I hope you are having a wonderful day. Today’s weather forecast in Missouri was for freezing rain turning in to snow. It rained last night, but no freezing rain today. We had a flurries of snow but no accumulation. I would have been bummed about not getting snow, but last week about eleven inches of snow came down and it was perfect for building a snowman. The temps were around 40 and below most of the week and I still see some remnants of snow around the house.
While the snow was falling I was looking over my 2018 blog entries and I realized that I really did not write many posts about style and fashion. I asked myself why? Writing about style, my style is a facet of the blog, not the main focus. The blog is not only about what I wore or where you can buy it. I started the blog in 2009 because I had a passion for fashion and later blossomed into a life and style blog.
In a society where beauty and glamour are focused on youth, people who are in their 30s to over forties population can be pushed aside if we let it happen. I got caught in a funk and started thinking, I shouldn’t be on social media doing style posts the younger girls are better and would have more of a following anyway. I started looking at my weight and just not really liking to take pictures anymore. I didn’t think the person in the mirror could do the style thing anymore with all the beautiful people in the world. I just wanted to just show the clothes, but I didn’t need to be in them to talk about them. I realized that no matter what age, size, ethnicity, or whatever; you have to love yourself. I had a friend showing me pictures of when she and her husband went to a wedding and as soon as a picture came up of her in it, she would cut herself up talking about her body flaws. She praised the bride and how she looked but rubbed her own self in the mud. This has got to stop and I know that we all have to be comfortable with the person God has made us to be. This year I am going to post more style pictures because I have something to share and I really enjoy helping society put forth their best self-image. And that starts from within.
JT in Marc Bouwer Tunic Top with Vinny
Being Good Enough! When I don’t think I am good enough, I know that God knows I am because I am His child and He loves me. When I start thinking “not good enough” I know I need to get deeper in my relationship and walk with God. If you think you’re not good enough please listen to this song and let it be an encouragement to you.
Staying organized is essential for a peaceful life. Have you ever noticed when you misplaced something within your home, you can become a little uneasy until you find again? I find that the more organized that I am, the more joy I will have. Giving someone an extra $75 to get help them get organized is a great way to start off the new year.
I’m joining Katherine for her “Organize It Giveaway”. It’s her first “official” giveaway of the new year. This giveaway is the perfect way to get your year off to a great start. One winner will receive a copy of the book created by Real Simple, “Organizing for the New Year”, provided by Katherine, and a $75 eGift Card for the Container Store provided by Katherine and ALL her hostesses.
Please remember to follow Katherine, and all her hostesses so you can earn all your entry opportunities.
Disclaimer from Katherines Corner-Some of Katherines giveaways have sponsors and/or reviews included. Katherines Corner may receive compensation for reviews and advertising provided through a sponsored giveaway. However, no compensation will influence the outcome of any review or giveaway win. Katherines Corner provides reviews to readers in order to provide an informed decision before purchase. Katherines Corner and its affiliate BobsKatie Enterprises reserves the right to not publish a review of a product or products that do not meet the specified instructions provided to product submission companies or individuals. Reviews are posted in the appropriate section at Katherines Corner and may also be posted on Amazon.com (subject to products availability). This disclaimer is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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This is day 6 of the fast that my hubby and I joined with our Church. We declare that 2019 will be the best year ever for a breakthrough in our lives and everyone who is reading these words at this moment. If you haven’t already, go to cotr.org/21days and download the journal and if you would like for us to be in agreement with you, please share.
The fast is not a weight loss program. The number one purpose is to strengthen our personal relationship with God. And one tool to incorporate is reading the bible and finding a plan for you. Our Pastor asked if we could go through the Chronological Bible with him this year like we did last year.
Oh, that men would praise (and confess to) the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men!
For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with good. Psalm 107:8,9 Amplified
My hubby and I went through the Chronological Bible plan on the Youversion app, but this year we are going to go through the Christian Standard Day by Day Chronological Bible with Daily Readings guided by Dr. George Guthrie.
What’s cool?
“In this plan, the books, chapters, and verses of the Bible are thoughtfully arranged so readers can track the story of Scripture, day-by-day, from beginning to end, understanding the flow of events and how the grand narrative of Scripture applies to everyday life. Unlike other chronological Bibles, this arrangement is not date specific (e.g. “January 1″), so the reading plan can begin at any point in the calendar year.”
“Features Include: 52 weeks of readings (six readings per week) in chronological order, Scripture presented in three main acts (God’s Plan for All People; God’s Covenant People; God’s New Covenant People) and seventeen total scenes, an introduction for each act and scene to orient the reader to its importance in the grand story, single-column text with plenty of space for taking notes, concordance, smyth-sewn binding, presentation page, and full-color maps.”
I am the type of person that I like the electronic versions of books. However, I also like picking up a physical book and going through the pages.
CSB Day by Day Chronological Bible Brown Leathertouch
And, I have to read through chapters more than once. One time isn’t enough for me because it may take me reading a scripture or a chapter several times to truly get what the words are saying to me in my life. Fasting is a time to reflect, listen, gain wisdom, and hear from God.
In collaboration with LEV3L Digital and LifeWay, BubblingWithElgeanceAndGrace.com is offering a wonderful giveaway. One blessed subscriber will receive their own copy of the Day by Day Chronological Christian Standard Bible, which has a retail value of $39.99.
How To Enter The Giveaway 1. Please leave a comment below on how you would use the Bible as a study tool.
2. If you haven’t subscribed, please subscribe to the blog by clicking HERE!
The giveaway begins now and will close at 11:59 pm on Friday, January 25th. The winner will be announced on January 26th. The winner will be selected at random, based on the order of when the comment was received.
In the world of smartphone technology, companies released new models of their phone almost every year. In the early days, consumers would rush out to get the latest and greatest technology. However, In the last couple of years, I have noticed that many people are not buying every new smartphone that comes out. But instead, they are waiting up to three years or more before making that new purchase. I believe that there are a couple of keys reasons. 1) The price of the latest smartphones increased significantly. It is easy to pay up to, or over a $1,000 for the one phone. People now see their smartphone as an investment item and are not willing to keep paying that about of money every couple of years. 2) With the new model that is released, people realize that the upgrades were not significant enough to make a change.
If you are like me, you have been waiting for those significant upgrades, or if your current smartphone is wearing out and in need of being replaced. In my own smartphone world, my wife and I have our phones for almost four years. We are still using the 6, if you know what I mean. So when Verizon Wireless asked if we would be interested in trying the Google 3XL, we were excited to see what the latest upgrades had to offer. Needless to say, after our demo period, I was sold on what Google had brought to the table for the following reasons.
Google Pixel 3XL
The XL Factor
Since trying the XL, the larger model, I am convinced that larger is better and there is no need to go back to a smaller phone. The screen size makes it easy to find what you are looking with more apps on the screen at one time. A larger view screen makes taking photos much easier because you have a better idea of what you are capturing. The phone measures 3.02 inches x 6.22 inches. Although it is larger in size, it is not weighty and is comfortable in the hand or in the back pocket.
The Camera Factor Let’s be honest. If you are like me, of all the things that I use the smartphone for, making a telephone call is probably low on the list. One of the most common tasks is using the camera. People are not carrying their point-and-shoot or DSLR cameras with them everywhere they go. But a smartphone is at the ready, whether it is in a handbag or in the back pocket. The smartphone has become the go-to camera to capture the important moments in our life, whether it be a selfie while on vacation or a video of your little’s soccer match.
In the four years since I bought my own smartphone, the camera features have drastically improved, as seen in the photo collage below. The photo on the left was captured by the Google 3XL and the one on the left is my four-year-old smartphone. The difference is remarkable. The colors in the Pixel 3XL are crisper and there is not the glare or fuzziness found in older smartphones.
Google Pixel 3XL (Left) / a 4-year-old smartphone (right)
The Google Pixel 3XL features a 12.2MP camera and includes not found on older smartphones. These new features make taking those photos easier and the end result is in a photo that is as good as a higher-end camera. The selfie mode includes zoom and wide-angle features and there is a night-effect option for photos and videos. We used the Pixel 3XL to capture our YouTube video on how decorated for Christmas. We turned off the lights in the rooms so that there could be a greater focus on the lights. The Pixel 3XL was able to auto-adjust the level of lighting without any issues. You can see that video here:
The Google Pixel 3XL is packed with so many features that you will need to spend some time exploring the phone to find them. One feature that I found by accident was the Google Lens. The Lens will scan a photograph that you have taken and is able to determine what is in it. Then it will search the Google search engine for similar items. For example, we had taken a photo of our inflatable snowman (Christmas item) and then scanned with Lens. The results included animated snowmen, other inflatable snowmen, and even Frosty. You can click on those results for more information.
In the new year, if you believe that it is time to replace that old, worn out smartphone, and you may want to consider Google Pixel 3XL. The Pixel 3XL features many upgrades over the older smartphones and incorporates many new additions that will leave you with a positive experience. I recommend it with 3XL thumbs up.
FTC Disclosure:
Verizon Wireless provided the Bubbling With Elegance and Grace Team with the Google Pixel 3XL to demo for a six-week time period. After that time, the smartphone was returned back to Verizon and this review was written. The team did not receive any monetary compensation to write this review and all opinions are our own.
Today is Day 5 of 21 of the fast that I am on with my church. I can’t say that it is easy, but it’s full steam ahead. If you would like to know more about fasting and would like to join, please visit the Church on The Rock website here. If you would like to join in please do, you can download a free journal and my Pastor includes a video of encouragement for each day. My hubby and I are fasting sugar, bread, no meat and no food products made from animals. In addition, we are not looking at our personal Facebook pages. That’s what I am fasting, but you can fast whatever you feel the Lord is telling you to do.
Just because I am on a fast does not mean that I don’t crave for something sweet. I decided to make this easy and simple recipe of cinnamon baked apples. I used Fuji apples because that’s what I had on hand, but you can use your favorite apple and go for it.
Cinnamon Baked Apples 1) Cut four apples in even sized slices that would cook thoroughly and evenly in the oven.
2) Place them in a baking dish. Add as much cinnamon that you desire. Add a little fresh lemon. And, brown sugar? But for this fast, we are not eating sugar, so we rely on the natural sugar from the apples.
3) Place aluminium foil on top and put it in a preheated oven for 350 degrees for 30 minutes covered and 10 minutes uncovered.
Cinnamon Sliced Apples
The finished dish is not real sweet. Of course, it is not supposed to be because I am on the fast. It does the trick if I have a sweet craving. And I also have an option of adding in a few walnuts and raisins if I want a little more sweetness. As an alternative when I am finished with the fast, I could add a little brown sugar or honey.
Learn More About JT
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace started out as an outlet for my passion for fashion but has evolved into a place for me to teach, collaborate, and inspire. My hubby has since joined the team and we have been digital creators for 13 years. We are thankful for those who believed in us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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