by | May 3, 2015 | Pets |
The summer is nearly here people! I’m sure you have lots of exciting events lined up with all your family and friends. But when you come to planning your summer activities don’t forget to factor in the most fun and most summer lovin’ thing in your life; your pooch! Dogs adore the summer just as much as we do. They love the warm weather, the fresh air, the beautiful smells and all the interesting sights of nature.
Do you want to spend lots of time with your bestest furry friend this summer? Take a look at some of the fun things I am planning to do with my dogs and please feel free to contribute or take any ideas!
Gio
1) A day at the beach. We must all agree that going to the beach is an essential activity for every summer? What makes this occasion SO much more fun is when you go with your dog. They just love the big open space to run around in, the chance to splash around in the water and it’s like one big digging pit for them! Remember to take along a stick and ball to heighten the fun and plenty of water and an umbrella to keep them hydrated and cool.
2) Go camping. Take the fine weather as an opportunity to get down to nature on an exciting camping trip with family, friends, and your pooch. If you don’t love the outdoors as much as your dog does, you might like to look into “glamping” instead, where you can enjoy the wilderness in luxurious accommodation. As your dog will undoubtedly be keen to investigate your camping location thoroughly, do make sure they up to date with their worming treatment. You may need to pick some up now from http://www.wormers.co.uk/. Also be wary of your dog getting lost or trying to take logs of campfires.
3) Go on a photo shoot. Summer is the most beautiful backdrop for any photograph. So grab your camera and your pooch and head out to scope out some stunning photo opportunities. Of course, you’ll also want to take plenty of selfies of you with your furry companion.
4) Create an adventure course in your backyard. Dogs love running over, under and through obstacles, especially when they know they’ll get a treat and lots of praise for doing so! I am planning on spending a super fun day with my dogs in the garden. I’ll give them plenty of challenges like jumping through hoops, going through tunnels and finding hidden treats in the garden.
5) Get online. Everyone seems to be creating a Facebook or Twitter account for their pets these days. I will have to ask the boys if they feel left out, you may consider creating an account for them where I will post pictures and updates of all their summer adventures!
Vinny
I hope you are very excited about spending lots of time doing fun things with your pooch. Do get in touch if you have any more ideas! Thanks for stopping by!
by | May 3, 2015 | Accessories |
Hi Elegant Readers,
Carlos Falchi Handbag
I enjoy collecting handbags of all kinds because we all have different occasions that sets the tone for a different design but believe it or not, a handbag says a lot about our personality. Besides the ability of carrying all our important belongings and complementing our style, a purse is also the mirror of our character. We spend time comparing different models and in the end we buy the one that suits our look best so obviously a handbag represents an important part of who we are. Do you want to know what your bag says about you? Continue reading.
Clutch Bag
This is one of the most discrete and classy purses around. Women who wear a clutch are very natural and refined. They are always following the latest trends, they like to be well dresses and have a very full social life. Elegance and simplicity are the key qualities of their look.
Shoulder Bag
Dooney and Bourke Croco Satchel
A shoulder bag is very practical, versatile and functional. It has that longer strap that makes it so easy to carry the purse on the shoulder, and to quickly get things out or in. This handbag is excellent for those who lead a very active life style and need a very spacious and comfortable bag that is able to accommodate all their essentials. It says about you that you are very determined, confident and active.
Carlos Falchi Calf hair handbag
Duffle Bag
This was initially a sports bag because it is quite spacious and it can easily carry around one change of clothes and sports apparel. If you are the type of gal that needs to have everything with her when she goes out then this is probably the best option for you. It tells everyone that you are tenacious, full of energy and powerful.
Designer Bag
Women who prefer designer bags are very passionate about luxury, beauty and fashion. They want to always look good and to appear sophisticated and trendy. You always pay attention to the way others perceive you and you use your appearance to impress. This is why you love meeting new people and building new relationships. And let’s not forget that you are very generous with every detail that influences your personal style.
Carlos Falchi Leather Leaf handbag
Replica Bag
Usually, replica bags are very poor imitations of designer bags. This says about you that you love creating a glamorous image for yourself even if this means not paying what it’s really worth, lying and deceiving people. You want to enjoy the pleasures of leaving a rich, classy and luxurious life and you won’t let anything get in your way. You are clearly ambitious; you are able to recognize beauty when you see it and you will definitely fight to achieve it. I long time ago I bought two replica designer handbags and a wallet from a flea market and I said never again because you are taking credit from the designer who originated the piece.
Counterfeit Coach and Louis Vutton Handbags
Bucket Bag
Those who wear a bucket bag are the type of women who have a more practical sense. They are continuously trying to balance their personal life with their profession, and will never accept a compromise. Clearly, these women are flexible, ambitious and communicative.
Dooney & Bourke Bucket design
Backpack Bag
A woman with a backpack is ready for everything, even for taking on the world. This very practical bag allows you to carry all your important things without any setbacks. It is comfortable, functional and practical. It is the perfect option for a confident, bold and independent lady. My dream is to get a leather backpack with or without fringes.
“Promotional Content”
by JTwisdom | May 2, 2015 | Music |
I must Tell The World, Tell The World Everywhere I Go!
Lecrae
I am unashamed to say that my wife and I attended a rap and hip-hop concert earlier this week at the Fabulous Fox Theatre.
The Fabulous Fox
Grammy award-winning rapper Lecrae brought his Anomaly Tour to the Gateway City on April 30, 2015. The three-hour concert, featuring Andy Mineo and DJ Promote, provided uplifting messages of hope and heavy doses of realness.
An anomaly is defined as something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected. Lecrae’s Anomaly 2.0 concert definitely had it’s share of anomalies. Let me see, where shall I begin.
Anomaly #1
I grew up listening to rock-n-roll, heavy metal and even a little country music. For me, rap was not on my playlist. I didn’t even like the music. The most rap that I listened was “Parents Just Don’t Understand!” by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince (Did I just date myself?). But as I have matured, so have my music selections. While I still will listen to some of my favorites, I now also listen to music that has an uplifting message, no matter the genre. Lecrae is currently one of my favorite artists because he delivers a message of overcoming the obstacles that life throws at you.
Lecrae
Anomaly #2
This is the third time in just over a year that my wife and I have seen Lecrae in concert. Last year, we attended our first Winter Jam concert and the Summer Shed concert when they stopped here in Saint Louis; both of which featured Lecrae. Lecrae is now the artist that I have seen in concert the most, more than Def Leppard, Bon Jovi and REO Speedwagon – all of which were bands that I attended concerts while in high school and college.
Lecrae
Anomaly #3
Prior the concert, my wife and I eat dinner with our friends who are also big Lecrae and Andy Mineo fans. Eugene and Roxanne grew up in Los Angeles. Although the LA area is vastly different and much larger than Vienna, MO where I grew up (3.8 million people versus 603 people), we all came together and enjoyed the food, fellowship and then the concert. They were so sweet because they blessed us with dinner. We got to get a picture together next time, enjoying the fellowship. We didn’t get a chance to take a picture this time. They are also true-blue Laker fans (but I won’t hold that against them). We also were able to see our other friends Marc and Peggy and their family.
My wife and I eating dinner at the City Diner before the concert.
Anomaly #4
We purchased our tickets back in February and were able to get awesome seats in Row J — about ten rows from the stage. Considering how costly some concerts can be today, paying only $48 for these tickets was such a great deal. Plus, the fact that the show lasted three hours made it an even better value. Not long ago, when Mrs. Carter had her concert in Saint Louis, we paid almost three times as much, for seats much further from the stage and the show lasted only an hour and a half. Still shaking my head over that one! What was I thinking? (I don’t know!!) You learn.
Anomaly #5
We purchased these tickets as deluxe tickets, which meant we were able to arrive early for a ‘meet and greet’ with Andy Mineo. My prior experiences with VIP tickets that give you an opportunity to meet the band, you will be paying two, three or four hundred dollars a ticket, maybe even more. I never bought VIP tickets because I didn’t want to pay such a high price, but for only $48 – what a deal! People asked Andy questions and he answered them and shook people’s hands as well as ours.
Andy Mineo
After the meet and greet, we purchased a STL Lecrae tour T- shirt and I had to wear it to represent. Pretty nice don’t ya think.
The Anomaly STL T-Shirt in Cardinal Red
Anomaly #6
It was great to see many people attend this concert as a family unit. I saw many parents jamming with there teenaged-children, posing for selfies, taking pictures and having a great time. In my experiences with previous concerts, I usually would see adults, and teenagers, but they did not come together as a family. This concert was different, and it was good to see.
Anomaly #7
When I was growing up, rap and hip hop were considered alternative music and only a small group of people listened to the music. But today, more people accept these genres and the music has moved into the mainstream, so much so that the concert’s demographics surprised me. The audience was very diverse and I can I say, I was there. The concert included a guest appearance from Saint Louis’ own Thi’sl for duet on Lecrae’s hit song, Fakin’.
Lacrae and Thi’sl getting ready to perform Fakin’
Anomaly #8
In all that I have said about the concert, I have not mentioned that Lecrae, Andy Mineo and DJ Promote are Christians and their music promotes strong Christian values. Why? I didn’t want you to have a prejudiced view of Christian rap and hip hop before I talked about the concert. That being said, I believe it is an awesome gift these men bring to the stage. There are some people who would say that Christian rap and hip hop are not true Christian music, almost to the point of being considered ungodly. However, I would disagree. Any music, no matter the style or genre, that has an objective to reach an audience with uplifting words and inspirational messages, and that can tell the world about God and His Son, Jesus Christ, is worth having on your playlist. These three men succeed at making music that achieves this objective.
If had a chance to catch the Anomaly Tour, leave a comment below and let me know what you thought about the show.
Jay and JT at Lacrae Concert
Jay
This post is dedicated to our concert rodees Roxanne and Eugene! Until the next concert.
by | May 2, 2015 | Inspirations, Music |
Hi Beautiful People,
JT going over her piano class session
I enjoy playing on my piano and listening to music. I have to put time on the calendar to practice. I grew up with my mother and father listening to all kinds of music. My mother use to sing jazz when she was in college, so it’s in my blood. I play intermediate piano and now taking a refresher piano-at-home course to sharpen my skills and learn more. I played piano in college and had to do recitals for my final grade. I was a late bloomer, so I had to really focus to learn to play piano and read music. You can learn to play a musical instrument no matter what age because you are never to old to do what you enjoy.
JT studying piano
Recently I’ve read about the many and remarkable benefits that you can get from learning to play a musical instrument. I know I enjoy it and keeps the mind smart and alert. This info has made me want to schedule in a lot more time for playing music! Here are some of the main advantages of learning a musical instrument. I hope you find them as motivating as I have!
It improves your memory
Our memory becomes less and less sharp as we get older. Apparently, because music requires the use of both sides of our brains, it can actually help to improve memory. Considering the amount of times I forget where I’ve left the house or car keys, this is a very appealing benefit for me!
It relieves stress
In modern life, stress gets to us all. But studies have shown that playing a musical instrument can help to reduce the physical and psychological impact of stress. By lowering the blood pressure, this in turn reduces the stress hormone cortisol in your body, leaving you feeling calmer and more peaceful. Bliss!
It is rewarding
And the rewards keep coming too, the more practice you put in and the better you get. Naturally, it’s very challenging as a beginner, but once you get the hang of it and start playing a tune without mistakes, it is so worth it! Playing music for your family and friends and making them smile is another aspect of this hobby that makes it so rewarding.
It is sociable
If you decide to take up guitar lessons, for example, not only might you become friends with your teacher, but also with many other people who play this instrument. This could be within your circle of friends, or through your wider community. You may love it so much that you have regular jamming sessions with friends or join a music group.
It boosts your confidence
All of us suffer moments of low self-esteem. This might be in our personal life, work life or both. But taking up a new hobby and realising that you can do well at it, could help to restore confidence in yourself and your abilities.
It’s great for your CV
Prospective employers will realise that you have many important and useful skills if you let them know that you play a musical instrument. For example discipline, organization, commitment and creativity. I first started playing piano and had never played before and would practice in the study rooms to fine tune my homework so if you really want to learn to play an instrument it can be done.
It helps you to be more patient
Because we can gain access to information so quickly and effortlessly these days, it’s made us all very impatient! When learning a musical instrument, there’s no way of speeding things up, you just have to go as fast as your body and mind will allow. Inevitably, you will make lots and lots of mistakes at the beginning, but the more you practice, the better you will get so it’s all about being patient! Practice, Practice, Practice and more Practice!
As well as these, I also think one of the biggest advantages of a musical hobby is that it’s fun! It gives you the chance to be even more involved in the music you love.
by | Apr 29, 2015 | Pets |
Doggie
As you know if you read my blog regularly, I am a real dog lover. My dogs are a big part of me and my hubby’s life and we always do our very best for them.
My dogs Gio and Vinny are young and full of energy and it’s good to incorporate exercise everyday to increase bone strength.
No matter what age your dog may be, whether they are young or seasoned, with proper care they can have an enjoyable life.
One thing to think about is illness-preventative tips and doggies having a long happy fun-filled life.
One of the most common diseases in older dogs is osteoarthritis. This can be quite sore and painful and can restrict your dogs range of movement.
However, there are plenty of treatments for this condition that will allow your dog to live a happy, pain-free life.
Take your dog to the vet
If you think your dog is suffering from osteoarthritis but he has not yet been diagnosed; the first step is to do is make an appointment to see your vet.
To properly diagnose your dog, your vet may want to take radiographs to see how severe your dog’s condition is. If your dog is diagnosed with osteoarthritis, your vet may suggest starting them on an anti-inflammatory drug, like Metacam. This will help to ease the pain and reduce long-term discomfort, as well as a form of painkillers.
If your dog has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, I feel for you, I really do. It must be incredibly difficult knowing a member of your family is in pain. To help you deal with your dogs condition, I have put together some simple tips below:
Do research
Of course, in most cases your vet does know best. However, vets are often hesitant to suggest trying anything non-medically tested, which is why doing research into your dog’s condition is vital.
As you research treatments for osteoarthritis in dogs, you will notice that there are many natural treatments you could try. One natural treatment option for osteoarthritis in pets is pure aloe vera gel. This is used by people with osteoarthritis, with some amazing results.
Keep your dog active
It might sound strange, seeing as your dog has a painful joint condition, but keeping him exercising is important. Keeping your dog’s muscles strong is important, as good muscle mass can help to make the condition less painful. Just like people who are dealing with arthritis are advised to exercise to keep the bones active.
Obviously, you don’t want to overdo it – running long distances and jumping should be avoided, but taking your dog for a walk or swim is ideal. Instead of taking your dog to the lake, why not book him into a local dog rehabilitation center for a swim? These rehabilitation pools are amazing for helping to keep your dog fit and healthy, without causing problems for the joints. Gently massaging you dog’s legs or back is another good tip that eases the muscles.
With the right care, a dog dealing with osteoarthritis can live a happy, healthy and most importantly, pain-free life.
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