by | Sep 14, 2014 | Fashion, From the Heart, Inspirations |
Hi Elegant Readers,
My hubby and I celebrated 15 years of marriage on September 11th! We are celebrating the whole month.
Wow, 15 years makes me reflect to my wedding day filled with joy and happiness.
JT and Hubby Wedding
The rings
This is my daddy and I on my wedding day, he was putting a penny in my shoe for good blessings.
JT and Daddy
My hubby and I celebrated this past week with an awesome road trip. We just got back and I’m getting back to blogging again. We will be writing about the trip to the Southwest, so check back soon for those posts.
I wanted to see what my wedding dress looked like and how it fit after all these years. I pulled it out of the closet and I tried it on. My dress did not cost thousands of dollars; but to me it looked like it did.
My dress was designed by Alfred Angelo, exclusively for JC Penney’s. I was dealing with some physical and medical challenges at the time, causing me to gain weight that I was not able to control.
I know gaining about fifty pounds is not what I wanted when I got married; however I dealt with it and conquered it.
On the day of the wedding, the dress fit me exact. It did not need to be taken in or hemmed.
However, 15 years later, the sleeves are baggy and the wedding dress is loose on me now and hangs.
Side view Wedding Dress
This is a back view of the dress and it’s beautiful, but it looks so different on me now. I decided to wear a cream-colored dress.
When you looked at it up close, you can tell that it is cream. But in all of the photographs, it looks white.
My daddy stepped on my dress after the ceremony was finished. I thought at the time that he had ripped the fabric where I couldn’t reattach the bustle to the back of the dress.
When I tried it on, I found out that the dress wasn’t ripped at all. But, my maid of honor did not attach the train correctly after I walked down the church steps.
I attached the train correctly in the photo.
I thought this wedding dress was haute couture with all the bead work and detailing from the sleeves to the hem.
Back view
JT wedding dress
Here’s an up close look of the detail in the bead work; exquisite I must say.
Closeup of detail
My hubby and I planned our wedding and we were on a budget. However, I still wanted it to be a wonderful day of celebration. I still look at the dress and marvel at how beautiful it is with all the beadwork and lace.
Beadwork and Lace Detail
by | Sep 2, 2014 | From the Heart |
Hi Bubbling Readers,
Blessings to you and your family!
I have found that some of my friends are caring for their parents or have loved ones who live independently in their own homes.
This is a very emotional topic for me. My Dad and I took care of my mother in our home while she was battling an illness. We always tried to look for ways that she could be more independent at home. We lived in a bungalow-style, one-level home; so she did not have to go up or down stairs. This made it convenient for her to move around. However, she would need me or my daddy to help her to step in and out of the tub. It would have been ideal to have had a walk in tub from Premier Care Bathing.
Premier Care Bathing
From my experience of taking care of my mother; and then later my Dad, it is so important to make sure there is ease of movement in the home.
I wanted to share with you five tips for your parents to regain their independence in the home if they are dealing with mobility and accessibility issues. Many at-home accidents occur in the bathroom. With the right bathroom configuration and design, that risk can be greatly reduced.
1. Never make your parents feel like a child. Your mother and father will appreciate what you are doing for them if you love them and show them respect and care for them with dignity.
2. See what obstacles your parents might have in their home and find out how they can overcome them. Some times the parent may not know that they are having challenges with everyday tasks. So, it is important for you to observe the situation and take action if necessary. If it is difficult for your parents to get in the tub or shower, a good alternative is a walk-in tub.
Premier Care is a company that really helps with offering ease of getting in and out of the tub and they also offer a free home assessment. Contact Premier Care for more details!
3. Confidence and Independence – For your parent, freedom to take that bath anytime they want is independence beyond measure. It can boost their confidence if they have struggled with the fear of staying by themselves. It is peace of mind, no only for the parent, but also for you if you do not live close by and checking in on them is not easy to do.
4. Security – Being able to safely get in and out of the tub on your own can provide peace of mind for both you and your loved one. A secure home environment that is designed for mobility issues can be just what is needed keep your loved one living in that home. Premier Care has several different bathroom design options available to meet your needs and your budget.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0Z-McOI8io[/youtube]
5. Comfort and Ease – It is such a relief to know that your loved one does not need to have any assistance while in the bathroom. To be able to get in the bathtub or shower on their is an empowering thing. Premier Care can make it happen for you and your loved one.
Premier Care Bathing
Premier Care has 25 years experience and they make sure that selecting the walk-in tub for your home is exactly the way you want it.
“Although there is a growing number of manufacturers that try to create a comparable tub, none of them have the 25 years of experience and development that Premier has utilized to perfect this life-changing product. Most other walk-in tub companies cut corners on quality and service in order to offer a lower price. Many also re-sell shoddy imitation baths that are manufactured in China.
If you are looking for the best, highest quality, most reliable walk-in bath that’s made by hand in the USA, there’s only one place to turn to: Premier Care in Bathing!” Premier Bath
If you are in a situation where you feel you or your loved ones may have to make a decision whether your parents may have to go into assisted living facility or a nursing home. Wait!
There are options out there where your parents can stay in their own home and be independent.
Thank you Premier Care for Sponsoring today’s post, the honest opinions are my own.
by | Sep 1, 2014 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hi Elegant Readers,
Pray you are having an awesome Labor Day holiday weekend. I have been battling a summer cold, however I am feeling better, thank the Lord. Plenty of tea and cough syrup!
I am super excited to tell you about the Lotus Seed Mala that I was gifted by Romell, founder and designer of Karma Mantra.
I was contacted by Romell, who asked me if I would like to try a piece of jewelry from his website, Karma Mantra. I had not heard of Karma Mantra before, so I was intrigued and went exploring on the website.
The design variations and styles of jewelry styles are available for both women and men.
I always enjoy reading the about page to know the story behind the designs.
Here’s an excerpt from the Karma Mantra About Page:
“Karma Mantra’s entire line is a collection of hand-selected gems acquired from designer Romell Bhaala’s global journeys. Additionally, Romell uses the experiences of his travels to inspire new one-of-a-kind creations. Each item is the culmination of a powerful past shaping a transcendent future.”
It was extremely hard to select a piece that I liked, so I suggested a few of my favorites and was ready to be surprised.
My package came in the mail and when I opened the envelope, this is what was inside.
A beautiful Lotus Seed Mala and a sweet card inside that said, “JT, hope this was everything you expected and more! Peace & Love, Alexa”
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Karma Mantra package
The Lotus Seed Necklace Mala retails for $24.99 on Karma Mantra’s website.
Product Description
“This beautiful Lotus Seed mala is one of the most beautiful and powerful looking malas carried by Karma Mantra. Wear the beautiful Lotus Seed Japa Mala around your neck or hold it in your hand during your meditation practice to us the Lotus seeds as healing. Like the Lotus flower which takes its roots in muddy depths and blossom into a beautiful flower, let the Lotus Seed Mala remind you of your inner beauty. Let your soul root itself within difficulties and grow above them with beauty and compassion. With each bead over 12mm, this mala tends to be a mala used for meditation, kirtan or for someone wanting to take their Japa practice to the next level. Please Note: This Mala is very long, and can be worn long or wrapped around as a necklace/multiple stack bracelet. ” Karma Mantra
Lotus Seed Mala Styled by JTwisdom
I respect that some use the Lotus Seed Mala for meditation, kirtan or Japa, however I am wearing the Mala as a necklace styled with fashion apparel.
In the picture the necklace is styled with a very bright and bold dress that I constantly get compliments on. In the photo below, the Mala is wrapped twice around the neck in a short and long style.
Lotus Seed Mala
Karma Mantra
I wanted to show that the necklace is very long and can be worn many different ways, the style is up to you. I layered the Mala with my jasper heart leather cord necklace for dimensional effect.
Karma Mantra Lotus Seed Mala
The beads are soft and really accentuated my embroidered blouse.
Lotus Seed Mala
Karma Mantra
The beads flow so well and feel very secure. When I wore this blouse, the Lotus Seed Mala did not feel weighty at all. It was great.
Lotus Seed Mala
Karma Mantra
Another way I styled the necklace was with a casual blue striped blouse. The look was so relaxing and cool. The shape of the beads remind me of large freshwater pearls. I keep talking about the shape because the beads are so comfortable.
Lotus Seed Mala with Blue Striped Blouse
This is four-season jewelry that can be worn no matter what the temperature is outside. The necklace can work with a blouse, dress, or turtleneck.
Post coming soon showing how to style the Mala for fall and winter.
Thank you Romell and everyone at Karma Mantra for giving me the opportunity to style the Lotus Seed Mala.
To see the Lotus Seed Mala and other pieces of jewelry please visit Karma Mantra.
Much love!
Disclaimer: JTwisdom was given this beautiful piece of jewelry as a gift. The honest opinions are her own.
by | Aug 21, 2014 | Fashion |
Hi Elegant readers,
JT in Infinite Tee
The Super Moon was out recently and it was a fascinating sight to see. I have to tell you about a great opportunity I recently had to review the most beautiful tee.
The Super Moon
Designer Camilla Olson recently contacted me to try “The Infinite Tee.” I have collaborated with Camilla in the past on a dress, so I know her work is fabulous. I anxiously waited to receive it and give it a try. I received the tee in less than two weeks and when I received the package in the mail it came with a 5×7 illustration card showing different ways to wear the Tee.
There are so many ways The Infinite Tee can be worn that the ideas are endless.
I stepped outside of the box and put the tee over of my sleeveless dresses. The silk tee is very comfortable and a great layering piece.
On the Camilla Olson website, the description of The Infinite Tee
The Infinite Tee is definitely more than just a Tee. Self blocking around the bra line removes uncertainty of appropriateness. The slight accent of the double layer is surprisingly eye catching because of the perfect encircling around your torso. Wear it with or without a bra, with a tank and jacket, or anything in between. We think this is the most versatile piece in our collection and guess you’ll agree it is more than just a Tee. Each purchase includes a 5″ x 7″ illustrated card on ways to wear the Infinite Tee. (www.CamillaOlson.com)
JT Styling the Infinite Tee
Details of the Infinite Tee are:
100% silk chiffon, imported
5 1/2″ self fabric double layer serves as a pseudo bandeau
Gentle slit at the front neck, adds interest and lengthens the face and torso.
French seam finish on all seams
Pin hem
25″ from shoulder to front hem. (size XS)
36″ diameter at the hem (size XS)
Sizes XS – XL Dry clean or hand wash cold.
This tee is effortless. I feel odd calling this a tee because it feels and looks so luxurious. The tee works so well under a blazer or with your favorite jeans. The style choices are endless with this tee.
I paired the Tee with printed design, wide-leg pants and it flowed effortlessly. Tee is cool and great for hot days because the fabric is breathable. I really like how the print of the pants shows through silk fabric. I could wear this outfit to work, church, shopping, traveling and more.
JT in Infinite tee with printed pant
I paired the tee with a maxi skirt. Tee highlighted the colors in the skirt.
JT pairing Infinite Tee with maxi skirt
The styles are endless. What a versatile luxurious tee that will work in my wardrobe all year long.
Thank you Camilla Olson for giving me the opportunity to style this tee.
* JT was allowed to keep the Tee, the review is her honest opinion. *
by | Aug 17, 2014 | From the Heart, Inspirations |
Hello Elegant Readers,
PEACE FOR FERGUSON!
The death of a young man. The protests and the riots!
The fire, the tear gas, the theft, the looting!
Stop! Stop! Stop!
The world is watching St. Louis, Missouri. Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is saddened even more by these events because they are happening in my hometown.
Yes, I am a Missourian and the world has all of its eyes on my state, specifically the small community of Ferguson, a suburban municipality in north St. Louis County.
My prayers go out to the family of Michael Brown. I intercede for peace and comfort flowing to them, In Jesus Name.
Should prayers go out to the Police Officer and his family? Some would say no; but he has a family and prayer goes out to the Ferguson police officers and all who are involved in the investigation.
All Police Officers are not bad cops and they need prayer.
I am saddened by the looting, the violence and the rioting. This is no way to honor Michael Brown and his family.
QuikTrip in Ferguson
Peace! Father God, I speak peace over Ferguson and St. Louis, Right Now! In the Name of Jesus.
Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency for the second night in Ferguson. The looting and rioting had not stopped. When the name of the police officer was named and the video of the convenience store was released on Friday, the looting flared up again.
Ferguson is a family-oriented and friendly community. I have friends who live in Ferguson. I shop in Ferguson. My husband and I shop often at the Sam’s, the Ross’ and the Walmart that had been looted. We would buy gas at the QuikTrip that was destroyed.
The shooting of Michael Brown that occurred last Sunday is on the eastern edge of Ferguson. With a population of 21,000 people, Ferguson is quite large and spread out. The community is known for its railroad history and its large Victorian style homes and tree-lined streets.
I have heard comments like, I didn’t know Ferguson was so black. Answer: Ferguson is 33 percent white, so Ferguson is not all black.
Who cares? Everyone does.
Listen! a mother and father have lost their son.
People who are not even a part of the Ferguson community our destroying businesses in the community. Destroying a property will not bring Michael Brown back.
What now?
Christian rapper, Lacrae made a statement on his Facebook page and I totally agree.
Lacrae’s Facebook page
We have to be mentors for our youth. Yes, looting and theft is bad, but now what?
St. Louis, Missouri has great organizations that mentor youth to want to do more and be more.
Such as:
Herbert Hoover Boys’ and Girls’ Club
“The mission of the Boys of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL) is to inspire and enable youth ages 6 to 18 to realize their full potential as productive , responsible and caring citizens.”
Mathew Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club
“Today, the Club serves more than 40,000 young men and women, ages 5-18, throughout the St. Louis-metropolitan area. The Club also serves as a meeting center for various community, social and business organizations and as an outreach resource center for troubled youth.”
Big Brothers and Big Sisters
“…But, there are also an estimated 100,000 children in Eastern Missouri who are in serious need of a Big Brother or Big Sister. Who are these children? They are children who face multiple challenges. Many live in poverty, come from single parent households, have a parent behind bars and struggle with their academic performance. These children need extra support and encouragement. They need you, me… us!”
If you are not able to volunteer for any of these organizations, being a mentor can start with your family, your nieces and nephews, Godchildren, at your church, your children’s school, your neighborhood, there are endless ways to make a lasting positive impact on a child.
PEACE
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness.
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
2nd Corinthians 10:1-5, Ephesians 6:10-13
“Believers remember indeed we war not after the flesh, but after the SPIRIT, so we must stay in the SPIRIT, to FIGHT this war.” Corey Williams
We have to look in the mirror; change starts with us.
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