by | Feb 15, 2016 | Travels |
If you want to enjoy a holiday for two, whether it is a weekend retreat or honeymoon destination there are several great places to consider visiting as a couple. Consider a few of these hotspots for couples the next time you are planning a trip for two and want to make the most out of your holiday together. When considering a getaway you should always go on hotel comparison sites to check you are getting a good price on your accommodation.
Malta
British tourists love this destination, and with just cause. The smaller island of Gozo is similar to the Maltese islands, and feels like an undiscovered territory as not too many travelers are familiar with it. From Malta, Gozo is a 20 minute ferry ride away, yet feels like thousands of miles away. From renting a private villa for two, to staying in an all inclusive resort hotel, you are sure to enjoy this holiday retreat destination.
Caribbean
St. Martin to be exact is one of the nicest, most exotic island retreats to consider. Le Galion beach is a must visit destination when traveling, ferry rides, and destinations like Pinel island are sure to make for an exotic, romantic trip which you aren’t soon to forget.
Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is another one of the most beautiful, exotic beach retreats you can possibly visit when choosing a romantic holiday retreat for two. Crystal blue waters, Bavaro Beach, golfing destinations, and all inclusive resorts are found on nearly every corner of the amazing island retreat. Although there are dozens of worldwide retreats and destinations for you to consider visiting, for those who want romantic, and exotic tied into one, you can’t go wrong with any of these destinations. Regardless of what time of the year you are planning on taking this holiday retreat for two, the great weather, clear waterways, and amazing views are sure to make for an exceptional holiday getaway for two anytime.
by | Feb 12, 2016 | Around the Home, Giveaway |
Hi Beautiful People,
After the holidays the house may seem a little bare; but don’t despair. Creative ideas can start to flourish and inspire in many different ways. I like to change a style of bed linens, add a afghan to a chair or new curtains to add a spice of flair to a room. I also enjoy designing my bedroom with lots of pillows because I think it provides an elegant and warm look. Before you know it, that little bare space will be a sweet haven of tranquility.
I’m joining Katherines Corner for her newest giveaway.
This month’s giveaway is sponsored by Katherines Corner, Simple Nature Decor
and some sweet bloggy friends.
One winner will receive a copy of the book The Inspired Room and $200 Cash ( via Paypal)
The cash prize is provided by Katherine, Maria and some wonderful bloggy friends
Katherine – Katherines Corner
Maria – Simple Nature Decor
Laura – Not A Trophy Wife
Angel – Sew Crafty Angel
Nina – Vintage Mamas Cottage
Olivia – Reinvented Collection
Kat – Inspiration Can Be Found Everywhere
Megan – VMG206
Christine – I Dig Pinterest
Diane – Mamal Diane Keeping Life Simple
Tamaki – Bubbling With Elegance and Grace
Angie – Gods Growing Garden
Darren – Oh My Heartsie Girl
Marilyn – Marilyns Treats
Vanessa – DIY180
Just log into the entry form using your email address or Facebook and get started.
Enter one, or all of the entries. The Giveaway ENDS March 6th!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
by | Feb 6, 2016 | From the Heart |
Hello Beautiful People!
I pray your week has been great. February is upon us and during this month of Valentine’s Day; I wanted to write a few posts that focus on marriage. My hubby and I have been married for sixteen and a half years; and while we do not claim to be marriage experts, we wanted to share some of our moments that make our marriage special.
Saturday morning breakfast is one of those special times for us. We start our weekend with great breakfast and great conversation. We typically stay up late on Friday night, so we sleep a little later than usual. By the time we get up, we are ready to eat and start our day.
My hubby is the chef in the house and he makes the breakfast for us. Depending on our cravings and how hungry we are, we may have a mushroom and spinach omelet and a bagel with peanut butter; or possibly a bowl of granola and fresh fruit; or even a mixed berry smoothie with protein powder. While we are eating, we start to plan our weekend. My hubby may be off to work or off to get his hair cut and run a few errands. Either way, we want to make sure we start the day together. If he is not heading off to work or getting his hair cut, breakfast can last for an hour or more. We talk about what we want to accomplish for the day; whether it is cleaning the house, completing other around-the-house tasks, or exercising.We also want to plan time to read from our Bible Reading Plan; practice the piano, or if we are planning to go church in the evening. The conversation is not just about completing these tasks. We talk about what is on our mind. It may be related to our jobs, or the message that our pastor is teaching on at Church; or the current book we are reading. Sometimes the conversation is light-hearted and filled with many laughs, while other times it is serious and filled with a cry or two. Either way, it is a great opportunity for us to enjoy some quiet time with each other; without any distractions from the outside world. In a world that can be hectic at times, it is wonderful to have this time together so that we can draw closer and enjoy each other. I cherish this time we have together.
All the while we are eating, planning, talking, laughing and / or crying, I am having a cup of hot tea. Hot tea has been a part of my life for a long while. Before my hubby and I were married, my daddy would bring a cup of tea before I went to bed at night. And now, my hubby has carried on that tradition. I will have a cup before bed, but I will also get a cup in the morning with my breakfast. At night, I enjoy tea that will help me relax and unwind. But in the morning, I will go for a tea that will energize my day; like Japanese Matcha Green Tea by Matcha Organics. This tea taste very soft and smooth and provides so many health benefits. It will give me a boost if I am planning to exercise or will help me stay mentally sharp if I am planning to finish some house work. It is filled with so many antioxidants that I like drinking it for all that it does for my body.
JT enjoying a cup of Japanese Matcha Green Tea while having breakfast with her hubby.
No breakfast would be complete without our puppies joining us. Gio and Vinny are close at hand whenever we are eating. They have their specific spot. Gio is under the table, while Vinny is next to the table. Gio is a smaller dog that acts like he is a big dog. And Vinny is a big dog that acts like he is a smaller dog. If my hubby and I are eating early, they will be getting breakfast after we finish ours. So here, they are trying to remain patient as we finish our meal.
Gio (the Beagle) and Vinny (the Collie) waiting for their breakfast, as we eat, talk, plan and enjoy the company of each other.
Saturday morning breakfast is a special time for my hubby and I because it allows us to connect and draw closer together. Every married couple needs a time like this in order for their marriage to flourish and prosper. If you and your spouse have a time like this, tell us what it is in the comments section below. We would love to hear about it.
DISCLAIMER:
Bubbling With Elegance And Grace purchased the Japanese Matcha Green Tea at a discounted price in order to write this review. We received no monetary compensation and all opinions are strictly our own.
by | Jan 31, 2016 | Beauty, Review |
Hello Beautiful People!
Wow! It was a whopping 65 degrees today. It is important during this time of year to keep moisturized.
I want to make sure that my skin is moisturized but firm. A mask is a good way to keep the moisture and give you that youthful glow. Everyone wants to look younger and what better way to feel refreshed and energized then going through an invasive procedure. We recently had an opportunity to try a clay mask and exfoliating scrub from Valentia which can be purchased from Amazon. It retails for $54.99 but the Amazon price is $25.00
Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask:
– Draws out impurities
– Improves skin tone
– Reduces pore size
– Firms and strengthens skin
Valencia Skin Detoxifying Mask
How to get that moisturized glow?
1. Wash your face with your favorite cleanser or scrub. I used Valentia Eternal Exfoliating Scrub with Green and White teas. The scrub smells great and has olive butter, avocado butter and kukui butter.I used a small amount and rubbed the scrub with my fingertips in a circular motion on my face and rinsed with warm water.
The scrub:
Brightens skin
Improves skin tone
Softens the skin
Prevents breakouts
2. Dry your face with a dry cloth and start
3. Apply the mask onto dry skin for 15-30 minutes avoiding the eye area
4. Rinse with warm water with a damp cloth
Key Ingredients:
CoQ10:Responsible for cell production in the human body. CoQ10 lessens the appearance of wrinkles by reducing free radical damage and stimulating health collagen production.
Hibiscus and Cranberry Fibers: Both lend their anti-aging properties to firm and reinforce the skin,helping to reduce the creation of new wrinkles.
Astaxanhin: A powerful antioxidant that repairs collagen production combats free radical damage, and restores skin to elastic, bright and wrinkle free tones and textures.
Kaolin Clay: Known for its detoxifying powers, clay minerals draw out impurities, improve skin tone, and tighten pores for smoother firmer skin.
Plant Stem Cells: This French developed constituent naturally decreases the level of pro-agingtoxins working to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and improve eveness.
Spurulina: A botanical stimulant full of vitamins and minerals that hydrates the skins surface and contributes to tissue regeneration of the skin.
I recommend both of these products because I can feel the scrub and the clay working on my skin. I would use both products twice a week.
DISCLAIMER:
This post is a review for Valentia Skin Detoxifying Clay Mask and Valentia Eternal Youth Exfoliating Scrub. Bubbling With Elegance and Grace received these products at a discounted price to review. We received no monetary compensations to write this review and all opinions are our own honest opinions.
by | Jan 30, 2016 | Music |
Hello Beautiful People,
I pray that you are having a wonderful day!
My hubby and I attended the Andy Mineo concert last October. Mineo kicked off his first-ever headlining tour, called The Uncomfortable Tour, which just so happened to be at our Church. In the photo below, you see people lining up, waiting for the doors open for the VIP session. With a VIP ticket, you paid an additional fee. This allowed you to get in early and be a part of the pre-concert festivities and also included a tour T-shirt and poster.
In line for the Andy Mineo concert
I first saw Mineo, a Christian Rap Artist, opening for Lecrae in early in 2015. Christian music has gone mainstream over the last few years; but some people still have not warmed up to the idea of Christian rap music. I myself was in the same situation. I did not consider myself a rap fan. But after hearing Mineo and Lecrae, and truing listening to their lyrics, I changed my view. Mineo’s sound is straight forward and deep. His rap does not sugar coat and hits you straight in the eyes. The lyrics are deep and will make you think about the message he is delivering.
With a VIP ticket, we also had a Q and A session with Mineo, where he talked with the crowd and answered questions. He was very down to earth, did some free style rap, and walked around the room and shook hands and took selfies with some of the concertgoers.
Andy Mineo Q/A before concert
The VIP tickets did not have assigned seats. You could seat were ever you wanted to sit. It was a first come, first serve format.
Propaganda, pictured below, was one of the pre-concert guests. I had not heard his music prior to the concert. He songs say so much. They make you think about and makes you focus on what matters the most. I really enjoyed his music and his poetic rap. I have now added his music to playlist. SPZRKT (pronounced “Spazzy Rocket”) served as the opening act.
Propaganda in Concert
Mineo’s Uncomfortable album is filled with heartfelt lyrics that will make you stop and think about the message. The album appeals to Christians and the mainstream crowd. I must admit, I didn’t listen to a lot of rap before, but since this album was released, I have been listening to it regularly and I know almost all the lyrics to every song. The lyrics have messages that build you up and will not tear you down or make you feel degraded.
Listen to the Lyric Uncomfortable video below.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2W1KT8xXaN8[/youtube]
I saw fathers with their daughters taking pictures during the concert with their phones. His songs appeals to all ages.
Uncomfortable Album Songlist
1. Uncomfortable
2. Uptown
3. Now I Know
4. Desperados (feat. Mali Music)
5. Hear My Heart
6. David’s Roof
7. Rat Race (feat. Jon Bellion)
8. Know That’s Right
9. Vendetta
10. Ghost
11. Love
12. Strange Motions (feat. Willow Stephens)
13. Make Me a Believer (feat. Mac Powell)
This song is so deep and makes you think about examining your life and doing a reality check.
Excerpt Lyrics to Uncomfortable
“Uncomfortable”
“God prepare me for the war
Comfort be the thing that’ll make a king fall
Eyes on the Lord, gotta grip that blade of the sword
Tell me how you plan on gettin’ swole if you don’t ever get sore (hold up)
They say, “Andy, this ain’t music for your core”
If they jumpin’ ship now, they was never on board
I got enemies, man they wanna see me on the floor
I got frenemies, couldn’t even tell you who they are
If you’re not driven by the mission, you’ll be driven by the cars
Focused on what you been gettin’ more than becomin’ who you are
I tried to point ’em to the Son, but why they callin’ me a star?
Who woulda thought we set they minds free with these bars?
In this game, in this biz
Want the fame, want get rich
Comfort, everybody wantin’ it
Never knew I could be lost in this
This my sophomore, gotta go hard
When the show over, no encore
I got enough but I want more, want more!”
This is not your typical Christian album and if rap doesn’t appeal to you, that’s okay. There is a message and it may appeal to your teenager, young adult or someone who doesn’t know Jesus as there Lord and Savior. Don’t be critical because just because different music will appeal to different people.
This just in, a Part Two of the Uncomfortable Tour has been announced beginning in late March and running through May.
If you get a chance to go, let us know what you think of the concert.
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