Today is Memorial Day. It is a day to honor and remember the soldiers who died for our country, The United States of America. Freedom isn’t free! Praise God for our military. We should and must pray for them and their families everyday.
We Will Never Forget!
Decorated Vietnam War veteran, Dave Roever, spoke at my church this holiday weekend. His testimony is awesome and will inspire you. He was burned beyond recognition and by the healing power of Jesus, he is alive and is devoted to helping other wounded veterans. Roever will make you laugh and he will make you cry.
Please listen to his testimony on Trinity Broadcasting Network.
When I hear him speak about helping war veterans get the help they need to get back into daily life and gain that connection with their families, it is amazing. It makes me want to help in anyway I can. If you would like to help please go to the Roever Foundation.
“The Roever Foundation’s goal is clear; to assist those especially in underprivileged countries and the youth in our public schools and assistance to our military providing them with inspirational speaking tours and training for wounded warriors through the wounded warrior alliance. Roever Foundation is preparing these young speakers who have lost limbs, suffered TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), with a future in public speaking.”
On this Memorial Day, please take a moment to reflect your freedom and the remember men and women who sacrificed their life so that you can enjoy it.
It’s holiday weekend and I am feeling a cool and relaxing vibe. What better way to chill than wearing a cotton polyester blend set with my new backpack. Bob Mackie who has designed for Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Carol Burnett, Tina Turner, Cher, Barbara Streisand, Barbie, and PINK! to name a few. And he is also designing for me and you. For the past twenty seven years, he has had his own line of everyday wear on QVC.
Bob Mackie is an icon of the fashion world.
Here Mackie is at the CFDA with Diana Ross.
In contrast to everyday life here I am wearing Mackie’s Floral Embroidered Knit top and crop pant set. I usually don’t like crop pants because I am like straight length pants to elongate me to make me look taller. On my right shoulder is the embroidered geraniums. The flowers look like they were plucked out of a garden and entwined in this top.
Pant inseam: missy/plus inseam 19″
Pant content: 95% cotton/5% spandex
Pant care: machine wash, line dry
Bob Mackie set
I don’t always like wearing sets together all the time, so i switch them up with other pieces from my closet. In these pictures below, I paired the top with a linen and rayon drawstring wide-leg pants. Both outfits are perfect for the summer heat. They offer an effortless but sophisticated style.
Bob Mackie
Close up of Top
Bob Mackiee close up of top
Easy and so fine kind of dressing with a designer touch. The colors are bold and bright but not over the top. Say it loud and proud with lots of color.
FTC Disclaimer:
This is not a sponsored post. I purchased all clothing with my own money.
Do you ever feel like you never can get great sound from your mobile phone or from your tablet?
It is like you can hear the music; but either it is not loud enough or the bass is not clear. I have had a blue tooth speaker that would give pretty good sound; but if the bass was rocking the speaker would vibrate so much that it fell off the table. If I was in mid workout mode, I would have to stop to pick it up off the floor.
What can you do to have great sound at a reasonable price?
JBL Flip 3 Speaker
If you are looking for an economically-priced speaker with all the qualities of good sound that feels the room the JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth Splashproof Speaker hits the mark. The Speaker comes in a variety of colors, most of the choices are not available. Verizon Wireless allowed us to demo the the speaker for a month and to give a review on this blog. The speaker retails for $99.99 and is currently on sale for $79.99; and can be purchase on the Verizon website.
Flip 3 Bluetooth Splashproof Speaker
The JBL Flip 3 Bluetooth Splashproof Speaker
Features include:
Pros
Sound The speaker has clear sound no matter what the weather may be or if you are on land or get caught in the rain at a party.
“It is rubber on the outside of the speaker and has a rechargeable Li-ion battery that gives up to 10 hours of continuous play where you can dance the night away or enhance that barbecue picnic with the family. You can connect up to three smartphones and tablets at once.”
The sound is not muffled, I can hold the JBL Flip 3 in my hand and it never skips a beat in the sound quality. I really enjoy connecting my laptop or cell phone to the speaker to do my run/ dance workout.
Bluetooth Connection
Bluetooth compatibility for your computer, your smart phone or your tablet. With your computer, the speaker will connect through the Bluetooth option on the system preferences. For your smart phone or tablet, you need to download the app; and from there it syncs pretty quickly for the first time. And then after it quite easy to get and connected.
Splashproof
“No need to worry about rain or spills. It can even be cleaned with running tap water – just don’t submerge it.” It has rained in my neck of the woods for a week so the benefit of being waterproof if you get caught in the rain is very handy.
JBL Speaker Connections
You can actually connect JBL speakers together for a more fuller musical experience in a room or outside. I have never seen where speakers could connect with each other to play the same music at once.
You can take calls
The JBL Flip 3 has a speaker phone so you take your calls if you are doing work around the house or want to be hands free.
From the Verizon website:
“The next generation in the JBL Flip series, the Flip 3 adds a splashproof design* (IPX5-rated), a rugged rubber housing and a 3,000mAh rechargeable Li-ion battery that delivers up to 10 hours of continuous high-quality stereo audio playtime**.”
Highly flexible, the Flip 3 also lets you connect to up to three smartphones or tablets at once and then take turns playing audio from the device of your choice. An on-board speakerphone functionality with an echo and noise-canceling microphone lets you take crystal-clear, hands-free calls right from the speaker.
Con Video not playing all the way through
I noticed that when I try to listen to videos on the iPad, the JBL Flip3 Speakerphone will play the audio. However, the video will often freeze. I don’t know if that’s just the way it is or if there is some glitch because the freezing happened each time I tried to play a video. I was trying to listen Casey Treat’s Renewing the Mind 2.0 video series on his app on the iPad and encountered the video freeze. I tried a second time to watch Kari Jobe’s Forever video and it froze on me but the audio was still going strong.
What’s in the Box
One JBL Flip 3 speaker, a micro USB charging cable, one quick start guide, a safety sheet and a warranty card.
If you are looking for a good reasonably priced speaker; than you may want to consider the JBL Flip 3. At less than $100, you are getting quality sound and a portable speaker that can be taken on the go with you.
FTC Disclaimer:
Verizon Wireless provided Bubbling With Elegance And Grace with the JBL Flip 3 speaker for thirty days to write this honest opinion. At the end of the thirty days, we returned the speaker back to Verizon Wireless. We did not receive any monetary compensation for this review. All opinions are express in the review are own.
Today is Mother’s Day. Even though I did not at first feel I should I need to share some words. My mother has been with the Lord for almost twenty-three years, it is a hard holiday. My mother was strict and did not let me do much. My parents picked my friends and they did not just let me hang around anybody. Many times I would wonder why she was so hard on me. I am the only child and was in my teens at the time I naturally felt this way. But now that I look back at it and I see why. She wanted me to be somebody, to put God first, to have integrity and character.
My mother always told me that she was not my friend, but my mother.
As a teenager I would wonder what did that mean? Girls are having friends over; but I could not have my friends over. Why can’t I go to the party?
With some years hopefully for some comes wisdom. My mother wanted me to know that she was not hear to make me feel good even, when you may not be right. My mother told it like it is and didn’t pull any punches with me. I didn’t have a lot of role models when I was young. My best role models are my parents, my grandmother, and my aunt. My mother wanted me to get an education and I did. She wanted me to stick with the books and not get hooked up with the wrong crowd and praise the Lord I didn’t. My mother was not perfect; but she was and is in my heart, a Proverbs 31 woman. She always looked out for the best interest for me and she believed in me.
I was not planned.
What do you mean, you say?
I was not a planned pregnancy. My mother didn’t want to have children. My grandmother told my mother go on ahead and have that baby and she did., By God’s grace and mercy, my mother delivered me, a healthy 8lbs. 6 oz. baby girl.
My mother and father helped me and sacrifice for me to have a good life. My grandmother helped and was also there for me. They loved me and it hurts that they are not here on earth in the flesh. I know that they all believed in God and that Jesus Christ died for their sins, so I know they are in heaven. Virtuous, Virtuous, Virtuous I say as I literally run through the halls expressing my thankfulness to God for giving me such loving jewels in my life that are with my heart. I know they are Jesus followers, but it does still hurt.
Joyce Meyer has on her calendar the title for today, “The Only Way Out Is Through”.
I continually have to thank the Lord that I had such a rich inheritance of Godly parents and a Godly Grandmother. I know that they wouldn’t want me to feel any other way.
The Proverbs 31 Woman is my mother and my grandmother. My Aunt is still here on earth so I am putting her in here too because she is the description of character and integrity. Please read Proverbs 31 below, its a lot to take in but the words have so much wisdom in them.
Proverbs 31
Epilogue: The Wife of Noble Character
10 [b]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
*BibleGateway
God loves you and if you are not feeling so great today because it seems like everyone is having fun on this Mother’s Day. It is not about the day, it is about what you do each day that counts. We celebrate moms, dad moms, moms who adopt, step moms, pet moms, those who influence are lives, those who are mothering and mentoring. We comfort those who have lost a child, those who are having difficulty with adopting, those who are estranged from their children, those who are having interferences in having kids; peace and comfort to you.
Remember you are not alone and that God is for you.
Psalm 23:4,6
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. … Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”
II Corinthians1:3
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.”
Lord have mercy! There has been so much that has been said this past week about the Shea Moisture controversial ad.
Taking a look at it now after all the words have been said.
If you haven’t been online and seen the ad here it is below.
What are your thoughts?
My first reaction to the video was this is going to be a video about hair stories and how women have conquered their hair hate. I saw one woman of color tell her story of being teased for the kind of hair she had; and then gaining acceptance of her hair. I do know her curls were loosely textured. One article said the woman in the ad was multi-racial. Maybe, I do not know. Heck, my curls are the same texture and my parents were not two different ethnicities. Then the video cut to two caucasian women, one who briefly talk about hair color and the other one not knowing what to do with her hair.
Will Shea Moisture be carrying a hair coloring line?
I am like, hmmmm…
I have been using Shea Moisture products for a couple of years now. The company wanted to expand its market to include women of all colors who have hair issues. I think diversifying their products is a great idea. However, I believe that this ad did not portray what the Shea Moisture company wanted it to convey. The first model was the only one holding the product. There is no mention of what products the other models used or how they used the products or what Shea Moisture meant to them. Simply put, it was bad editing of a much larger story that was not included in the final product. Take a look at the video below that was released one month before the controversial video aired. This video include good editing and is a good example of hair stories and conquering them. This video was on their Youtube channel and is dated March 28, 2017.
I have heard that the Shea moisture products ingredients have changed; but in this video the owner says that they have not. Take a look at this video below that features an interview where the owner addresses the controversy, how the company is looking to expand its market ,and talks about the products themselves.
I have noticed that some people are talking about Shea Moisture but have not used any of the products. There is freedom of speech and everyone can have an opinion.
I wanted to share an image of the Shea Moisture hair products in my closet.
Shea Moisture Hair Products
1 jar Shea Moisture Yucca & Baobab Anti-Breakage Masque
1 jar Shea Moisture Raw Shea Butter Deep Treatment Masque w/Sea Kelp & Argan Oil
1 jar Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Curl Curl Enhancing Smoothie w/ Silk Protein & Neem Oil Thick, Curly Hair – Using this up and probably will not be purchasing because I am starting to make my own cream.
2 jars of Shea Moisture Jamaican Black Castor Oi Strengthen, Grow & Restore Leave-in Conditioner w/Shea Butter, Peppermint & Keratin
1 container of Shea Moisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Restorative Conditioner w/Sea Kelp, Argan Oil, & Shea Butter for Dry, Damaged hair (Almost all gone)
1 Spritzer of Shea moisture Tahitian Noni & Monoi Smooth & Repair High Shine Glosser w/ Keratin, Peptides, and Botanical Extracts
1 Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus KIDS Extra Moisturizer Detangler w/Slippery & Marshmallow Extracts
Shea Moisture has a full line of products that are not only hair care products. I actually have more Bath and Beauty products in my closet. The bubble baths, the hand and body scrubs, and the soaps are a regular part of my bath regime. I even like to mix the bubble bath scents.
Shea Moisture Bath and Body Products
1 bar of Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Shea Butter Soap
1 bar of Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus dry oil mist
1 bar of Shea Moisture Coconut & Hibiscus Bath, Body & Massage oil
1 Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Energizing Bubble Bath & Body Wash
1 Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Energizing Body Lotion
1 Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex Bath, Body & Massage oil w/ Mango Butter & Green Coffee Bean Extract
1 Shea Moisture Fruit Fusion Energizing Hand & Body Scrub
1 Shea Moisture Lavender & Wild Orchid Bubble Bath & Body Wash w/ Shea Butter
1 Shea Moisture Raw Shea & Cupuacu Daily Defense Bubble Bath & Body Wash w/ Passiflora & Pistachio Oils
1 Shea Moisture Raw Shea & Cupuacu Daily Defense Hand & Body Scrub w/ Passiflora & Pistachio Oils
1 Shea Moisture Argan Oil & Raw Shea Dry oil mist w/ Frankincense & Myrrh
There has been a lot of talk about the company that now owns and partners with Shea Moisture, but I am not talking about that company in this post ( It’s a lot about them online) because the Owner and Founder Richelieu Dennis is still answering to the mission and brand of the company. Dennis (Shea Moisture) offered an apology that was on its Instagram page. Please read below. It comes across as sincere.
Will I stop using Shea Moisture products? No. This promotion has been going on since March, I think this was just bad editing of a much larger campaign by the company. Please take a look at the full campaign here –> EverybodyGetsLove
I do not use many of Shea Moisture hair products because everything is not 100% natural. I really like the leave-in, but it is not 100% natural. Instead I have been looking into making my own leave-in.
Let me know your thoughts about the ad. Has your opinion of Shea Moisture changed since this ad aired? Do you even use any Shea Moisture products? Will you continue to use the products in the future? It will be interesting to see what Shea Moisture next campaign ad will be in the coming months.
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.
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