Film Review: “Altar Egos” and Giveaway

Hello Beautiful People,

Just when I was looking for a good movie to watch, Bubbling With Elegance and Grace gets the opportunity to review the movie Altar Egos.
The movie will be released on DVD on Tuesday, September 5th; but had a chance to view the film before its release.

Desperate to see their church grow, Pastor John (Robert Amaya, MOM’S NIGHT OUT, COURAGEOUS) and wife Betsy (Erin Bethea, FIREPROOF) do the unthinkable and change their church Christmas pageant. The idea causes a great discontent in the church members, leading the pastor to take desperate measures to win back the people. The movie also stars Victoria Jackson (SNL) and Sallie Watchisn.

Altar Egos – image courtesy of LEV3L Digital

Pastor John inherited the church after his father who had been the pastor passed away. The congregation watches his every move and constantly compares him to his father. They are resistant to change and anything that Pastor John wants to do. They want to keep the heritage and tradition; but Pastor John wants to take the church in a new direction.

Here’s the movie trailer below:

Sharing some teaser photos of some memorable moments.

Pastor John played by Robert Amaya – image courtesy of LEV3L Digital

 

Line Dancing – image courtesy of LEV3L Digital

Definitely not giving away these scenes because they are too special.

Family – image courtesy of LEV3L Digital

ALTAR EGOS is wonderful movie that the entire family will enjoy. The movie touches on the power of forgiveness and how love can prevail even when it doesn’t seem possible. It truly shows the heart of Jesus when you can love the unlovable and reconcile with those who have hurt you.

Scripture references
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV).
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13 NLT).

I don’t want to give away too much of the storyline because my hubby and I want you to see this movie for yourself. In partnership with LEV3L Digital, you have a chance to win your own copy of the movie on DVD.

Giveaway:
 (1) Winner will receive 1 physical DVD of the movie Altar Egos

To Enter:
Please leave a comment on this post about why you want to want to watch this movie.
One winner will be selected at random.

Deadline for Entry:
Sunday, September 3rd at Midnight (CST)

Winner will be announced:
Monday, September 4th, at 12p.m. (CST)

 Much success to you! And stay tuned!

FTC Disclaimer:
LEV3L Digital provided Bubbling With Elegance and Grace with the opportunity to view this movie prior to its release. In exchange for writing this review and hosting the giveaway, we will receive our own DVD copy of the movie. All opinions of the movie are our own. We received no monetary compensation.

Caring From Afar

As soon as our parents start to reach a certain age, it’s all too easy to worry about their ailing health and fragility. So, there is no wonder that most people do all that they can to care for their elderly parents. However, if you do not live close to your parents, you might find that you start worrying about not being there for them. The distance could make it very difficult for you to help and support your parents, and you might struggle to get to them if there is ever an emergency. However, there are some things you can do to care for your parents from afar. Here are some tips.

Mommy Bernice.

Discuss The Situation With Your Siblings
If some of your siblings still live close to your parents, you should have a meeting with them to discuss the situation. One of your siblings might agree to take charge of your parents’ care schedule. As long as you know that your siblings have a good handle on things, you will be able to have more peace of mind while you are living away.

Arrange For In-Home Care
If your parents are still well enough to look after themselves in their own home, you might still want to arrange for some at home care agencies to call in to see them from time to time. That way, you know that there is always someone going into their home on a regular basis to ensure that they are OK. This also means that you parents will have a regular companion who they can chat with, which is especially important if one of your parents lives on their own.

Collect Important Contact Information
Even though you don’t live close to your parents, you should still make the effort to collect all of the usual important contact details for people who can help them. This should include phone numbers for their regular doctor, caregiver, and insurance company. It’s also a good idea to have the number for a neighbor or nearby friend who can quickly check in on your parents if you ever have reason to be worried.

Keep In Touch
Just because you can’t visit your parents regularly, there is no reason not to keep in contact! Calling them every other day gives them something to look forward to, and it will also calm your mind as you will be able to hear that they are well. It’s also worth using Skype and Facetime to keep in touch so that you can see as well as hear them!

Have An Emergency Plan
You always need to have an emergency plan in case anything goes wrong. This should include the quickest way for you to travel to your parents. You might also want to start saving for an emergency fund so that you can cover expensive airfare or train travel.

As you can see, caring for your elderly parents from afar doesn’t have to be too difficult. Keep these tips handy so that you always know your best options!

FTC Disclaimer:
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.

The Kinzd of Wallet That Will Fit Into Your Life

Hi Beautiful People,

If you are like me, sometimes you don’t want to carry a large wallet or heavy handbag everywhere you go. I enjoy my large handbags; but there is a time and a place for them. Sometimes you just want a compact wallet that will carry just the essentials, your ID, some cash and the necessary credit cards. Thanks to a collaboration with KINZD, I am sharing a review of a women’s leather wallet and men’s cork money clip. These accessories are ideal for anyone on the go who does not want to be keeping a hold of that large handbag.

This Kinzd Upgraded Accordion RFID Leather Wallet is the hot accessory for when you are on the go.

Kinzd wallet

Product Specifications:
● zip closure
● Measures: 4.53”x3.46”x1.38” (11.5cmx 8.8cmx 3.5cm)
● 1 zippered compartments, ID window, 10 accordion folds, 5 card slots, 1 cash compartment.

The Kinzd wallet stays closed with a button snap. The card space is more than some large wallets have inside.

 

Features of the Accordion wallet

This Kinzd wallet is RFID protected, it can go into your larger handbag for extra security if you do not have an RFID wallet.
● RFID Blocking Wallet: Keeps your vital information Secure. BE SAFE and Effective, Protect Identity Data from Electronic Pick pocketing; Blocking RFID scanners and readers from Scanning your Information.
● Compact Design& Full Capacity: Roomy enough for fitting plenty of cards, change and some bills, Coins, keep them well organized. With Good Metal Zippers, it works fine, better than others plastic zipper.
● With Wrist Strap, great to take with you or slip into a small purse.
This wallet is perfect for going to the movies, shopping, grabbing a bit to eat and not wanting to carry a lot with you. Also, reiterating the bonus of added RFID protection.

The Men’s Money Clip Cork Fabric Leather Wallet is ideal for the man in your life.

Men’s Money Clip Cork Fabric Leather Wallet

Product Specs :
● Color: Cork Fabric
● New Updated Material : Eco-friendly Red Wine Cork Fabric Leather Wallet, looks Classical and Fashionable for gentlemen and ladies. Measures: 4.3″ x 2.8″ x 0.1″ (11cm x 7.1cm x 0.3cm).
● 6 Card Slots: 1 clear ID Display Window for credit and debit card , 3 separate slots to hold credit and debit cards, 1 Change pocket,1 Strong Magnetic Money Clip.
● Powerful Magnetism: With 4pcs Strong Magnets, can Hold Plenty of cashes and cards; better than normal ones which is Only 2pcs Magnets.
● RFID Blocking Wallet: Keeps your vital information in cards from being stolen. Does Block 13.56 MHz Frequency (Credit or debit cards, driver license and ID cards). Does NOT Block 125 KHz frequency.
● Minimalist & Slim, Perfect fit in Front Pocket, Good Choose to replace bulky wallet. The wallet ID card slot of new wallet will be slightly tight first time, after used it for few weeks, you will feel more easy to put and take the used cards from slot.  

The money clip can be placed inside a suit jacket or in the front pocket of your trousers. The magnet is strong, your money is not going anywhere. My hubby thought it was stylish and compact and could even go in a larger wallet if it needed too. After carrying the wallet for a few weeks it softened and did not feel tight. He will be using the wallet when he does not want the bulk that a traditional wallet can give a suit pocket or pants pocket.

We both give the wallets a thumbs up. If you need a compact wallet that can fit in your handbag, and then pulled out and used on its own, I suggest trying the KINZD wallet. The wallet is well-built and will work for you. And, if a gentlemen needs a compact minimalistic wallet that is discreet and provides security this is just right for them.

FTC Disclaimer:
Kinzd provided Bubbling With Elegance And Grace with these two wallets in exchange for this review. All opinions are our own. We did not receive any monetary compensation for writing this review.

*Praying for the people in Texas effected by Hurricane Harvey.*

Please give to Samaritan’s Purse

 

It’s Not Too Late To Sneak In A Last Minute Vacation This Year

Summer may be almost up, but what’s stopping you from going away in September? It may be traditionally out-of-season, but almost all tourist destinations are open for business. The weather is usually still hot and there are less screaming kids about because they’ve all gone back to school. On top of these reasons to go away in September is the fact that it may be cheaper.
That said, even at a lower rate, a few weeks isn’t long to save up holiday funds. And once it gets to October you are taking a risk with the weather. But don’t worry, you can still get creative and score yourself that last minute vacation break you deserve. Here are a few tips to fund your trip.

Who wants a road trip to Colorado?

Have a long weekend away
A full week may be pushing the boat out a little bit. A long weekend away (say, Friday to Monday?) ould still give you that time away that you need whilst costing very little. You won’t have to book as much time off work either, which could be handy for those that have already booked a lot of holiday this year.

Take advantage of last minute deals – but be wary
Booking a couple days before can get you amazing deals. This is largely because few people are able to simply pac up and go without giving their work a few weeks’ notice and taking care of other responsibilities. The trick is to book off some time a few weeks ahead and let your destination be a surprise until a few days beforehand.

Look specifically for all inclusive last minute deals. Some packages may seem as if they include a lot on the surface but upon closer inspection you may realise certain things are missing such as transfers or baggage costs. A holiday company may then try to sell these to you on top, which could bring the price up – making it less of a deal. Don’t let holiday brokers talk you into buying these extras without adding up the total cost and then comparing that to other holiday deals.

Try a staycation
You don’t have to jet off abroad for a vacation. You may not even need to jump state. You may be able to drive away to a destination nearby for a couple days. This will cut out the expense of flights and transfers/hire car costs. Of course, you may be hedging your bets with the weather, so consider this risk.

Visit non-traditional holiday locations
There are places around the world that you wouldn’t automatically think of for a vacation, but could in fact be the perfect sunny getaway – and very cheap. When looking afar to Asia, forget Bali and big Thai hotspots and think places like Cambodia and Vietnam instead. Swap out the usual Caribbean destination for Latin American countries such as Guatemala, Honduras and Ecuador. Forgo the European classics such as France, Spain and Italy for more off the beaten track Eastern European countries like Romania, Bulgaria and the Czech Republic. All of these countries still have traditional tourist hotspots if you’re not looking for wild travelling, so you can still relax.

Break up flights
Quite often, having a stop-gap can save you money on flights. Most people avoid breaking up the flight due to the added stress on the journey. However, when you consider the fact that it could save you hundreds, it can be worth it. Be wary of stop gaps that are too short, sometimes longer is better in case the first flight is delayed. You may even be able to stay overnight and fit in a new destination en route.

Go camping
For those that aren’t averse to staying in a tent, camping is the easiest way to save money on accommodation. In a hot country, it doesn’t have to be the rainy ordeal you may commonly associate it with. There are also glamping sites in which the tent is already set up for you. These tents may even have proper beds, heating and electrical sockets for charging up your gear, whilst still costing very little compared to a hotel.

Consider a loan
There’s no shame in taking out a loan in order to pay for a holiday. If you see a great holiday deal but aren’t able to pay for it straight away, why not look into payday loans that could allow you to pay there and then. This could prevent the risk of such a deal disappearing a couple weeks down the line. Most emergency loans will have interest, but you could still make up the costs by being able to secure a cheap deal early rather than paying extra later.

Sell your clutter
On the topic of making money in order to pay for a last minute holiday, why not sell a few items you no longer need. This is an easy and immediate way of gaining some extra funds that could allow you to jet off somewhere hot. Buy and sell Facebook pages and sites like Gumtree are a great way to sell locally online without having to pay added postage charges. There may also be flea markets and auctions in your area that you can sell your stuff at.

Make money from odd jobs online
If your current job isn’t paying enough to make up the necessary funds in a few weeks, why not try doing a few odd jobs on the side to pay for that last minute vacation. The likes of Fiverr allow you to get paid for offering skills to people online. This could be providing a digital skill such as photoshopping an image for someone or building a website. Alternatively, you may be able to make money writing blog pieces. Other odd jobs that don’t require any specific skillset include filling in surveys and donating hair, but don’t expect to earn too much from these.

FTC Disclaimer:
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.

Celebrating The Total Solar Eclipse In Augusta, Missouri

Hello Wonderful People!

I hope you are having an awesome day and that you had an opportunity to view today’s solar eclipse.

Having not experienced any solar eclipse, I wanted to make sure that I experience this one. When I found out that my wife and I live and work so close to the area of totality, I knew it was going to be an awesome experience. When viewing a solar eclipse, it is all about the totality – how much of the sun would be covered by the shadow of the moon. Living in the Gateway City meant that we would just on the edge of totality, like 99.5 percent totality. But 99.5 percent totality is like zero percent totality. It is all or nothing. If it is not 100 percent totality, you don’t get the full effect of the eclipse. You miss out on the seeing the corona and seeing the full effects of the total darkness.

My wife and I decided to take the day off from work and drive to Augusta, Missouri. Being just a little further south and west of Saint Louis meant that we would be in the band of total totality for two minutes and 19 seconds – an incredibly long amount of time compared to other places. Augusta is only forty-five minutes outside of Saint Louis, but it seems like it is a world away. Settled by the Germans in 1836, Augusta boasts wineries, antique shops, and a includes a stop on the KATY Trail. The streets are line with quaint little homes and charming bed and breakfasts; and is home to only 256 people.

Augusta definitely offers that small-town charm and it was evident at today’s eclipse party. It seemed everyone knew everyone; but we fit right in the crowd just like everyone else. We met two men who wondered into town to view the eclipse, just like us. Nick, a Virginia native and recent transplant to Saint Charles; and Gordon, a cross-country bike rider from Georgia. Nick previously worked in journalism and had some extensive experience in photography. But unfortunately, he had left his memory card for his camera at home. We decided to let him use our card to take the photographs with the his camera. He was able to get the amazing photograph shown above. It worked out great because he was still able to get the photographs he wanted; and we got much better photographs than we could have imaged to get. (More about this in a later post.) We also met Gordon who travelled from Georgia to Pennsylvania and then to Illinois on a hunt for his ancestors in a genealogical challenge, as he described it. After finishing up the search in Illinois, he continued his journey to Augusta to view the eclipse.

J and T taking a look at the solar eclipse.

The eclipse proved to be a great opportunity to bring people together and witness such a rare event. For a moment today, we stood together in unity and we all looked up at the sky and forgot about the evils of this world. We need to have an eclipse everyday.

In the coming days, we will share more photos that Nic captured with our memory card and our thoughts about the day.

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