When I look in the mirror these days I don’t see the same person I use to see when I was in my twenties. I see a person who really has to watch what she eats and work out at least 4 to 5 times a week. And even though I work out and eat the best that I can, I still have never got to that miracle size 0 or 00 that everyone is loving these days. I weigh the same but it seems like my weight has shifted so I have to work out those areas harder than before because clothes fit differently. No matter how many creams I use on my face or weights I lift, I still get caught up in that fight for trying to look young and youthful. If you are over the age of 25 the media bombards you on news ads, movies, etc. that you have to do this or do that to get that youthful glow that your daughter or niece has at the age of 14. I have not had any children so I can’t blame them on having to keep my tummy toned and thighs tight. I still have to work out to keep myself toned and it’s not the dancing only, I have to work out with weights and do leg lifts and it’s not easy.
It’s what’s inside that matters, right?
Yes, it’s what’s inside that matters, however, what people first see is me not my guts. I have often heard people say that when they are over 40 that they don’t care anymore and if they want the gray hair to show or those wrinkles to appear that it doesn’t matter because they feel free. I have never considered myself beautiful so it’s really odd that I am doing videos and talking about fashion and beauty. I think that what matters is that I love myself because God made me. And I must admit that it has not been easy for me to be an influencer because I have always been my worst critic and enemy.
I created this blog as an outlet for my passion beyond work. I feel good that I have succeeded at that goal. My blog is not about popularity because this girl has never been voted Ms. Popular in life, not even by my family. When I fall down I have always managed to get myself up and dust off my britches to start again. It’s that never quit factor.
Resilience and Stamina
Reflection: When I was asked if I had any children, I said no not now. The first thing out of this person’s mouth was, “that’s a shame.” What is shameful about it? That I don’t fit the status quo? I know that people assume I hate kids and that’s why I don’t have them. You don’t know my story, and the point is you don’t have to know my story because we should treat everyone with kindness and love. Yes, the kindness and love seem to be forgotten and in today’s world. It’s making assumptions about everyone’s life when you really don’t know who they are in any shape or form. I have never fit into a specific click, status quo, with the cool kids, group, race, or club. Even in my childhood days even if I tried I never fit in.
I use to think that only certain people really had true joy and better opportunities. We have a choice and it is so simple to say F###! it and screw the whole universe, but God sees no benefit in that for us. God gives me a choice and it’s up to me to make that decision to do the work on the inside so the outside projects how I truly feel.
What do I mean?
I have been reading, “The Power of I AM,” by Joel Olsteen. This book has been very therapeutic for me. Having a positive outlook on life is not popular and too much negativity can really bog you down. If I had looked at some of the reviews on Amazon I wouldn’t have purchased the book but Joel is one of my favorite people to listen to and I looked past all that.
The Power of I AM: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today
I am somebody and I do count. When we talk down about ourselves, we give place to the enemy because the devil doesn’t want you to live your best life. No matter what economic status or title you may have God sees us all the same in His eyes.
We have so many reasons to throw in the towel, but that would be too easy. As long as there’s breath in your body you have a chance to change and be the best you possible.
My hair journey began when I looked for new products to help my it grow and for it to be in softer and in better condition. Early one, I found Ojon Restorative Treatment. I really believed that it helped get my hair stronger and more vibrant. My hair felt more moisturized and softer. I decided not too long ago to not use any more relaxers on my hair. I wanted to find more natural methods and products. One tub of Ojon cost $50 at the time. It was one of the most expensive products that I used, but it worked so it was worth it. One day I turned on the television and saw on QVC the founder and his wife on and her hair was beautiful. QVC had Ojon for a few years. The company was sold to Loreal then it went to Origins. Later it was not available anymore unless you saw it on Amazon or eBay for exorbitant prices. That was crazy.
Last year I saw the creator of Ojon on HSN selling a new line called Tweak-d. I saw Tweak-d shampoo and conditioner. And I saw a new version of the restorative treatment call Tweak-d Restore Ancient Rituals Rejuvenating Oil. I was excited and wanting to hear more.
More information about Tweak-d Restore Ancient Rejuvenating oil
*HSN site
What It Is: An intensive hair and body oil formulated to help moisturize dry hair and skin.
What It Does
Helps to rejuvenate the look of dry skin and hair
Helps to moisturize dry skin
Can be mixed with your body creams, shampoos, conditioners and styling products for a boost of hydration
The ingredients on the back of the box
TWEAK-D RESTORE HAIR & BODY OIL
Ingredients: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Bassia Butyracea Seed Butter, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Elaeis Guineesis (Palm) Kernel Oil, Elaeis Oleifera Kernel Oil, Prinsepia Utilis Seed Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Mel (Honey), Tocopherol. I heard on one of the presentations that the fragrance was natural but I have to do some research on that.
Tweak-d Restore Ancient Rituals Rejuvenating Oil is said to be Ojon taken up a notch. I purchased it when it was a Today’s Special on auto-delivery on Hisn.com. I used as a leave-in conditioner but you can also use it as a pre-treatment or body lotion.
Here’s a video below about the oil.
It’s so great to have the Ojon, I mean a pumped-up version call Tweak-d Restore Ancient Rituals Rejuvenating Oil back.
It’s so hot that you could fry an egg on the concrete and cook some bacon on the side. It’s like as soon as I step outside, I am sweating. Even at 9 o’clock in the morning. When the weather is like this, I wear natural fibers that are breathable. Synthetic fibers like polyester make me feel miserable when the temperature hovers near 90 and the humidity is up. In the photograph below, my blouse and matching tank are from Soft Surroundings. Both are 100% cotton and zips in the back. My paisley pants are from the Isaac Mizrahi 24/7 line sold on QVC. The cotton and spandex blend are both breathable and has stretch.
I am still a little hesitant about posting pictures. My body has changed a little, so I had to rework my exercise routine that incorporated more weight training and intense cardio for more toning. I am not a size zero and never have been, but I want my body to be strong and fit.
I wanted to show you the intricate work of the embroidery along the front and bottom of the blouse. The blouse originally sold for $99 on the Soft Surroundings website, but I was able to purchase it on clearance last December for under $30. Another sale of the century! If you can find sales like this, your wardrobe can look like a million bucks without having to spend that much.
Love it!
I am not the kind of Influencer that will post fifty photographs of the same outfit in one post. I wanted you to see in this final picture how I styled my outfit red Skecher wedges for a pop of color since I was wearing mostly blue. It doesn’t look patriotic but offers a contrast of colors. The handbag is the Michael Kors Jet Set Saffiano Leather Tote. It is a chic bag that I will wear for all occasions – work, church, or wherever my day takes me.
Jewelry style
I don’t wear as much jewelry when it’s hot.
Hoop earrings
Wedding ring on the left hand
Cameo ring on the right hand
My Saint My Hero Bracelets
Tigers eye bracelet
I pray you are having a lovely holiday weekend. I hope you are relaxing and having fun. It has been hot, humid and rainy here in the Show-Me State. But it seems like that is typical of the Fourth of July holiday. When it is hot, it is essential to wear natural fabrics to keep cool. My whole wardrobe is not natural fibers, but I am almost there. For my photoshoot below, the Joan Rivers Floral shirt is polyester, but it is suprisingly lightwieght and cool. In constrast, my Isaac Mizrahi Ombre Lace Skirt is cotton and I wear skimmies underneath for complete breathability. The Ombre lace skirt is on clearance right now on QVC.com for $24.97 (it was $79.50). The skirt is so feminine and beautiful.
The hand bag is the Patricia Nash Linked leather Shoulder bag and it has that 60s and 70s feel. This multicolored leather bag reminds me so much of my mother’s bag that just wore out from wear over time. This bag is made up of 800 leather chainlinks. My mother’s bag was black and white, but did not have a lining. The updated version is so is exquisite and finely constructed. I bought my Earth sandals a few years ago on my birthday at DSW.
The Jewelry Special Edition Italian 500 Carvelle Lire Pendant on 14KT Gold bail
Gold necklace – gift
Dragon Fly Earrings- gifted
My Saint My Hero bracelets
Coin Ankle Bracelet: LisaRobertson.com
Special Edition Italian 500 Carvelle Lire Pendant on 14KT Gold bail
I did nto purchase the Pendant from LisaRobertson.com that she was selling recently on advanced order on her website. The Pendant is sold out and does not have a 14kt gold bail and trimmed in 14Kt gold. I actually bought it years ago from QVC when they were doing 24 hour Italian Gold days, Lisa may have been doing a presentation of it at that time, not sure. Recently I saw Lisa selling this pendant on advanced order and she explained the meaning so well that I included it here.
Summer is definitely in the air and last night was fireworks outside until 1:00 am. The humidity is thick and it’s been raining almost every day with periodic sun. For the first time this summer our Hibiscus trees are starting to bloom and it’s so beautiful. Although the flowers are beautiful the trend in the weather makes me dress more in natural fiber clothing and carry non-patent leather bags.
I’m joining Katherine, from Katherines Corner for her Bali Bag Giveaway!
The Bali bag is perfect for going to church, the movies, friends barbecue, or going out to dinner for a fun night out.
Please enter the giveaway!
Please remember to follow Katherine, and all her hostesses so you can earn all of your entry opportunities.
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Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
More information about Tweak-d Restore Ancient Rejuvenating oil
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