by | Feb 16, 2014 | Accessories, Fashion, Inspirations |
Hello Elegant Readers!
Thank you for stopping by my lovely boutique blog.
Sit back, relax and enjoy.
All I hear around me is talk about the weather.
It’s snowing? It’s raining? It’s a wintry mix? Is it spring yet?
I will get to the outfit post;
but first I wanted to offer a little food for thought.
Thank you God for protecting me, leading me and guiding me. Each day I want to be better, do better. I heard a saying that many of you have heard that quitters never win and winners never quit. I don’t ever want to give up on my dreams, goals and aspirations in life. This last two weeks have been like a whirlwind; but praise God He is still on the throne. My goal is to seek Him more and more each day. I looked at this scripture from my Joyce Meyer calendar
Proverbs 18:20
A man’s [moral] self shall be filled with the fruit of his mouth; and with the consequence of his words
he must be satisfied [whether good or evil].
So I declare that I will do my best to purpose to speak positive words from my mouth. Is it easy?
No way. Do I have what I say? Yes. Speak Life!
My outfit that I wore to work or church is so fun and carefree. It brightens the darkest of days. My boots were a recent purchase from HSN that I got at a real good deal. The Joan Boyce “Emily” Sequined Boot with Faux Fur Lining retailed for $69.90 but I bought them for a whopping price of $24.95 (with free shipping). I am not one to usually be shy when it comes to what I wear; but these boots were shining bright like I need to wear shades. Well you know me, so I wore them to church. Way cool! Not only are they an eye catcher, but the boots are also very warm and cozy. I received so many compliments on these boots that it was like they had there on fan following.
Another bonus is the shoes have a side zip and a rubber sole with great traction.
This outfit was a bit of this and that, pulled together. I purchased the ribbed turtleneck from Macy’s last year. The skirt was gifted to me from Lettuce Stitch Skirts, I am linking its Facebook page because its site is not active. My Dooney and Bourke Vacheeta leather handbag has become one of my favorites. My two-year-old burgundy tights from Marshalls coordinated and finished the look. It all came together and Vinny, my sweet doggie, is my trusty photo buddy.
My necklace is from the Missouri History Museum gift shop. I liked the different textures used in the necklace. Textures of metal, crystals, crochet yarn, glass beads, pearls and a timepiece.
I wear bracelets every day, it finishes my look. I am giving another cudo to the Missouri History Museum gift shop.
I bought this silver cameo bracelet about three years ago and I got such a good deal on it.
My watch is a must every day. I collect watches and this one is a ceramic Isaac Mizrahi watch. It is so versatile and has become a classic on my accessory list. The sterling silver cuff is is by Judith Ripka. The gold Jacqueline Kennedy bracelet was an wedding anniversary gift from my hubby. I love this bracelet so much that I will be doing a future post about it.
I mentioned that we should speak life. This latest video from Tobymac really speaks loud about how we should treat each other.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0[/youtube]
by | Feb 12, 2014 | Fitness |
The Full Body Workout You Need to Start Doing NOW
The winter Olympic games are among us and as we see one chiseled athlete after another competing at what they do best it makes me want to reiterate to the fitness community what it really takes to have well defined muscles and slim waistline. I see one fitness blogger after another writing workout plans that tell you do hit the weights and do three sets of legs on one day, and three sets of another body part on another day. The truth is getting a chiseled body doesn’t come with spending 15 minutes working out one or two body parts a day in the gym. Aside from eating healthy, you need to stimulate all the muscles in your body 3 times a week. A full body workout is especially useful for you 8-5ers who sit in an office all day waiting for that time you get to go to the gym to release energy. Follow my 3 day full body workout routine below to ensure you hit all the right muscle groups in the right sequence.
Each workout should take 45 minutes to complete; if it takes longer then you’re waiting too long in between sets. There is a science behind both the rep count and the order of the exercises. If at all possible, don’t change the order of the exercises. On the last rep of each set, you should be struggling to lift the weight, if you didn’t struggle, increase the weight the next set. I know what you’re thinking, if I am doing a high volume of reps, shouldn’t I lift lighter weights? Typically yes, but this isn’t your typical routine. This routine will change the appearance of your body by hitting all the muscle groups HARD for the entire week. After three exercises you will drop 5 Strength Stack bodyweight fitness cards. This will keep your heart rate up and stimulate even more muscle growth. Do this routine for one month and you’ll notice a difference in your physique.
The Olympic Champion 3 Day/Week Full Body Workout
Monday
| Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
| Squat |
3 |
15 |
| Leg curl |
3 |
12 |
| Bench press |
3 |
15 |
| Draw 5 Strength Stack 52 cards |
| Pull up |
3 |
12 |
| Upright row |
2 |
12 |
| Barbell shrug |
2 |
12 |
| Draw 5 Strength Stack 52 cards |
| Skull crusher |
2 |
12 |
| Barbell curl |
2 |
12 |
| Ab exercise |
2 |
25 |
Wednesday
| Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
| Deadlift |
3 |
15 |
| Leg extension |
3 |
12 |
| Calf raise |
2 |
12 |
| Draw 5 Strength Stack 52 cards |
| Bench press |
3 |
15 |
| Military press |
3 |
15 |
| Tricep extension |
2 |
12 |
| Draw 5 Strength Stack 52 cards |
| Concentration curl |
2 |
12 |
| Lat pulldowns |
2 |
12 |
| Ab exercise |
2 |
25 |
Friday
| Exercise |
Sets |
Reps |
| Leg Press |
3 |
15 |
| Deadlift |
3 |
15 |
| Barbell row |
2 |
12 |
| Draw 5 Strength Stack 52 cards |
| Incline press |
3 |
15 |
| Side lateral raise |
2 |
12 |
| Close grip bench press |
2 |
12 |
| Draw 5 Strength Stack 52 cards |
| Cable bicep curls |
2 |
12 |
| Shrug |
2 |
12 |
| Ab exercise |
2 |
25 |
This article was written by fitness expert Sergeant Michael Volkin. Check out his Periodic Table of Bodyweight Exercises infograph.
by JTwisdom | Feb 2, 2014 | Fashion |
Okay, so my efforts to have the Downton Abbey recap up the next day has gotten delayed again this week. My schedule did not allow me to get this post ready on Monday evening; but nevertheless, I have push onward and now I have the chance to write my recap.
This year’s season of Downton Abbey is a much different than the previous seasons. There is no major historical event occurring to wrap the plot around. In previous years, we watched as the First World War took center stage and it was easy for the writers develop a plot around such a major historical event. In this season, the plot is more focused on personal stories and events in the characters lives. It allows for a greater development of the characters that we have loved since the first season or a chance to get to know the new ones. At first, I was unsure how this would be work, but the plot line and the writing has been excellent. By the 1920s, Europe and especially Great Britain, saw an extraordinary change in the political and social scene. Season Four of Downton Abbey has masterfully portrayed that change.
www.pbs.org
Observations and Thoughts about Episode Four
Anna continues to withdraw herself from Bates and refuses to tell him what is wrong. Learning that Mrs. Hughes knows what has happened, Bates threatens to leave Downton if she does not tell him the truth. Mrs. Hughes tells him, leaving out that it was Green, Gillingham’s valet, who was the one responsible for the vicious act. Once Anna knows that Bates knows, their relationship starts to slowly reconcile. Anna does not want Bates to know that it was Green who attacked her.
Alfred travels to London for the first time to take the chef’s test at the Ritz Hotel. His cooking creating have been a hit with the family, but unfortunately he does not finish in the top four. He returns to Downton.
Mr. Drewe, one of the oldest tenants of Downton, has died. He had not been able to pay his taxes in many years. Prior to his death, Lady Mary threatened to foreclose on his property and get it back so it can be profitable once again. Mr. Drewe’s son wants to continue farming the land and he pleads with Lord Grantham to find a way to do it. Lord Grantham agrees to pay the back taxes and allow him to work on the land. Lady Mary and Branson find out what has happened and do not agree with it.
Technology continues to make its way into Downton. Baxter, the new lady’s maid, is using an electric sewing machine, and Cora wants to purchase a refrigerator for the kitchen, much to the displeasure of Mrs. Pattmore. Mrs. Pattmore continues to struggle with these new items and feels that they are unnecessary. But Mrs. Pattmore sees the benefit of the sewing machine when she rips her smock and needs it fixed in a hurry.
Questions for Episode Five
Will Bates pursue finding out who attacked Anna? Will he find out that it was Green? If he finds out the full truth, how will he react? Will Anna and Bates be able to have the same relationship as they did prior to the event.
Will Alfred continue with his desire to be a chef? Or will he give up on it all together? Who will be there for him to encourage him with his dreams and goals?
What new appliance or technological item will be introduced at Downton? Will Downton keep up with the change times? Or will it continue to be caught up its past, expecting things to stay the same?
How will the changing tide of the working class effect the way Downton does business? How will Downton be able become self-sufficient as it has for the last one hundred years? Will there be other parts of the land be sold off in order for Downton to maintain its operations? Will Lady Mary and her father come into an agreement on the best way for this work?
by JTwisdom | Jan 26, 2014 | From the Heart |
Okay, so my Downtown Abbey post is a little late. The Day After Downton post was supposed to be up and ready the day after. But last Sunday, my wife and I attended the Winter Jam concert and missed Downton Abbey all together. So instead of watching it Sunday night, we did not get an opportunity to watch it until Monday night. And then my scheduled filled up the rest of the week. And finally today, I am getting a chance to sit down and write my thoughts about Episode Three.
www.pbs.org
Thoughts / Observations for Episode Three
Anna refuses to tell Bates, or anyone else except Mrs. Hughes, what has happened to her. Bates is earnestly trying to find out; and Anna is avoiding him at every opportunity. She has even requested to move back in the Abbey and way from Bates. Anna does not want Bates to know what has happened to her because she fears that he will seek revenge on Green.
Lady Mary is moving forward in her role as executor of the Downton Abbey. She travels to London to meet with tax advisors to find out what can be done about the death tax. While in London, she meets up with Gillingham at the request of her mother and Lady Rosiland. Their relationship takes the fast track and by the end of the episode, Gillingham asks Lady Mary to marry him, despite being engaged to another woman.
Edna is trying to manipulate Branson into a relationship with her. After spending the night in his room, Edna asks Branson if she would marry her if she was pregnant. Not knowing what to do, Branson turns to Mrs. Hughes for advice. Mrs. Hughes calls Edna’s bluff and dismisses her from Downton. Branson is relieved and Edna leaves in disgust.
Alfred, upset that he cannot get move forward with a relationship with Ivy, has set his sights on attending cooking school and learning to be a chef.
While in London, Sir John Bullock invites Lady Mary, Lady Rosiland, Lady Rose, Branson, and Gillingham go out for the evening to the Lotus Club, a jazz club. While at the club, Sir John is dancing with Lady Rose. Sir John leaves Lady Rose alone on the dance floor while he runs away, in a drunken stupor. Jack Ross, the African American band member, leaves the stage and comes to Lady Rose and finishes the dance with her. The family is observing Jack dancing with Lady Rose and gives disapproving looks to her. Branson comes over to Lady Rose, telling it was time to go.
Lady Edith and Gregson move forward with their relationship as Gregson get ready to leave for Germany. They spend the night together in London to the disapproval of Lady Rosiland.
Questions for Episode Four
With Anna moved back in the Abbey, how will this effect her relationship with Bates. Will Bates find out what has happened? Will Mrs. Hughes be forced to tell him or the family what has happened? Will Green be at Downton more often since Gillingham wants to marry Lady Mary.
Will Lady Mary give an answer to Gillingham? Will she wait until she has fully grieved for Matthew? How long will it that? Will there be other men who arrive at Downton who will try to get involved with Lady Mary, knowing that she is again a single lady.
Having escaped the lusts of Edna, will Branson get himself together and accept his role in the family? Will he work with Lord Grantham and Lady Mary to run the estate or will he run away all together and start a new life, maybe back in Ireland or maybe in America?
Will Alfred get the chance to go to London to train as a chef? Will he finally end his quest to get Ivy? Is this the last we see of Alfred?
Being a person of color, how will the family react to Jack if he tries to anything with Lady Rose? Will such a relationship further break down the barriers that have been created by the aristocratic family?
How will being in Germany affect Gregson? Will he get caught up in the German politics in any way? Will he just be there long enough to officially divorce his wife? Will he return to London? Things seem to be going to good for Lady Edith right now, considering her history will men and relationships.
by JTwisdom | Jan 20, 2014 | From the Heart, Inspirations, Music |
Ten musical acts, one pastor.
Five hours of ministry, one mission.
The Winter Jam 2014 tour stormed into the Gateway City last night and left the 18,000 concert-goers with a message of hope for the future and God’s enduring love.
Billed as one of the largest concert tours of the year, now in it’s 19th year, Winter Jam features many of today’s biggest and newest acts in the Christian music scene. I had not been to many Christian concerts. However, when our friends Eugene and Roxanne invited us, we immediately jumped at the opportunity when we saw that the performer list included Newsboys, Lecrae, Plumb and Newsong. By going to the concert, we were introduced to Derek Minor, Everfound, Love & the Outcome, Colton Dixon, Thousand Foot Krutch, and Tenth Avenue North. It was mixture of hip-hop, rap, pop, rock and heavy metal. Not your typical mixture of musical acts, but than again, this not your typical concert.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wE8l3lhhh8g[/youtube]
It was awesome to see, in total, ten musical acts take to the stage during the five-hour event. Each act took to the stage and performed between fifteen and thirty minutes. Keep in mind that this was much more than a concert with chart-topping singles and Grammy-winning performers. The artists and their music will pull you in. However, when the artists share with you their message about how important God is in their lives and how He has changed their life, you know that this is much more than a concert. It is an opportunity for you to see and to experience that same joy and peace of knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ. The performers offered their testimonies on what brought them to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Pastor Nick Hill also gave a brief lesson on The Prodigal Son, coming to Christ and ministered salvation. People stood up all over the hall, accepting Christ in their lives.
What an awesome and beautiful sight to see!
Lecrae
Another blessing, concert goers had an opportunity to learn more about Holt International, an organization that helps families adopt needy in foreign countries for over 60 years. They also provide sponsorship a child in a bridge program that prepares the child for adoption. The bridge program allows you to sponsor a child for $30 a month, which will help if the child with necessary surgeries or shots before the adoption is finalized. Holt’s motto is, “every child deserves a home”. It was special to see a local family who was brought on stage to share about how they adopted six children. Holt International had volunteers at the Winter Jam concert. If you would like be a Holt International volunteer please check out its site. To learn more about adopting a child or helping a child by sponsoring a child through the bridge program please click on HoltInternational.
Plumb takes to the stage.
Concert organizers want to make the event available to as many people as possible. So, instead of charging a high price tag, tickets were only ten dollars, payable at the door and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. VIP tickets can also be purchased prior to the show. There are two levels of VIP tickets, one for the individual rate ($50) and one for the group rate ($40). With a VIP ticket, you get a concert ticket, a T-shirt, access to the hall an hour before it is open to the genera public with first-choice of seating, and a question-and-answer session with some of the performers. A third option is available for ($30), if you do not want a T-shirt.
I would recommend that you consider the VIP (Jam Nation) ticket if you are planning to attend a future Winter Jam concert, for a couple of reasons. 1) You have your own red-carpet entrance into the hall and you can avoid standing in the general admission lines. We arrived an hour and a half before the start time and there were already at least a thousand or more people waiting. 2) You can get into the hall early and not have to wait outside, especially now if you are in a winter weather climate. 3) If you are planning to purchase a T-shirt at the show, the price already includes one for you. 4) You get early access to the merchandise tables if you would like to purchase additional T-shirts and CDs.
One insider tip if you have a VIP ticket for a future show: you will want to find out where the VIP entrance is. When we arrived at the concert and parked in the garage and walked towards the hall, lines were forming all around the building. However, we saw no signs that indicated where we needed to go. We stood in a line thinking it was for all of the VIP ticket-holders. However, as the line started to move and as we got closer towards the entrance, some people were being moved into another line and the VIP entrance came into view; and we got in with no problem. As we entered in and were checked in, security checked our bags to made sure that we did not bring any food or cameras into the building. We picked up our T-shirts and lanyards because we purchase a last minute pass online. We found a great seat and settled in. It was only a little after four o’clock. And the general admission ticket people would be coming in for another 45 minutes.
Paying a little extra was well worth it.
JT enjoying the concert!
Jay helping with the offering near the end of the concert.
The Winter Jam 2014 is just getting underway and will be on the road until at least the end of March. Check here for tour dates and time of the shows in your area. If the tour is coming to a city near you, you don’t want to miss it.
Follow!