Friday Flashback

{The amazing key lime tart for dessert at Mellow Mushroom. It was sinfully good!!!}

Happy Friday Friends! We made it! For some reason this week seemed to last FOREVER!!! Perhaps because last week I only worked three days. Love those short weeks. This week was all about getting "things" taken care of. Since our vehicle break in back in July we have been getting our life back together. Unfortunately that meant the hassle of changing banks (We were very unhappy with how our bank handled things, so instead of simply changing account info, we decided to leave them completely.) and changing insurance companies (You'd think after the thousands of dollars we have given our insurance company for over 10 years they wouldn't complain when our claim was just over $500. . .guess we were wrong.). I am so thankful that the van is completely fixed, our personal info once again secure, many items replaced and our wits are again in tact. So here is to enjoying having order to life once again, and even more importantly, peace of mind! I'm looking forward to my massage this weekend! What's on the docket for you this weekend? Anything fun planned?



{This is our new insurance company. I know you might think it is strange that I would be so moved as to put them as one of my favorite things of this past week. Well here is why. When we were getting quotes from different insurance companies they were the ONLY one that would cover the adaptive equipment in my vehicle (my ramp/wheelchair lock down system). . .the only one! I have been told for years by my old insurance company that any adaptive equipment would be up to me to replace/repair if something happened; they only were responsible for the original vehicle items. So thank you Amica, for understanding how important it is for me to have an adapted van that safely transports me to where I need to go.}



{Sookie and Eric FINALLY getting together on True Blood!!! I have always liked Eric (Plus he is HOT!!!), even the more crass Eric. I know the recent coupling is due to his showing a softer demeanor after losing his memory, but I just love them together and hope they are together for a while!}

{I am a HUGE football fan. I think I rival some men with my love of football, particularly the Steelers with the Bucs a close second. I found out this week that my wonderful hubby has purchased us tickets to not one, but two Bucs games this coming season. I was very excited to hear that, and was even more excited to hear that one of those games is a Monday night game and the other a throwback game!}

New Uses for Everyday Things: Nail Polish

If you haven't picked up on it by now, I love nail polish. Adding a touch of color to your nails can make you feel elegant, spunky, edgy, sophisticated. . .

Up until recently, I thought nail polish was created simply to make your fingers look good. I was wrong. I never knew just how many uses there were for nail polish!

Check out these new uses for your clear nail polish:

1) Secure a screw: Tighten loose screws on cabinets or pot handles by brushing some clear nail polish on screw threads. Insert the screw and let dry before using again. (Bonus - polish also keeps them from rusting.)

2) Stop tarnish: Keep costume jewelry from turning black with a coat of clear polish.

3) Seal an envelope: Worried about whether the glue will hold? Brush polish on the underside of the flap.

4) Mend a screen: Stop a small hole (no bigger than 1/3 inch in diameter) from getting any bigger by brushing a little clear nail polish over the spot.

5) Smooth a hanger: If there are rough edges on wooden or plastic hangers that could snag clothes, don't through the hangers out. Just brush polish over nails.

Will you put these tips to the test? Do you have any other uses for clear nail polish that are not listed here?

What I'm Wearing Wednesday

{Striped cardigan from Forever 21, red tank from my closet. . .it's been too long since I bought this to remember, black pants from Fashion Bug, Esprit shoes, gold sun/moon necklace and earrings gifted}

I think sometimes I have ESP when it comes to my wardrobe selections. I have been wanting to wear a new cardigan that I bought after seeing it on a waitress at the Mellow Mushroom. I fell in love with it from across the room and after a little online hunting found it was from Forever 21. With our weather in the high 90s each day it is often too warm to wear anything long sleeve, and we are not allowed to wear sleeveless at my job, so to say, just take off the cardi during the day, doesn't work. Well yesterday I decided I was going to wear it (I am very anxious to wear new clothes like the second after I buy them. . . I think there is something wrong with me.). From the moment I stepped out the door to leave for work until well into the evening it rained, it poured, it was the kind of sideways, hit you in the face rain that you just can't avoid no matter how hard you try and hide under your umbrella. And the temp was in the mid 80s with a breeze all day. With complete cloud cover, the breeze actually felt a little chilly, so needless to say, my new little cardi was a perfect solution to the crazy weather. I also love the sort of navy vibe I got from this top. I felt like a retro sailor.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on my outfit choice. I was thrilled with it; especially when my hubby commented how cute I looked in it too.

{All day long I kept thinking. . .wow I really look good today! I love when you just feel like you're rockin' your outfit!}

{I love suns and moons. I actually used to collect everything celestial when I was in high school and college. I haven't worn this necklace since college, so it was very fun putting it back on to accessorize my outfit.}

{Baby it's a little cold outside. Well not really, but there was a nice cool breeze due to the torrential downpour we endured yesterday. I seriously was thinking my chair might need to turn into a watercraft.}

Girl Crush: Katie Holmes

 

 

I absolutely adore Katie Holmes style! She is so classic and timeless with a teeny bit of edge. Ever since she played the girl next door on Dawson's Creek I have been in love with her. I even have a knit hat that she wore on the show that I bought off of Ebay. And if that isn't enough, I remember searching for a particular lipstick shade that she wears that I am very fond of (Turned out to be MAC's Twig) . Obsessed much? I know, I know. But can you blame me? The woman is beautiful! Also, can we just talk for a minute about Suri Cruise’s style… I would like to borrow a few things from her closet as well!

Berrylicious Nails

One of my favorite parts of summer is the fresh fruit that you can find in abundance. Some of my favorite fruits are among the berry variety. Strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries. . .I love them all.

I won't lie, my favorite season is the fall, and I am SOOOO EXCITED that it is right around the corner! I am however going to miss the ease of finding these sweet treats.

When I stumbled upon the idea for strawberry nails I just had to try it. It is a super fun and easy way to sweeten up your finger tips. . .and keep that summer time feeling around just a little longer.

Here's how to create this adorable look.

1.) Apply a pink or red nail polish to your nails. You may need 2 coats depending on your nail polish. Let dry.

2.) Now it's time to apply the strawberry leaves. Dip a thin nail brush into the green nail polish to draw the jagged edge at the base of your nail.

3.) Once the leaves are dry it's time to draw the strawberry seeds. With a clean Q-tip or thin nail brush, dip into a yellow, black, or white nail polish and apply tiny dots on the red part of your nail (the strawberry).

4.) Once your strawberries are completely dry apply a top coat. This will make your strawberry nails look super shiny and delicious.

So what do you think of this polish trend ladies? Will you try it?

Friday Flashback

{Hubby and I stumbled upon this gem of a Japanese restaurant and sushi bar.}

Every once in a while we all need a break from the daily grind. Having not taken any vacation time this year, I was in serious need of a little R&R. I didn't need to do anything extravagant; I just needed a break. I spent Monday and Tuesday shopping, eating at cozy restaurants, strolling through a gorgeous park and catching up on two of my favorite shows; Dexter and True Blood. I returned to work on Wednesday ready to take on the PR world.

{A rustic bridge in Alderman Ford Park.}

{While we were painting the back of our house, a crane family strolled through our back yard.}

 

{I've always loved Alice in Wonderland. When I saw this adorable bottle from Modcloth with mini chocolate chip cookies with a label that says "Eat Me" I knew it had to be mine. After trying to have self control to not buy another accessory. . .at least while we are doing our home improvement projects, I lost. This little treasure was waiting for me at work when I returned from my stay-cation on Wed.}

First Impressions

If you have been following I Look Good Today for any length of time, you know that I am physically disabled and use a wheelchair to navigate through my amazing life. If you are new to I Look Good Today. . .SURPRISE!

I have never walked a day in my life. OK, well that is a bit of a lie. . .I can walk in water (Sweet!), so I have actually experienced (Sorta) what it is like to walk each time I am in the pool. The fact that I use a wheelchair to get around and need special adaptions for a few essentials like showering, getting into my van, etc; I don't dwell. It is what it is; it's me.

I have thankfully never been treated differently because of not being able to walk. I'm accepted, disability and all. I say that however with an asterisk attached.

Although I am accepted and rather adored by my family, friends, coworkers and peers (Thank you very much!), I have often felt, more so in the working world, that I have to prove myself capable of my career position.

When people meet me initially over the phone or contact me through email, I don't default to saying, "Oh, and by the way, I can't walk." That's irrelevant to my capabilities on the job. Would you think to say something about yourself that is irrelevant to your job? I wear glasses for distance too, as so many do; you wouldn't think to say that right? So why would I bring up that I don't walk unless a special accommodation needed to be made?

I always love it when I have had that over the phone/email introduction and finally get to meet the person face-to-face. They will be waiting at the front desk, looking for me to walk up and then it happens,

"Hi ____. I'm Jamie. It's so nice to finally meet you. . ."

For the first few seconds there is the look of slight shock on their face that they try to keep from being too obvious. If I were a mind reader I think I would see something like, "Wow, wasn't expecting she'd be in a wheelchair. . ." floating around in their head.

Let's face it, people make assumptions about those with disabilities. Living life and thriving with a physical disability, I've definitely caught people off guard more than a few times. I have to admit that I almost get excited when I do see the initial "shock" on their face melt away because I have overcome a potential barrier with them.

I will say this, I will never let myself miss out on an experience because of someone else's pre-conceived notion of a person in a wheelchair. I hope I become that example to those around me that anything is possible with determination, faith, hard work and an open mind.

To be perfectly honest, when I was in high school, I was VERY uncomfortable being around others in wheelchairs. I didn't want to be labeled one of "those people." I didn't want the misconceptions I had heard so many times about people in wheelchairs (There must be a mental disability, they are needy, etc) to be labeled on me. So I stayed away from "wheelchair people" at all costs.

I know, shame on me! One of my very best friends in high school used a wheelchair part time, and we both were stubborn for the same reason. . .didn't want to be labeled.

The lesson here is that I needed to look deep in my own heart. I was only hurting myself for not being more open minded. I could have missed out on an amazing friendship from my own stubborn ways. Looking at the big picture, I was doing what I work so hard each day to not let happen to me.

What I think it boils down to is a person's comfort level. If you can make someone comfortable with your differences, no matter how big or small, you are very likely to let someone into your life that you find you just can't live without.

On another note, I was surfing the web for some graphics and saw this lovely award. It instantly made me think of my friend Bonnie over at Glam Kitten's Litter Box. Her blog is fabulous and funny and inspirational and sassy and one of my absolute favorite daily reads. I love her and I know you will too! So make sure to check her out here!