by | Jul 3, 2017 | Fashion, Inspirations |
Happy Independence Day!
This weekend before Independence Day, is time to relax, and enjoy family and friends. My husband and I celebrate Independence Day because it is more than just a date for us. This is a time to thank those men and women in uniform who have fought and are fighting for our freedom for our country, the United States of America. Their sacrifice allows us to enjoy living in the greatest country.
At church this past Sunday, we had a guest speaker, Matt Roever from Operation Warrior Reconnect.
What is Operation Warrior Reconnect?
“Operation Warrior RECONnect is dedicated to rebuilding self esteem, confidence, financial freed country.”
Did you know that on average, twenty-two soldiers commit suicide every day? This staggering number has to stop and Operation Warrior Reconnect is doing an amazing job and making an impact.
Matt and his father, Vietnam veteran Dave Roever, head this organization that is making a change in the lives of so many men and women who have fought for our country. At Sunday’s service, Matt introduced three men who served in the military. They shared their stories from the war and how Operation Warrior Reconnect, with the love of Jesus, helped to change their lives.
I left the service, feeling more patriotic and thankful for the United States military.
In honor of Independence Day, I wore my red, white, and blue. I wanted to style my outfit in a different way. I thought at first this was too much red, white, and blue, however it was just right. I actually received a compliment from one of the veterans who spoke at Church. He said, “That’s a really put together outfit, anchors away baby!”
Red white blue
The Look
Wedges – Skechers (These wedges give height and are so comfortable)
Purse – Carlos Falchi
Chambray shirt jacket – Tommy Hilfiger
Freedom Blue shirt – Church on the Rock
Skirt – Charter Club, Macy’s
My doggie Vinny, has to be in the my pictures with me. Sometimes to he is photobombing behind me.
Pattern of Skirt, photo by Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com
This is the pattern of the skirt, see the anchors and the stern.
I do not share 10 or more pictures of the same image on one blog post. My limit is no more than four. I like to share something different and I that is too much of me in the same outfit.
In this collage, I also share my Zuni-inspired real turquoise sterling silver bangle. Turquoise is one of my favorite stones. I wear all year long and it was perfect with this outfit.
I was working out in the yard and accidentally clipped the three star gazer lilies that looked like they wouldn’t bloom. This disheartened me and husband said, “This one has a bud, so lets put it in the stalk in the dirt with the other flowers.” Guess what, it bloomed!! I will bring it inside, and my wise husband said you bloom where you are truly planted; I couldn’t of said it better myself.
Independence Day collage photo by Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com
If you would like to help the Warrior Reconnect foundation, you can click on Roever Foundation.
by | Jul 3, 2017 | Fitness |
When you look at yourself in the mirror, it can sometimes be hard to love the reflection staring back at you. As our lives move on, we sometimes end up gaining weight, getting frazzled because of our busy lives, and our skin loses elasticity as we age. Looking at your reflection can be tough when in your heart you’re still eighteen years old and perfectly happy to sprawl on the beach in the tiniest bikini in the world. If you find it hard to look at yourself in the mirror after a shower, here are a few ways for you to feel more body confident.
Focus On Being Strong
First and foremost it’s time to focus on what your body can do and not what it looks like. If you’ve had babies then your body is a marvel – it can house and grow these tiny human beings before pushing them out. Your ‘mummy tummy’ and stretch marks are a sign of your strength, and not anything to be ashamed of. Remember that skinniness is overrated – focus on the way that you feel instead and things like whether you get out of breath easily and whether you can run up a flight of stairs. Feeling strong and able to do things will feel a million times better than thin ever will.
Start A Fitness Class
If you want to get more toned and fit, don’t bother joining the gym – that’s no fun! Instead, go for a fitness class where you can meet new people and have some fun as well as getting fit. Yoga will help to tone you and improve your emotional and mental health as well as your physical strength. Pilates is known for improving your core strength, and if you want to have a dance and a laugh at the same time as getting fit then why don’t you try out zumba?
Consider Cosmetic Options
A lot of people shun cosmetic options but why not explore them? Get your makeup done at the beauty counter and buy a couple of products that make your skin look brighter, and get your hair cut in a new, different style that flatters the shape of your face. If you want to change the shape of your breasts after years of nursing your kids or if you’ve always been troubled by the shape of your nose then remember plastic surgery is nothing to be ashamed of. Just remember to get therapy as well – sometimes the way you feel about your body isn’t restricted to one specific part of it.
Love Yourself
Finally, the biggest challenge of all – and the greatest love of all, as the late and great Whitney Houston said – is learning to love yourself. This will take years of practice, of looking at yourself in the mirror and picking out the things you love, of choosing clothes to show off your shapely calves and delicate wrists and the other parts of your body that you love instead of hiding the parts that you don’t love. It’s a process that you’ll keep going through forever, but it’s more than worth it.
by | Jun 30, 2017 | Music |
Making Money As a Musician
Want to earn some money for your musical talents? The music industry is a tough place to make a name for yourself, but there are many ways that you can earn a few bucks for doing what you love. Here are just a few ways to make money out of being a musician.
Start playing live
The easiest way to make money is to start performing live. You could start by busking on a street corner or you could try performing at a local bar. Network with other musicians that may be able to find you support slots, as well as introducing you to new venues. The likes of sites such as Reverb Nation are great for finding gigs. At first you won’t be paid much to perform live, especially if you’re in a band, however as you make name for yourself you’ll be able to play larger venues. You can also use such gigs as an opportunity to sell CDs and merch, which leads onto the next method of making money from music.
Sell your own music
In this age of digital downloading and streaming, this is by far the hardest way to make money from music, but nonetheless shouldn’t be ignored. Companies such as Nationwide allow you to produce your own CDs and create your own merch that can then be sold at live events or put up for sale on your website. It’s worth getting your music on iTunes and Spotify, although don’t expect massive returns from these mediums if you’re just starting out. Make sure that you’re marketing your music so that people come across it more easily. Often using free mediums such as Soundcloud and Youtube can be a great way of helping you gain exposure.
Become a session musician
Other musicians may be looking for a drummer or a backing vocalist either to help record a track or play a live gig with. You can make a fair bit of money by taking up these odd jobs. The bigger your profile, the more you’ll be able to charge people for your services. You can specialise in one genre or try your hand at all manner of styles if you feel you’re proficient enough. The likes of Fiverr and Gumtree are great places to advertise yourself. Also look out for ads on job sites and music forums.
Teach others
If you’re adept enough at your chosen instrument, the next step could be teaching others. You could teach an instrument at a school, do private lessons or do a combination of the two to increase your income. In some cases you may need a degree or you may have to be a certain grade in an instrument. In other cases qualifications and grades may not be necessary, especially if you’re teaching rock or pop. Some people have even made money through giving online lessons and tutorials, either via Youtube videos or lessons via Skype.
by | Jun 29, 2017 | Accessories, Fashion |
We have all been there! It’s that conundrum when you have a special event or party coming up, and you just can’t decide what to wear. Of course, you want to look fabulous and suitably attired, but you also want to stand out and inject a bit of your own personal style into what you are wearing. To find out how to do this read the guide below, then you can be sure that you will be the belle of the ball.
Less can be more
One way to ensure that you stand out at the next event that you attend is to simplify your look. That is because sometimes a simple, well-executed look can be as striking as a varied and over the top one.
Remember a little black dress, with attention to the details, such as how the fabric flows can be everything you need to make an entrance. Of course, you must combine with a healthy splash of confidence and self-presence for a look that will truly slay.
Little Black Dress
Silhouette
Another way to stand out for your style at a party is to pay attention to the silhouette that you are rocking. If possible, wear this season’s key shape. As this shows, you are on the pulse of current trends.
Or, if you really want to stand out, why not pick something contrasting to what you know all the other women will be wearing? For example, if the silhouette of the season is short and wider, such as a tulip skirt, pick something slim and long like a fish tail.
The contrast will serve to direct additional attention to you because you will look so different from the rest of the party goers. Of course, ensure that you nod to this season’s fashion in other ways such as the color and fabric choice, to ensure your outfit doesn’t look out of date.
The hats have it
Also, there is nothing like a little bit of headgear to garner some attention in a crowd. You can do this by wearing a hat, a fascinator, or even a headband. Pick something compliments the rest of your outfit and that has a little added flair and pizzazz.
Of course, it goes without saying that you need to check the item fits well and is secured properly to avoid any unwanted mishaps or faux pas during the party.
Jewelry
As they say, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, so a post about how to stand out at a party just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning jewelry.
Remember that even the simplest of outfits can be lifted by wearing the right bling. Pick something that glistens in the dark for an evening soiree. Or something bold and chunky to add an extra layer of interest for a day do.
Avant Garde
Lastly, if you truly want all eyes to be on you then pick an outfit that is avant-garde. That means it’s offbeat, eye-catching, and a little quirky. Avant-garde outfits usually combine bright colors with non-typical shapes for a dazzling effect. See here for some inspiration.
FTC Disclaimer:
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links.
by | Jun 28, 2017 | Bible Verse of the Day |
Hello Wonderful People!
Image created using YouVersion
I believe that there are certain Bible verses that every Christian needs to have memorized and be able to use on a daily basis. I consider these verses to be foundation scriptures for every day life. 1 John 1:9 is one of those verses.
Many people have the wrong idea about God and sin. They think that when they commit a sin, God is mad at them and that He will not forgive them. Other people think that the bigger the sin, the more you have to ask for forgiveness. When if you look 1 John 1:9 that the Grace of God shines brightly and His forgiveness is awesome
Let’s look at the verse in three parts:
1) If we confess our sins — First of all, we have to confess our sins to God. Anything that we have done wrong, we need to bring it to God and ask for His forgiveness. He can’t forgive us if we don’t ask.
2) He is faithful and just to forgive us — If we come to God asking Him to forgive us of the sin, He is so wonderful and awesome that He will must forgive us. No matter the situation or the reason for the sin, if we ask He will forgive us. It is wonderful thing to know that no matter how we mess, God loves us so much so much that we are forgiven.
3) And cleanses of all unrighteousness — Not only does God forgive us of the sin, the sin is wiped away and never to be remembered by Him again. Many times when we commit a sin, we are the ones who hold on to it and keep in our thoughts and in our memory. But what makes God so awesome is that He does not remember it. It is like it never happened. How awesome is that!
I believe that 1 John 1:9 is an important verse to meditate on when you think that you messed up so bad that there is no way that God would ever forgive you. Or if someone tells you that God is mad at you when have committed a sin. Just remember that if you have confessed the sin to God, it is forgiven, no matter the how little or how big; no matter situation. God Loves Us! God Is For Us! and God For Us!
Follow!