Riding a horse is so relaxing and enjoyable for me. Horses are beautiful and intelligent animals. I have always wanted to own a couple to train on my ranch one day. The horses and my ranch are dreams of mine. Taking lessons on horse-ridings is the first step to make this happen.
Are you starting riding lessons?
Horse-riding is an exhilarating pastime but one that require patience and preparation as you get started. When prepared, it’s a hobby that is safe and fun, but there are some essential pieces of kit that you will require before you’ve even set foot on a horse. Depending on where you are planning to have lessons, some of this equipment may be available for hire but when you can afford to purchase your own, all of the following are a brilliant investment to your horse-riding future:
Helmet
If there’s one item that it is crucial you own, it’s a good fitting helmet. Whilst a number of these horse riding essentials are based on your comfort, a helmet is vital to your safety and well-being should you fall or be knocked off your horse. Though you are likely to remain safe with sensible riding guidance, horses are animals after all and cannot always be predicted. Being bucked off a horse is rare but extremely dangerous so keep yourself protected from the worst case scenario.
Riding boots
Riding boots, or country boots as they may also be called, provide exceptional grip in the stirrups while riding – another important safety aspect and a crucial factor in best ride performance. If you can’t afford your own riding boots when starting out and they are not available for hire at your stable, opt for a comfortable pair of Wellington boots instead. Trainers are not sensible as they are usually two wide and can get stuck, a real riding hazard.
Body protector
This garment is more of an optional layer but it’s highly recommended for anxious beginners or younger riders. A body protector does just as its name suggests – provides full body protection in the event you do fall.
Jodhpurs
Even if the stable you are attending for lessons allows riders to wear jeans, jodhpurs are the go-to riding trouser and a great choice from the start. Jeans may be practical for a variety of everyday activities, but when it comes to horse riding you will find them uncomfortable. If you don’t fancy washing your trousers regularly, make sure you opt for a dark coloured design that will not show up all the muck that will inevitably gather during your sessions.
Gloves
New riders can suffer quite badly with blisters at first, as delicate hands are not used to gripping tough reins. You may like to wear gloves to prevent this happening, or just to keep your hands more warm and comfortable on an early morning trek.
Close fitting top or jumper It doesn’t really matter what you opt for on your upper body but choose something that is not too baggy. You will find riding that big harder if your shirt or jumper is flapping around in the breeze and it can even frighten some horses.
Water
Remember, you might not be the one running round on the field but horse riding is energetic work. Make sure you take a bottle of water with you to keep on the side should you need a quick refresher.
I actually saw snow flurries today, so you will be seeing a winter post this week for sure. I am a spring baby, however fall and winter is my favorite seasons.
When I bought this sweater from Old Navy a couple of years ago, I thought the owl sweater was so cute. I wore the sweater with a black Macy’s shirt underneath for a layering effect. The sweater was on clearance at the time and I couldn’t resist purchasing it. It was less than ten dollars, a real deal.
My Jeans are from NYDJ (Not Your Daughters Jeans) and the fit is slimming and the material is very soft. I really am self-conscious of my thighs, so finding jeans have been difficult for me. I don’t have the model figure and I bet many of a modeling agents would say what the world is she modeling clothes on a blog for the world to see. I see the magazines that have these beautiful statuesque women who model the clothes in Vogue, Elle and have legs that go a mile long. Do I have mile long legs? No, but I don’t answer to anyone but God. He created me and if I can get on here and do articles about how I style my outfits; hopefully I can reach out to people to let them know that God made everyone beautiful in His eyes and there is no need to compare.
Okay, I am stepping down from my soapbox.
My Born boots are from DSW and they really give me a uniqueness and a style all my own. And my handbag is my trusty Kathy Van Zeeland that works with any ensemble.
I have been embracing my curls for almost five years now. I bought the earrings below at a hair show in Chicago. The earrings are a little heavy but I had to get them because the words on the earrings speak volumes.
My curls are defined and look pretty good. I have been without a relaxer for almost five years and I still have my moments when it comes to certain products. I may try something new or I think my hair routine is okay and I am like what happened with that. It is a journey and a good one that I am glad to be a part of. My hair is thicker, longer and healthier for not having my hair chemical relaxed. I have nothing against my relaxed sisters, but I am speaking for only myself because I decided to go natural in June 2009.
I had no idea my hair was this curly.
The added accessories finish the look.
This outfit is a favorite of mine because I added a bit of whimsy. The owl sweater looks youthful without looking childish. There is a difference between looking youthful and looking childish. Having a youthfulness about you creates energy, joy and excitement. I don’t want to look childish, for the simple fact I am not trying to look like I am 15.
However, I want to be energetic, chic and stylish. Another added bit of charm is a smile.
The accessories:
Bracelet: Studio Barse
Tigers Eye Bead Bracelet
Emerald Green Ring: Berricle Drusy Ring Handbag: Kathy Van Zeeland Boots: Born Sneakers: BCBG Fragrance: Fabulous by Isaac Mizrahi
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.
Hope you are having a wonderful start to the New Year! Blessings to you for a fabulous 2014.
I have such an exciting review that I am going to talk about.
Recently, Pauline Durban, President and Founder of Covered Perfectly reached out to Bubbling with Elegance and Grace to review one of her tops. Pauline, originally from the United Kingdom, moved to the United States in 1992. I looked at her website and learned that her company started out of a need of finding more tops that made her look and feel more empowered. Once she realized after talking to friends that they had the same challenge, she created Covered Perfectly.
I can so relate to hearing friends and family tell you that you look great, however deep inside you do not feel that you look your best. I must admit that when I had looked at similar tops like this in the past, I did not think that would look that attractive on me. Even though my top and pants size is in the single digits, I carry my weight in my hips and I have been really self-conscious about it. Even though I work out that’s a spot that gets to me. So, reviewing one of Pauline’s top intrigued me.
The Covered Perfectly website is fabulous. All of the tops are very beautiful. It was hard for me to choose which one to select for the review. After much thought, I finally narrowed my decision down to the Layer bottom Ladies Top in Turquoise. It looked so refreshing and vibrant to me. I choose this top because the flounce on the bottom reminded me of a ruffled skirt. The top comes in four colors: orange, green, turquoise and blue. The fabric feels like a second skin and can be worn all four seasons. This top will work for every woman, no matter where you are located in the world.
I highlighted the top in the picture with some of my favorite jewelry pieces. The top gently glides along my figure, no bunching and accentuates my hips very well.
My NYDJ Jeans gave me that lean look and the Bellini boots gave me the height I like and it all came together perfectly. When I wear a tunic top or longer length top I always pair it with slim lined pants or jeans to balance out the outfit.
You have to experience the softness of the top personally. I feel like I am in my softest pajamas; but I look put together and stylish. The top is so figure flattering for any body type.
In the second image below I am showing how much stretch is in the top. The size I am wearing is a small and I have so much room. However, there is still a feminine silhouette and the top does not look boxy or overpowering. I often here that saying a garment is comfortable is a bad word. Being stylish and having comfort at the same time are two pluses in my fashion diary. I styled this top with a ribbed close fit turtleneck, velour pants and BCBG suede sneakers as a fun going to the mall, out to the movies with the hubby or chilling at home by the fireplace. Perfecto!
Covered Perfectly Bottom Layered Ladies Top
The third way I styled the Bottom Layered Ladies Top was pairing it with a jacket and almost to the knee high boots. I wanted to see how this top shapes up with layering it under a jacket. It looks great. I layered the top with a suede Louis del Olio leather appliquéd jacket and Steve Madden Leather cognac boots.
For a closer look see how the top is the focal point under the jacket. The scoop neckline really elongates my neck and décolletage.
.
I could wear this outfit to church, out to dinner, to a play or a concert.
This top will work for a woman in her 20s and up. There is no age limit. Also, no worries about the fabric snagging or grabbing in the wrong places.
I created a video where I discussed further the features of the top.
This top offers so many different looks with a few key pieces out of my wardrobe.
“This cute style with the layered bottom is great for any body shape. Made from super soft MicroModal, you will love the way it feels.
94 % Micromodal / 6 % Spandex
Made in the USA
Machine washable MicroModal® is something truly special. The fiber is made of European beechwood, is completely natural and produced in Austria.
It’s described as the softest fabric in the world and is so gentle it feels like a second skin. It’s super soft and luxurious, you will love it.
Customers can be sure that if it says MicroModal®, quality and heavenly softness are guaranteed.” MicroModal® – perfect fineness and softness Free shipping both ways in the US.
Thank you Pauline, Creator and Founder of Covered Perfectly for the opportunity to review one of your tops. You have changed my mind on longer length tops and how the top looks on me.
Totally fabulous!
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.
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
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.
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!
The weather has been all over the place. One minute I am in a sweater the next minute I am going out of the house without a coat.
Isn’t that what fall is all about?
Well with fall brings bright hued colors in are clothing and what better way to top it off than a piece or two of jewelry.
I am an avid collector of all types of jewelry, it doesn’t matter what type. I plan my outfits around jewelry and I always have on a jewelry because to me it finishes my look.
Berricle.com an online jewelry store contacted me and asked if I would like to select and review a piece of jewelry with a maximum of a $50.00 price range.
I looked at the website and saw that they have a wide selection of jewelry in the finest cubic zirconia set in silver tone and precious sterling silver. In addition, they offer a great collection of men’s jewelry.
I accepted the offer and chose an Oval Cut 1.86 Ct Emerald CZ 925 Sterling Silver Fancy Cocktail Ring.
Why did I choose this ring?
Emerald is my birthstone and the gem in a setting can be quite expensive. Also, I have found that even the expensive gems can have more inclusions than I would like, so when buying emeralds I have to be selective. The Berricle emerald ring was very affordable in a precious metal at only $48.99. I can wear this ring when I travel and do not want to wear my expensive wedding set or it can be my right hand ring.
The ring was shipped promptly and packaged well. When the box arrived it was in pink tissue paper. Here’s a picture of the beautiful pink box with the ring royally positioned inside. This ring looks like it costs so much more. Love it!
Ring presentation
This ring literally leaves me speechless that it’s so beautiful.
Picture below I am wearing the ring as a right hand ring and the green is pulsating and vibrant. This emerald CZ is what a true emerald dreams it could look like. This Emerald CZ, up against my red cashmere sweater, is flawless and the setting is done well in sterling silver.
Wearing gems in a wedding setting is unexpected and out of the ordinary. I went for it in the picture below. It is gorgeous with my sterling and diamond band. This set looks like it cost thousands of dollars.
Ring as wedding set
I wanted to show another angle of the ring to show how the setting looks so regal and shines. The emerald and diamonds around it are not real. However the ring is beautifully well made and looks believable. It’s real to me at an affordable price and reasonable.
Berricle.com
Berricle.com has made me smile and I appreciate them so much for giving me the opportunity to sample one of their products. Please check out Berricle.com because there is something for everyone.
November is citrine month so check out the lovely selection of jewelry at Berricle.com.
* I was given this sample however this is my honest opinion. I would purchase jewelry from Berricle.com *
Learn More About JT
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace started out as an outlet for my passion for fashion but has evolved into a place for me to teach, collaborate, and inspire. My hubby has since joined the team and we have been digital creators for 13 years. We are thankful for those who believed in us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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