by | Dec 9, 2013 | From the Heart, Inspirations |
Hi Elegant Readers,
JTwisdom
I was recently given the opportunity to review a book for Faith Village called “Living the Psalms,” by Charles Swindoll.
The book is a devotional that gives encouragement for the daily grind.
I have dreams! I am not unworthy!
However, sometimes I feel I am overweight and look in the mirror and realize I am not twenty anymore.
JT working out.
I run to my Lord and Savior for strength and wisdom. This devotional takes you through a week of thought-provoking questions that need to be answered and involves self examination. Self examination helps keep me in check because I want to live with purpose and in order to live with purpose this is an important key.
The first week sets the stage with The Grind of Compromise: Psalms 1. I read Psalms 1 and was asked the question. What are my priorities in life? This entails soul searching and really makes me look at what I am putting first in my life.
My relationship with Christ has to be first. If He is not first; nothing else will go right in my life.
That means:
1. In order for my marriage to flourish, I have to put God first.
2. In order for me to treat my doggies and family well, I have to put God first in my life.
3. In order for me to be stellar in my career and as a professional blogger, I have to put God first in my life.
4. I have to put God first in every area of my of life.
Swindoll says.
“Compromise occurs when our behavior fails to reflect our priorities. In what ways have you compromised, and how can you get back on track?”
Wow, I get hit right between the eyes with that one. Soul searching time.
The things of life try to take my time away from my relationship with God and I have to rebuke that and cast those imaginations down.
Swindoll’s book makes you look at where you are in life and if you are putting more before God.
I am keeping a notebook because I want to record what I need to work on and any prayers or ideas that come to my mind.
Here’s an excerpt from Youtube on a brief snippet of the book.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noX9LVGxJiw[/youtube]
I recommend this book to anyone who wants to grow deeper in his or her relationship with God. The book stretches you to dive into the word of God.
For me to have an impact I have to walk the walk. Not perfect by no means but growing from day to day because I am a Child of the King.
by | Dec 7, 2013 | Travels |
Hi Elegant readers,
Pray that everyone is having a joyful holiday season.
Mirimichi Golf Course
Visiting Memphis in November was a weekend to remember. My hubby and I had the opportunity to visit the Mirimichi world class golf experience. As a part of the JT Memphis weekend contest, I received two rounds of golf at Justin Timberlake’s Mirimichi Performance Learning Center and Golf Course.
The Mirimichi golf course was named 2013 best golf course in Tennessee on Golfweek magazine’s 2013 Best Courses You Can Play.
I must admit that I have not golfed since high school. I thought to myself, I don’t know how to play golf, however we were interested in taking a tour of the Center and the course.
Well, we were in for a great experience.
Mirimichi Golf Learning and Performance Center
What does Mirimichi mean? When I looked at the brochure, it read.
“What’s in a name? When making this decision, curse founder and world-renowned entertainer Justin Timberlake went back to his roots. “Some of my heritage is Native American. I thought it would be fitting with all the eco-friendly features of the course to find a name that reflects that heritage. Mirimichi means ‘place of happy retreat,’ and that is what the experience at our golf course is all about – a place to enjoy time with family and friends. Come share our Mirimichi.”
The golf course is about 25 minutes from the Peabody hotel where my hubby and I were staying. It was great to see more of what Memphis had to offer. When my hubby turned the corner to go into the golf course it looked so serene and beautiful. The sign that said that Mirimichi is the first Audubon certified gold course in the United States caught my eye because I am all about preserving nature and wildlife.
Also, added bonus Mirimichi is open to the public.
When we parked at the Performance and Learning Center and got out of the Jeep, we were welcomed by Deb Peterson, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Mirimichi. She was very gracious and introduced us to the staff. Justin’s mother had her hand in the decorating of the center and it was really well done.
We were given a brief overview of what each staff person does at Mirimichi and were handed off to Instructor/Assistant Golf professional Bobby Cochran.
He was very nice and really works with the experienced golfer as well as the novice.
JT and Resident Mirimichi golf pro Bobby Cochran
Mirimichi offers a comprehensive swing analysis system, sponsored by Callaway, that determines what kind of equipment you need to be effective on the golf course.
I had some misses but finally hit the ball on my last swing. My hubby hit the ball to register on the screen, so that was a lot of fun.
Bobby showed us how the Callaway system can be used to improve your swing technique.
JT and hubby with Justin Timberlake bag photo op
This game is not easy and your technique plays an important part of your success. The one pic below where Bobby is helping me, I really am not trying to hit him. Ha Ha!
Bobby has great form.
Bobby Cochran showing how to find your form with the proper equipment
Jennifer Jordan, the Lead Golf Instructor, showed us the practice facilities where you can fine tune your swing, all year long. She and the other instructors are on hand to teach anyone how to play golf, whether it is the beginner who never picked up a club before; to the person who wants to improve his or her game.
Practice range
After getting brief overviews of what the facility has to offer from Bobby and Jennifer, it was time to go out on the course. Dustin Green guide gave my hubby and I royal treatment and was so informative.
Tour of the Course
We boarded the cart and proceed to find out more about each of the eighteen holes.
Dustin Green showing me the different types of grass
The land is so beautiful. Dustin showed us the different types of grass and how it stays the different shades of green all year long.
Mirimichi Golf Course
Interesting notes I learned about Mirimichi
- Each hole has a specific Indian name
- All the plants at Mirimichi are native to Tennessee.
Native Plants
- “Mirimichi has state of the art irrigation and drainage systems that recycle rain water and maximize water management efficiency.”
- Mirimichi is not only a golf course but a place that practices eco-friendly, they even have its own plant food. It would be great to see this kind of natural plant food and weed/grass control in the stores. I personally do not like using products with harmful chemicals so it would be good to see more eco-friendly products.
- Mirimichi is Golf Environment Organization (GEO) Certified. This certification is based on sustainability in protecting the land and wildlife.
The deck area overlooking the course was an idea of Justin’s mother, I can see it has a woman’s touch. This is a venue for golfers and non-golfers to enjoy whether it’s a band coming to play for an event or taking a break after a round of golf.
The deck area
Dustin really took time with us out on the course to give us background on each hole. I felt like I have known him for years because he was so personable and really knew his job well.
He really is passionate about his job.
Dustin with award
The Mirimichi Performance and Learning Center and Golf course is a beautiful place to see whether you are a golfer or a non-golfer. You will enjoy it. I know my hubby and I did. Dustin said that he oftens see wild turkeys and deer in the early morning.
One of the views of the lake from the Mirimichi Golf Course
I would like to thank I Love Memphis, Deb, Bobby, Jennifer and Dustin for a wonderful tour of the Mirimichi Center and golf course.
All I can say is the staff is Exceptional!
by | Dec 2, 2013 | Fashion |
Hello Elegant Readers,
My hubby surprised me on our anniversary with a trip to Chicago. Yeah, Chi-town!
We went to see The Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Show Exhibition at the Chicago History Museum. The exhibition opened March 16, 2013 will close May 11, 2014 (UPDATED!).If you are in the area please go see it.
The designs are gorgeous.
Image Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum
Quote from Joy Bivins, Exhibition Curator
“We hope visitors will have the impression of attending an exclusive event that was put together just for them where they will be wowed by fantastic garments and a powerful American story,” said Bivins. “We want them to feel what it was like to attend this spectacular event, and learn about Chicago, American and fashion history in the process.”
I must admit I felt like I was going to a red Carpet event when I walked into the exhibit. The stanchions and carpet made me feel like a queen.
Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair
Excerpt from the Chicago History Museum website
“The Ebony Fashion Fair began in 1958, and over the next 50 years the traveling fashion show blossomed into an American institution that raised millions for charity and helped Johnson Publishing Company reach audiences.
Show organizers overcame racial prejudice to bring the pinnacle of Europe’s premier fashion to communities that were eager to see, in real time and space, a new vision of black America that was the hallmark of Ebony and Jet magazines. Eunice Johnson took over as producer and director in 1963, and under her direction, the traveling show took on new heights as she expanded her cachet and power within fashion circles.”
The exhibition has over 60 garments including designers such as St. Laurent, Oscar de la Renta, Pierre Cardin, Pucci, Christian Lacroix and others. Fashion that is flamboyant and ahead of its time. The fashion show was founded by Eunice Johnson of Johnson Publishing company with her husband. It was neat to find out that Ms. Johnson would go into exclusive couture houses and pick garments for her fashion show and received the utmost respect.
The exhibit looks like it came right off of the runway; highlighting some of the most elaborate, intricately detailed couture garments. In the picture below is a Christian Lacroix ready to wear hooded ensemble, it appeared in Fashion in Love in the Fall/Winter 1998-1999. The garment is made of wool cashmere, synthetic blend thread and fox trim around the hood. I like everything about this outfit, except for me I would have faux fur around the trim of the hood.
Another favorite of mine is the dress in black and metallic by Jean Patou made me look twice. This dress is Haute Couture, fall/winter 1986-1987 in silk satin, synthetic tulle, silk velvet and feathers. It appeared in Fashion Scandal. The hat adds sophistication with flair.
Image Courtesy of the Chicago History Museum
I learned many things about Eunice Johnson and what it took to make this traveling fashion show a success. The models were women of color and it gave inspiration that they can wear those clothes and they can look like that too. Not only did she cross stereotypes; but she made the outfits appeal to women no matter what their size was at the time. Women over the size of 14 want to cute as well. Celebrate your individuality and personality because no one can do it for you. You have to stir up the gift inside of you.
Below is an image of one of my favorite designs. This dress is so avante garde that it works in every way, shape, and form. Over the top describes this dress to me, literally leaves your mouth open. The designer of this cocktail dress is Tilmann Grove, Haute couture, fall/winter 2003-2004. The dress is made of silk chiné-taffeta, horn, plastic and glass beads, horsehair tubing, and plastic boning. The dress appeared in Living It Up, 2004-2005. The model in the catalog has matching bracelets on each arm
I wonder how comfortable this would be at the dinner table? The dress would be a real conversation piece for sure.
Image courtesy of Chicago History Museum
The garments are beautiful and I learned a lot about Eunice Johnson and her husband. If you have a dream, you can achieve it and inspire others to go that extra mile to achieve their dreams.
I watched an interactive inside of the exhibit and I remember a lady saying that when she went to an Ebony Fashion show she realized that she could look like that the model walking down the runway or better.Women could actually get to visualize themselves wearing these clothes and feeling confident.
Sources:
Chicago History Museum Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair exhibition website
Inspiring Beauty: 50 Years of Ebony Fashion Fair by Chicago History Museum Catalog for the Exhibition
by | Nov 25, 2013 | Blogging / Technology |
Hello Elegant Readers,
I actually saw snowflakes in the air today. I love the holiday season. And what better time to get a cool iPad case.
I was asked by Labato to review its iPad case for my iPad 3.
The case is sleek and smooth, and very colorful. My iPad securely snapped right into the case and it stayed in place. It is reassuring that my device will not wiggle around inside the case and that it would not fall out. An iPad is pricey investment, and I want to make sure that it is safe. The Labato case provides that reassurance for me.
Another added benefit is when the flap goes down over your iPad, it immediately shuts off to conserve the energy. Why waste the battery life when I am not using it?
For that on-the-go person, the Labato’s small footprint makes the iPad easy to travel with. In the photograph below, you can see that the case fits easily into my Dooney and Bourke handbag. If carrying an extra bag for your iPad is not an option, then putting this case into your handbag will help you with that.
If you are not using any case for your iPad because you think that cases are too expensive, then this Labato case can provide you with the protection you need at price that you can afford.
It is an economical way add some extra style and color to your iPad.
The Labato iPad case is streamlined, it does not take up a lot of space. It is also budget-friendly and a great way to add a slick look.
Check out the Labato iPad cases at these online retail stores:
Ebay
Amazon
SMT
by | Nov 24, 2013 | Music |
Hi Elegant Readers,
Are you feeling the beat? Snap your fingers.
I’m wearing my suit jacket, suit jacket, let me show you a good thang. Word wrapping in my Suit and Tie remix.
My hubby and I just came back from a whirl-wind trip to Memphis, Tennessee and we enjoyed every minute of it. I recently won a trip to the land of the delta blues to see Justin Timberlake perform in his home town. I entered my article, Take Back The Night With JT In Memphis! in an Alive Magazine/Memphis Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (I Love Memphis) contest back in October and I won. This is so exciting for me because I have never won anything like this before. Alive Magazine created the image below for Bubbling with Elegance and Grace for winning the contest.
http://BubblingwithEleganceandGrace.com wins Memphis trip!
The concert was Monday, November 18 at the FedEx Forum, in the heart of historic downtown Memphis, on Beale Street.
FedEX Forum
The tickets were held for us at the box office. My hubby and I picked up the tickets early so we would not have to wait in line later when we arrived to the concert. The FedEx Forum was conveniently located only two blocks from the Peabody Hotel, where we stayed for two nights. The hotel stay was also a part of the contest package.
I am a Missourian; but on this night I felt like a Memphian because I was in JT’s hometown. Actually, I found out that he grew up in Shelby Forest, just outside of Memphis.
Anyway feast your eyes on the tickets.
Monday, November 18, 2013 Justin Timberlake concert tickets
Our seats were in one of the box suites, more than enough room to dance the night away. We even got to meet the contest winner who won from the drawing. She had her husband with her and they were very nice.
I had not been to an N’SYNC concert or a JT concert; so I was very curious about how this night was going to be.
The pre-show included a DJ mixing tunes and using some #$@&%*! words a couple of times until JT kicked off the show at 9p.m.
When Justin sung Summer Love he said, “Why are y’all sitting down, don’t let me call you out.” Too funny!
JT used some #$@&%*! words here and there throughout the show also.
JT opened the show with a white Tom Ford Tuxedo suit.
His hair is straight and not curly, just like on the cover of the CD. The hairstyle gives JT a mature look and a change. I have seen some who have had curly hair and started wearing their hair straight: Mariah Cary, Taylor Swift to name a couple.
I wonder does he have it flat ironed before the show or has he had his hair chemically straightened? I think about these things because I am curly girl myself.
JT with curly hair photo from:fashionably-early.com
The JT set list below included total songs, partial songs and song covers. Some of the my favorite tunes that were featured at the concert that I workout too are Future Sex/ Love Sounds, Rock Your Body, My Love, TKO, Cry Me A River, Tunnel Vision, Let The Groove In, Cabaret, Take Back The Night which is so Michael Jacksonesque, Suit and Tie and Sexyback. All these songs will make you sweat.
Strawberry Bubblegum is a cool jam and Mirrors was one of those songs you could hold a candle to.
When the crowd heard JT and a couple of his back up singers sing Bell Biv Devoe’s cut Poison, they jumped up high. I could tell this crowd was over 30.
The Memphis Justin Timberlake Set list
Pusher Love Girl /Rock Your Body
Don’t Hold The Wall
Future Sex/ LoveSounds
Like I Love You
My Love
TKO
Strawberry Bubblegum
Summer Love
Lovestoned
Until The End of Time
Cry Me A River
10 Minute Intermission
Only When I Walk Away
True Blood
Drink You Away
Tunnel Vision
Senorita
Let The Groove Get In
That Girl
Heartbreak Hotel (Elvis cover)
Not A Bad Thing
Human Nature (Michael Jackson cover)
What Goes Around…
Cabaret
Take Back The Night
Murder
Poison (Bell Biv Devoe cover)
Suit and Tie
Sexy Back
Mirrors
There was no N’SYNC songs at this show. JT had more than enough music for the night.
My favorite part of the night was when JT sang Let The Groove Get In. During the song a portion of the middle of the stage elevated up and started moved forward to the other side.
JT and the back up singers moved over to the other side of the concert hall to be more up close with the crowd. In Let The Groove Get In, I heard a short cover of some Gloria Estefan and the Sound Machine.
Oh ay Oh ah! Oh ay Oh ah!
JT and the back up singers were moving on that contraption and I didn’t see any safety nets. Yeah baby, having fun now! I noticed that he changed to a black suit and converse like chuckies because he would of been sliding with the dress shoes he had on earlier.
JT and backup singers on moving stage.
This was a cool night my hubby and I enjoyed the JT concert from our box suite. Oh yes we did.
I would like to thank JT, the band’s music director, the 11 or more piece band, 4 back up singers, 6 dancers, audio, sound, roadies, the concert bus driver, everyone because they all were working it hard.
I have to mention everyone.
The concert was 2 hours and 40 minutes with a ten minute intercession.
I would like to thank Alive Magazine and the Memphis Convention and Visitor’s Bureau for the tickets to a show that otherwise my hubby and I would not have been able to attend.
I am humbled and grateful to have this special opportunity.
Let The Groove Get In To YOU!
After the JT concert my hubby and I enjoyed the sights and sounds of Beale Street.
JT Day in Memphis
Beale Street
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