It’s been awhile since my last post. If you follow me on Instagram @todaytamaraforever you will be in the know. Shortly after Hurricane Ida, my home incurred catastrophic damages from a downed tree; ripping our home in half. It has been an uphill battle ever since early September to get the aid we need from our home insurer with this problem. For the most part, I am grateful for friends/family who have opened their homes up to Mr. Right and I, but I am deeply saddened at this loss. Along side those events, I’ve said my final goodbyes to my sweet Grandmother Rose. She was my Mom’s mother. The anniversary of my Mom’s passing was just yesterday (October 20th); coincidentally my Grandmother gained her angel wings on September 20th. 🙁 There has been a lot of struggle, heartache, pain, anxiety and depression revolving around my life..not to mention my constant battle with PMDD (PreMenstrual Dysphoric Disorder); a phycological and behavioral disorder that is triggered by the menstrual cycle. Life has been one hell of a ride, but today I want to talk about something joyful. I have been taking time to celebrate the small victories and take joy in the little things. So, I am sharing that today.

My sweet friend’s husband recently treated his wife and I to a mani/pedi spa day! I have only been to the nail salon on one occasion. It was 2007 as a Junior in High School preparing for our Senior Ring ceremony. Technically, I can’t even count that experience seeing as how it was a nail salon in Wal-Mart, but I digress. We headed to a newly opened place called Luxury Nail Spa and it lived up to it’s name for sure!

My friend Dominique and I took quite awhile deciding on nail colors (and nail processes) since neither one of us frequented the nail salon or knew what to ask for. Ultimately, I ended up with acrylic nail manicure with dip powder nail color and gel nail pedicure. Dominique chose the same, but skipped the acrylic nail extensions. We first sat in the most wonderful massage chairs while our feet soaked in a warm relaxing bath. The nail techs served wine or water! I’ve honestly been afraid of getting a pedicure done because of the nail filing tools, but everything was painless. It felt good to get a foot massage, treatment and pedicure. Even now (3 weeks later), I am walking around looking at how cute my toes are in sandals.

These are the nails of my dreams! I’d love to try these in a square or oval. I don’t think I’d like the look of stiletto, ballerina, or coffin on me.

The experience from start to finish was fun and relaxing and I can’t wait for my next visit. Since then, I’ve been quite the nail art junkie. I even started a new Pinterest board for fun nail ideas I’d like to have. My doll collector friend, Lauren, in Houston has been learning to do her own acrylic and Gel X nails and her work is absolutely BOMB! I’ve been looking for a salon that will do something similar in my neck of the woods and I finally found the place. After browsing their Instagram, I found plenty of looks I’d like to try for my first set of long, elaborately decorated nails. How will I function in these is another story!

In the meantime I stopped in on a whim to a local nail salon near my workplace. The experience definitely wasn’t on the same level as Luxury Nail Spa, but at least I have a fresh new set and got the chance to try out the rounded oval shape.

Other Fun Stuff!

Aside from my manicure shenanigans, I thought I’d throw in some of the fun things I have had the opportunity to do. If my current situation has taught me anything, it’s to say “Yes” to more engaging activities, instead of secluding myself or choosing to sleep-in. 🙂 I’ve avoided movie theaters since the influx of COVID-19 activity in our area, but I really do miss the movie date nights Mr. Right and I used to have.

I had a craving for sushi and ramen, so Dom and I tried out a local spot, the Umami Japanese Bistro. This chef special “LSU Roll” was so good! I am pretty sure it bastardizes traditional sushi, but what can I say I am from the southern states.

The Yard Milkshake Bar was definitely a dessert experience to remember. I’ve never had any sundae or milkshake done up like this! You can’t tell, but there is a huge gooey, chocolate-y yummy brownie on top this huge sundae!