by | Mar 17, 2015 | Accessories, Fashion |
Bubbling Readers,
It’s unseasonably warm in the Lou. The sun is pretty but 83 degrees now. I still weary layers because it is not spring or summer yet.
My hubby and I recently went to a private sale and I purchased a couple of things at some awesome prices. I wanted to show one of my finds which is these awesome mod pants. I was a little apprehensive because I feel that I carry my weight in my hips and I thought that the pants would make my bottom-half look overwhelming. I have to cut myself some slack. My husband tells me that I look great and I have to continue to actually believe it. Long story short, I bought the pants that retailed in the $60 range for only $10. Jump up and down!! The fabric is polyester and I plan to wear these pants year round. It is still winter, so I wore tights with them in the picture below. As I transition into spring, I would wear trouser socks; while in the summer break out the sandals.
The fabric is so cool and it brings a smile on my face.
Mod Fabric
The lesson I learned is that this print doesn’t add bulk or width. It is completely balanced and an eye catcher. I kept it classic on top with a yellow tank and lace cardigan.
MOD COLLAGE
If you have been a little shy about printed pants, please take a chance and try on a pair and see what you think.
by | Mar 9, 2015 | From the Heart, Inspirations |
Addiction!
You may be one of the many people out there who are battling this demon. You may be suffering in private and on your own. Or you may be someone who struggles with the problem in the presence of friends and family. Many times, you do not know that you are in trouble until someone close to you confronts you with it. You may not know where to turn or what to do. All you know is that you need help. The 12 Step Recovery program is an old idea; but it has stuck around throughout the years because it works.
Life is like a flower. Don’t let addiction destroy its beauty!
You must know deep inside that you need to seek help?
First of all, you must admit to the problem. If you deny that the problem exist, how will you be able to overcome it? Without saying you are you battling an addiction and calling it out by name, the problem will only continue to progress into an even bigger issue.
You must also know that the condition has to be treated. No matter what the addiction is, it is not too small or too insignificant not be treated in some manner. Addictions adversely affects your mind, body and spirit. Like other chronic diseases, addiction is a progressive illness, and, if left untreated, it can be fatal.
Finding the right treatment is your key to overcoming any addiction. There is no ‘one size fits all’ theory when it comes to treatment. What works for one person may not be the treatment that works for you. You must take the time and seek out the right one that will work for you.
You must realize that your addiction not only affects you, but also the people who are close to you. You must realize that you are hurting yourself, but also those who are close to you. It can be very emotional and troubling for them to see you struggle to overcome the addiction.
If you make the effort to complete the treatment that you need, the addiction can be successfully defeated. You can recover! Treatment for addiction is not a quick fix; but rather it becomes the platform for stability and engagement in your own recovery, one day at a time.
God’s word is such a comfort and strength to the soul.
This scripture speaks of peace.
Psalm 30: 2 (NIV)
Oh Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me.
It’s easy to say, “Get counseling and it will make it all better!”
Our prayer for you is to get the right counseling.
Information for this post has been provided
by Origins Recovery Center <www.originsrecovery.com>.
by | Mar 7, 2015 | Accessories, Crafting, Fashion |
Hey Elegant Readers,
I have been getting back to crocheting and I decided to make my hubby a new artsy free-form scarf. I had been dealing with a stomach virus last weekend and part of this week. But thankfully, Praise God I am feeling good. My hubby and I made some homemade chicken broth and let my tummy heal with the BRAT method (broth, rice, apple sauce and toast).
Even though I was not feeling 100 percent last weekend, I had to get outside because the snow was falling and it was pretty. This week the snow turned to ice and is now melting. That’s okay because I enjoy all the seasons that God created, especially fall and winter. I know that I am that 1 percent of people who enjoy snow.
To make the scarf, I used the TLC yarn in Fusion. I bought the yarn a while back, but the Fusion color is quite rich and has sheen to it. The scarf is in the shape of a rectangular triangle. I used my imagination to create an unique scarf. I did not count stitches, it was purely freestyle. My mother taught me how to crochet. I will never forget the orange handbag she crochet for my Barbie doll.
My hubby didn’t know I could crochet and was really keeping up with my progress.
I finished the scarf yesterday after spending about two weeks to finish it. Even though I wasn’t feeling well during most of the that time, I tried to spend a little time each day. My hubby really liked it that he modeled the creation for me. I am pretty critically and at first wanted it to be the same length but I didn’t count stitches and hubby kept telling me that he liked the scarf just the way it was so I kept it that way. I even stitched a hole for one end of the scarf to go through but decided to close it up because I decided to go a different creative route.
The scarf really looks good on him and I think this color reminds me of the marsala the pantone color of the year. I used the entire skein and this project gave me some ideas on what I would like to do next. I have some more yarn that I may make another scarf but this time I would count the stitches if I want it more uniform.
Hubby modeling the scarf
This was a great project because I haven’t crocheted in years. It made me feel good that my hubby really took the time to take an interest and wanted to wear one of my creations. Are you a crocheter? Are you a knitter? Let me know what yarn projects have been working on lately;
by | Feb 20, 2015 | Fitness |
For a number of years, we have promised ourselves that we will work hard to get a trim, toned body. But every year, we find a new excuse and avoid it completely. This is not done. We are cheating ourselves. So, this year, let’s promise ourselves and keep the promise too. Here are some tips that will motivate you to be on track.
Get a Trim, Toned Body
Treadmill runs
Well, most of us underestimate the power of the treadmill. However, a ten-minute session on the treadmill can have its benefits. Do cardio or sculpt, but do it. Avoiding treadmill in the gym is a bad decision. Why? Because it helps you warm up and get ready for other exercises in the gym. However, if you are planning to buy a new one for your home, you can buy it at Overstock. Overstock is a reputed store and the prices offered by them are reasonable. However, Overstock coupons can help you get better deals on your purchased items. So, use coupons to get the best deals.
Make a progress chart
If you have a gym membership, ask them about it. They can work on it and make a progress chart for you. At home, you will have to make one for yourself. Progress chart is one that has helped professionals too. So, you can be sure that if you make one and track it daily, your time and efforts will be paid off. Charts can even help you stay motivated. It is like your own fitness card. This chart should have subjects like flexibility, muscle conditioning and cardio.
Fit it into your schedule
To avoid making excuses, you should add it to your schedule. For example, if you know that 8-9 A.M. you have to exercise, don’t have any appointment for that hour. Don’t let anything stop you from exercising during that period.
Look out for toners
Well, at home, we do cannot buy too many things to depend on. So, look out for toners. There are a number of all-in-one toners that are available in the market. This toner works on inner things, butt, legs, back, abs, torso, and arms. Such toners are easy to use. However, you should follow the instructions that are noted on the cover and instruction manual.
Do it properly
Everything is worthless if you are not doing it properly. For example, if you know that you have to complete a cardio session of ten minutes, you should not: Stop in between, Slow down, or Leave it midway. If you have something of that sort in your mind, you will not get a trim, toned body by the end of the year.
Take care of your health
If you do not take care of yourself, you will fall sick regularly. This will affect your routine. So, stay healthy and achieve your goals.
Concluding, these tips should help you get a trim, toned body by the end of the year. Want to share an idea? Post it in the comments.
by | Feb 16, 2015 | Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers,
It has been snowing here in Missouri since last night and and continued throughout most of today. It is very beautiful outside. Watching it snow is so peaceful.
Designer Camilla Olson gave me the opportunity to try her newly designed Modal maxi dress, which retails for $130 on her website. The dress, designed, cut and sewn in the San Francisco Bay Area, is 95% Modal and 5% Spandex. The dress, available in Periwinkle, Soft Olive, Everglade, and Light Gray, is machine washable in cold water.
The maxi dress is super soft, smooth and oh so comfortable. The silhouette is simple and elegant; and works well for a variety of occasions.
I styled the dress three ways for this review.
First of all, I wanted to show you the maxi in all its splendor, without any accessories. The dress glides on the body. The waist is so detailed in its construction that it cinches me in and is very flattering. I have tights on underneath the dress because I did not want to show any lines. It is also winter and I have on wedge boots. I am muscular and the dress is very flattering on my shape. Please make sure you wear a brassiere that smooths you, proper undergarments is a must to me in all clothing.
On a cruise this dress can be rolled up and ready to go. When I went to the Caribbean this would of been perfect.
JT in the Modal Maxi Dress
Secondly, I styled the Modal Maxi Dress for a date night out with the hubby or maybe going to see a play or a concert. Styling the dress with a Guiliana Rancic faux leather jacket, Coach purse and Poetic Justice wedge sandals with tights was a lot of fun and great to look edgy and feel comfortable at the same time.
Modal Maxi Dress Styled With Pink Faux Leather Jacket
Finally, I styled the dress with a play on colors. Loved it!
The Modal Maxi dress, paired with a Bob Mackie jacket and brown Vince Camuto wedge boots work well. The colors are different; but they compliment each other.
JT Modal Maxi and Bob Mackie Jacket
A side view of the dress, so you cansee the side slit.
Side view of Modal Maxi Dress
I have enjoyed styling the Modal Maxi dress and will continue to style it in different ways because it works with so many of my jackets and blouses.
The dress works for all seasons and I can attest to it being a chameleon in my wardrobe.
Thank you Camilla for giving me the opportunity to have such a beautiful Maxi dress. These honest opinions are strictly my own.
Follow!