by | Jan 10, 2014 | Fashion, Review |
Hi Elegant Readers,

Snow January 2014
There has been lots of snow here in the Lou, as well as other parts of the country. Beautiful; but people have to learn how to drive on the roads and slow down. A total of 1o.6 inches of snow with wind chills down to minus twenty-five degrees. I am one of those peculiar people who enjoy snow and I play in it with my hubby and the doggies. However, when it gets down to the minus temps, you cannot be outside for too long and the doggies feet get cold.
If I want to feel refreshed and get going one part of my regime is to eat healthy, take the vitamins that my doctors recommend and exercise regularly.

EXCELEROL
I was recently asked to try EXCELEROL. On the box product description says, “Your decision to start using EXCELEROL demonstrates your superior cognitive potential. The product is $48.69 on Amazon.com. By maintaining a proper diet, exercising regularly and supplementing with high potency ingredients as those found in EXCELEROL; you may dramatically increase your chances of success. This product has been specifically formulated to support focus, memory, concentration and alertness.
This past year, especially October through December, I was going non-stop to Christmas program rehearsals at my church. I was intrigued with the thoughts of increased focus and concentration. I was willing to try the 15-day supply.
At the time I started taking the Liquid Vcaps my hubby and I would work a full day, come home to get a quick bite to eat and then back out for Christmas Rehearsals. The Christmas production and Christmas crew at church have been having steady rehearsals since October. It was every Friday and then towards the actual day of the program we would rehearse Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It snowed the weekend of the event; so it was rescheduled for the following Sunday. This meant that we had another set of rehearsals that were for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. In addition, we had to be at church at 7:30am Sunday morning on the day of the program. I was taking the Liquid Vcaps the whole time.

Sound board
After Christmas program over, I felt like I had been going non-stop because I am also involved my other activities at my church. I felt sinus symptoms on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day, I was dealing with a head cold and it knocked me out. Thank the Lord that even though I was feeling symptoms I was able to enjoy the holidays. It was so nice to have some calm time and rejuvenate.
Accelerated Intelligence, the company who make these capsules, claim that the pill will increase your thinking process. I think I have been on point and very alert. It’s so important to pin-point cues, and note changes. My position for the Christmas program was working in the Audio Booth. In the past I have been working in the Computer Room; but this time it was Audio. In the audio ministry, the crew and I have to be on point and always alert to observe cues. During the Christmas program portions of the script may change, music needs to be shortened. For example, there was a puppet scene where the kids arms were getting tired from puppet dancing. My audio assistant head and I have to go in our music software to shorten the music. Voice overs need to be shortened or two speaking parts need to be merged together. All this involves a great deal of thinking, detail, coordination and preciseness. I felt alert and ready for the show.
The capsules contain:
Located on the box.
- Powerful ingredients
- Liquid suspension technology
- Standardized extracts
- High potency
- Contains botanical sources of caffeine
- Vcap 100% vegetarian capsules
Ingredients
Green Tea, Black Tea & White Tea
Guarana & Kola Nut
Huperzine
Ginko Biloba
Rhodiola
Vinpocetine
Citicoline
Acetyl L_Camitine
PS (Phosphatidylserine)
AGPC (Alpha0Glyceryl Phosphonyl Choline)
L – Tyrosine
DMAE
30 Liquid Vcaps 845mg Dietary Supplement
Take 2 Liquid Vcaps per day
If you have any questions about any of the ingredients, please check with your doctor before taking this dietary supplement.
I have only taken the product for 15 days. I think that although I have seen more alertness I need to take more of the supplement to see what the long-term benefits are of the product.
Disclaimer
I am not giving any medical advice, this is a review of a product that was sent to me to give my honest opinion.
Again, please check with your doctor regarding taking any kind of supplement. You are held responsible for checking with your doctor and Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com will not be held responsible if you have any kind of reactions to this product.
by | Jan 6, 2014 | Fashion |
Good Afternoon Elegant Readers:
Downton Abbey is back with the Season Four premiere last night on PBS. My hubby and I have been watching since the beginning, following the Crawley Family who live at their English country estate during the 1910s and early 1920s. I so much enjoy period movies and television shows, like Downton Abbey. For me, watching Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice; and Manor House is a great way to spend a cold snowy day like it is today. With temperatures topping out at only zero today, I love to stay in the house, curl up with a warm blanket and watch a good movie filled with elegant women and sophisticated men.

PBS.org
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrYTZMYQdEA[/youtube]
In the first three seasons, we have watched as Lord Grantham struggled keep his family in order and his estate in the family. We watched the on-and-off again love story of Matthew and Mary, the struggle for Edith to find love, and the untimely death of Lady Sybil.
Season Four begins six months after the tragic end of Season Three, when Matthew dies in automobile accident soon after the birth of his new-born son, George. We see that Lady Mary is deep in grief and is struggling to be a mother her son. A nanny has been hired to care for Lady Mary’s and Lady Sybil’s babies. Lady Rose is now at Downton; but is living a free-spirited, non-aristocratic life. Mrs. O’Brien has left to pursue another lady’s maid job. Mr. Mosley is struggling to find work now that he is not needed after the death of Matthew. Anna and Bates continue being happy in their marriage now that Bates is out of prison.
[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBYQUlYp4EI[/youtube]
Some of the interesting things I found from last night’s episode:
* Lord Grantham continues to struggle to manage the estate as the death tax imposed on the death of Matthew has once again thrown the Downton into peril. Branson is working with the Lord to keep the estate moving forward.
* Mrs. O’Brien was gone. She was such a mean and evil person, especially with her relationship with Mr. Barrow. That relationship was quite twisted. But I still liked watching her because she added so much to the plots twists and turns.
* Lady Edith rekindles her relationship with a married man, who is determined to divorce his insane wife for Edith, even if it means leaving England and going to Germany.
* The new nanny did not last too long. When Mrs. Crawley overheard her call Lady Sybil’s baby a ‘cross breed’, I felt like I wanted to jump out of my bed and slap her real good but I kept my cool.
* Mr. Barrow is still pure evil, but I give it to him that he was right about the new nanny.
Questions remain as I wait for Episode Two.
* Who is the new Downton heir, now that Matthew has died? Is it his son, George or his wife, Lady Mary? The consensus is that it is Lady Mary. But how will she work with her father in running the estate?
* Will Lady Mary be able to let go of her grief to be able to love again?
* How will the new lady’s maid work out? Since she had previously worked at Downton and was trying to have an affair with Branson, will she try to pursue him again? Will she try to get the family turn against Anna?
Interesting that Branson can only confide in the Carson and Mrs. Hughes and cannot be real with the family?
* Will Lady Rose continue her unruly antics and cause more problems for Downton?
If you missed last night’s premiere, you can watch it by clicking here.

by | Jan 4, 2014 | Blogging / Technology |
Happy New Year Elegant Readers!
I pray that 2014 is the best and that you are showered with much joy, happiness and prosperity. I cherish you for taking the time to read my blog and hugs to all of you!
The case is so slim-lined and easy to maneuver. It has a very modern designed stand that works well for desktops, dressers or tables.

Labato gave me the opportunity to try out a stand for my iPad3 and also included a screen protector. I decided to try it out with me working out with the Zumba app (see I am in the lower right hand corner working out with Beto).

The Labato stand is great if I am working out, I can use it watching videos and movies that I have downloaded to the iPAD. I can also use the stand if I am working at my desk and I am listening to music via one of the many Internet radio stations or music apps.
The Labato stand can be bought from Amazon by clicking here!

Keep it moving.
Here is a view of me working out with the Labato case on my dresser.

I have been recuperating from a head cold. I have not worked out much over the holidays because I had not been feeling 100%, but praise God I am getting better. My hubby and I are extending the Christmas holiday for a little while longer. The tree will stay up and the decorations will not come down until the end of the month. For me, Christmas is not just about the day; but it is a season of joy and happiness that should be extended into the new year.


by | Dec 29, 2013 | Accessories, Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers,
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday and soon to be 2014!
I have a student guest writer on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace this week. These are not necessarily the views or opinions of Bubbling with Elegance and Grace; but I wanted to give my guest writer an opportunity to have an open discussion for her class assignment.
Brooke is originally from New Jersey. Now she is a in her senior year at Boston University, this article was written for her online marketing class which is a requirement for her Communications degree. Upon graduation Brooke would love the opportunity to stay in Boston and work at one of the major PR firms that is located downtown.
When it comes to maintaining a youthful appearance, women try everything and anything to keep themselves looking young. For years, women have relied on creams, home remedies, and even cosmetic surgery to revitalize and maintain a fresh looking appearance. Following a daily routine that makes you feel good about yourself is healthy and can definitely help you maintain your youth, however, there are other avenues women can explore that will effortlessly and instantly turn back the hands of time. Incorporating certain jewelry styles into your existing collection is a fabulous way to rejuvenate your over-all look and make you feel like a spring chicken! There’s no need to spend your money on Botox, because all you need is a boost in the bling department.
Less is More!
This doesn’t mean middle aged women should run to their nearest tattoo and piercing shop and get the nose ring they dreamed of when they were 18, no! This does, however, mean that women who are more mature can still jazz up their style with classic and modern jewelry trends. One thing I’ve noticed about some older women is they sometimes wear bulky or gaudy jewelry, especially to formal events.
This is a big no-no! Adding too much jewelry to your ensemble will make you look like you’re trying way too hard. Instead of wearing huge chandelier earrings with a matching ring, necklace, and bracelet, keep things simple. Let’s get down to the facts, as we age our skin ages with us. After years of wearing large or heavy earrings, some women’s ears have lost elasticity and wearing heavy earrings only accentuates this.

Giorgio Castielli – email: michael.castielli (at) gmail.com (Creative Commons Free License).
Rather than wearing big earrings that look painful and unattractive, opt for lighter stud earrings or smaller hoop earrings. These earring styles look classy, chic, and take years off of you! If you want daytime earrings, opt for plain metal ones. If you’re dressing up for a special event, there are several fancy options out there that will still make you look timeless and elegant. I love these silver puffed hoop earrings from Kohls.com because they are classy, perfect for women of all ages and fit for any occasion. These are small enough to wear in the day, but when paired with a simple necklace, could add the perfect amount of sparkle to your evening look.
Bibs: Not Just for Babies
![By Syuli noire (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Fashion_Jewelry_Necklace.jpg)
By Syuli noire (Own work) [CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Another fantastic accessory I think makes any woman look young and fabulous, are short statement necklaces. This style necklace rests higher up on the décolletage, bringing light to your face. If you prefer wearing high-collared shirts or blouses, this necklace sits at a perfect length and really adds some stylish flair to your look. A statement necklace that sits higher up on the neck is also a fantastic way to cover up ageing skin. If you have sun damage or sagging skin on and around your neck, you may not want to be overly exposed when you wear certain necklines. Adding a larger statement necklace will cover up any imperfections you don’t like, and make you look chic! If you’ve never tried wearing a bib necklace, I highly suggest trying this black teardrop bib necklace from forever21.com. This piece is perfect because it can easily match with many outfits, and it’s not too pricey. If you feel it’s not for you, you won’t regret spending a lot on it. I’ve seen women of all ages wearing statement necklaces and I think they all look age-appropriate and fashionable.
Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!
Now, you may not be in your 20’s any longer, but you may also not be in your 50’s so you still want to have a little fun here and there and try out some funky pieces of jewelry. Personally, I think any and all facial piercings should be out of the question once a woman is in her late 20’s. Unless you work in an environment where facial piercings are prevalent, this look may not be as professional as employers may like.

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AToe_ring2.jpg
If you’re a daring diva who wants to mix up her style with a youthful piece of jewelry, I think toe rings are the perfect go-to! This accessory is perfect for warm weather months, especially since most of us are in sandals the majority of this time. I think too often, women forget that they can have fun and dress up their feet. Why not show off that pedicure a little more and add some cute foot jewelry to highlight your little piggies?! I love the cutetoe rings featured on emitations.com because they are fun, fashionable, and affordable. They offer simple ones that are great for everyone, as well as unique charm options for the playful fashionistas out there. Personally, I think of toe rings as being a young accessory that older women can add back into their jewelry collection. Celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston have been spotted around with fancy foot hardware, and I think it looks cute!
When it comes to fashion and style, it’s important for women to dress comfortably and choose items that are age appropriate. Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with jewelry and accessories. The trick to always looking your best is choosing the right items and topping it all off with confidence. There’s no need to spend a lot either to make you look younger. Dressing to your body type and pairing classy accessories will make you look young and fresh, no matter the occasion.
Do you have any tips that weren’t covered in this article? Please let me know down below in the comments section!
This post is linked up with NOT DEAD YET STYLE!
by | Dec 25, 2013 | Music |
Hi Elegant Readers,
To the left! To the Left!

Beyoncé Concert
St. Louis had snow and ice; but that was not going to prevent fans from coming out to see the Queen herself.
Just on the cusp of the release of her new album on iTunes Thursday night, Beyoncé stopped in St. Louis on Saturday, December 14, 2013.
Going to the concert, my hubby and I had to walk with caution because of the ice.
Prior to the show, music was being played over the speakers, and some of the fans were getting their groove on.
One of the songs played was “Wobble Baby Wobble Baby”. A man sitting a few seats below us, who looked like he could be my grandfather, came out of the aisle and started shaking and putting his foot on the railing and causing a humongous stir with the audience. Then the crowd began looking above us and I could see a man is getting down, doing the splits. Mind you, the show had not started yet, but we got a pre- show of moves.
The opening act was Luke James, who actually danced in Beyonce’s video for “Who Runs The World Girls!” He sung his hits “I Want You” and “You Belong To Me”. He incorporated samples of Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up,” and Michael Jackson’s, ‘The Way You Make Me Feel” into his thirty-minute musical set. He has a good vocal range and was a hit with the ladies when he took off his shirt off.

JT enjoying the Beyonce concert
After James finished up and a quick set change, Beyoncé hit the stage accompanied with back-up singers and dancers. About 17,000 fans packed the Scottrade Arena and the first song was “Who Run The World (Girls)!” She and her dancers did her signature moves to the song of empowerment.
She said to the fans, “You all look really fly tonight.”
She asked the crowd to say,
“Hey Ms. Carter” and the fans obliged.
She followed with “End of Time” and “If I Were a Boy.”
“Get Me Bodied” is one of my favorites because I can work that song. My hubby and I attended the 2007 World Experience Tour in St. Louis and she used the same choreography as before. The difference was they she had the Les Twins performing with her throughout the show and they had a solo dance performance on Why Don’t You Love Me.” You got the feel that this was definitely a greatest hits tour.
There were several mini movie vignettes before and during the concert. The movies during the concert allowed Beyonce to go off stage and change in a new outfit for the next part of the show
Some highlights:
One video talked about Chime for Change, which is a charity that Beyoncé co-founded with Salma Hayek.
Another movie clip showed Beyoncé talking about how she wanted her new album to be visual and she wanted to put it out there when she wanted to.
I have been rehearsing for a Christmas Program at my church. I did not know that she had released a new album the day before so I was going in really fresh and clean. There was rumor of an album but didn’t know when it was going to drop. Surprise to me!
Her hubby JayZ released his last album, Holy Grail, in the same manner; releasing it to Samsung fans before it moved out to the masses. Good marketing tool. It was somewhat of a surprise; but this still was a tool to get the word out. It works well for iTunes too.
She asked for the audience to follow her moves for XO and this was an important week for her. The audience was getting first listen of the song live. That was the only song that she sung from her new album. I was thinking she might have sung a little bit more from her new material but oh well! You can only ask so much.
Fans call Beyoncé a Queen; however she really puts it out there that she wants to be known as one. Some snippets from the earlier released video, “Bow Down,” showed the crown on her head and standing before the thrown with her sepulcher. The royal court and jester were also in attendance with a little twerking going on.
The show also had Beyoncé on a mechanism that had her fly above the fans to the other side where the B stage was located. The Blue cat suit she had own was very pretty and vibrant. She sung Love On Top, Survivor and Irreplaceable. The fans were doing a real good job on Love On Top. The fans were seeing and Beyoncé came in on the chorus and said, “Oops I messed up y’all sounded beautiful. Sopranos in the house!” St. Louis sounded good.
After that she got on the mechanism and fly across the crowd to the main stage. She sang Crazy in Love, Single Ladies and did the choreographed dances moves with the other dancers from the video, new song XO and Halo. She sang one new song from the album. Oh well!
It was done. She thanked the band, dancers, her backup singers the Mamas that include St. Louis’s own Monica Cooper, and the Les Twins dancers. She thanked the crowd for coming out in the cold and snow.
The show in St. Louis was an hour and 45 minutes. When the FIN came on the screens it was done. She’s introducing the band? That’s it? No finale?
Beyoncé rolled through St. Louis and will be on her way to Ontario, Canada.

JT and her hubby on their way home after the concert.

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