the distance.}

{Dorothy's ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz in the Smithsonian.}

{My amazing cousin and I in front of the White House. . .sunglasses were mistakenly left at home, so not the best picture of me as I squint to keep my eyes open for the picture.}

{Closer view of the White House.}

{Hubby on the steps of the First Division Memorial.}

{Here is what the top of it looks like.}

 

{My beautiful grandmother and I before leaving for her big 90th bday party. I hope I look as good as she does at 90!}

{Gram with her grandchildren and great grandchildren at her party.}

{Love spending time with my favorite aunt. Later in the week she and I had a fabulous girls lunch just the two of  us.}

{Spending time at Moraine State Park. I may live in the city, but I am still a country girl at heart! It was so peaceful looking at such beautiful scenery!}

Building A Better America

I have always believed that one of our main purposes in life should be to help others in need; to make a difference in people's lives. One of my favorite quotes because it speaks so strongly to this belief is,


"In the end it doesn't matter what a great car you had, how much money you had in your bank account or how big your house was. What really counts is the difference you made in the world, the people you helped - that is how you'll be remembered."

So where am I going with all this?

The Great Recession is over. At least that’s what everyone keeps telling me, but I'm not quite feeling that this is the truth. Let’s face it, unemployment is running RAMPANT through the U.S. There’s one thing I don’t remember from all those economics classes long ago. If consumer spending accounts for the bulk of all spending and consumers are unemployed or scared to spend, how exactly is the economy pulling out of the recession? Anybody care to explain that to me? Uncle Milty… Papa Kruggy… Zeidy Bernanke… anyone?


Let's do some math here. The numerical values are staggering! The U.S. population is approximately 313,244,975. The current reported unemployment rate is 8.3% – so let's make it easy on ourselves and call it an even 10% – that means that in OUR nation alone 31,324,497 people are struggling EVERY DAY to survive. Read the number again, let it soak in. Ya, it left me a bit speechless too!


A few months back I introduced you to my close friend, Steven Gantt (If you missed that post you can read it here.). There are many attributes about Steven that I simply adore, however the thing that always resonates so emphatically with me is his giving spirit. . .his desire to help those in need. 

It is because of his giving nature that Building A Better America (BABA for short), a 501c is being born!

So what is BABA? Who better to tell you than Steven himself?

Well in short, it’s a housing project – wait, wait don’t close the page yet. It’s built by and for all of the unemployed. Whether you’re a welder, glass maker, tile layer, housewife (they have to be decorated right?) everyone can contribute to this project. The best parts are: they are relatively cheap to build, give the unemployed work and a safe place to live while they get back on their feet. It’s so simple, storage container housing. Wait, what?

Here, I’ll show you but before I do let's do the math. They are cheap to procure, usually under $2,000 per 40ftx10ft container. They are fire proof, termite proof and very easy to transport and set up. (You can see an example on YouTube here.)

Aside from using these as a housing development, we will use the prefab, bare bones version single units to aid disaster stricken areas.

On the sidebar of I Look Good Today you will see a donate button has been added. I'm partnering with Steven and BABA to help make a difference. YOU can easily make an impact in people's lives today by making a donation to BABA by clicking on that donate button. The first thing to do if you want make a difference in the world is to look to what's going on right there where you stand - helping people begins with your neighbors.

For more information visit Building A Better America here.

Arm Candy

Summer’s hottest trend - bracelet layering! Oh how I wish I didn't have the wrists of a five-year-old!!!

Need a little help putting together your arm candy?

Stick with one metal. Whether it’s gold or silver, stick to one color!

Add color. The most important part of an arm party is color! This really gives you a chance to keep your wrist looking unique. Go bold with neon, or stay neural with more earthy tones. The main goal of an arm party is to pile on the bracelets!

Shop the bracelets: 1. colored bead friendship bracelet  /  2. color stone friendship bracelet   /  3. mixed metal bangle set  /  4. two tone bracelet  /  5. 4 colored bangles  /  6. glitter and thread bangle set

Friday Flashback

{The most precious saying on this heart shaped box, perfect for keeping small jewelry.}

Happy Friday Gorgeous! What an amazing week this has been with the Fourth of July festivities going on. Our weather was a bit crazy on Wed, but thankfully it cleared up in time to be able to enjoy a gorgeous firework show! I also got to spend time with a new girlfriend who I just absolutely adore and this weekend I'm taking one of my favorite munchins to the zoo. I can't wait to see her little six-yr-old face light up when she sees all the animals. She's been excited over our outting for weeks (I won't lie, I've been excited too!). I also have a few other opportunities that have come my way that I will be sharing with you soon. In the meantime, here are some things making me particularly happy this week.

{A fabulous fireworks show!!!}

{The french fries at Five Guys}

{I Look Good Today. . .well me, being named a judge for the national Project Style fashion competition!!!}