Thinking about your steps?

Hi Beautiful People,

Are you thinking about your steps? If not, you may want to start thinking about them. I thought that I had it all mapped out and I was getting my steps each day. I felt kinda proud about it. I would intentionally walk up and down three flights of steps at work about two or three times a day and I thought that was enough. I surprised that I had only achieved about 3,000 steps out of the 10,000 step goal. I started using a personal fitness tracker and it kicked my step level up a notch.  However, with that tracker I had to always check my smart phone or its website to see how many steps I have achieved. This can be a disadvantage, especially when I want to see where I am at in a jiffy. I recently had the opportunity to try the FitBit Blaze Smart Fitness Watch, courtesy of Verizon Wireless, to see what the difference might be. The FitBit Blaze watch is available from Verizon for $199.99 and is available in Black, Blue or Plum.

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JT hiking in the Canyonlands with her Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness watch

Specifications from Verizon website:

Fitbit Blaze™ Smart Fitness Watch
Get fit in style with the Fitbit Blaze™—a smart fitness watch designed to help you maximize every workout and every day. Use fitness features like PurePulse™ continuous heart rate, multi-sport tracking, Connected GPS and FitStar workout on your wrist. Automatically track your activity, exercise and sleep. Stay connected with call, text and calendar notifications. Customize Fitbit Blaze with a variety of watch faces or accessorize with bands and frames. It’s everything you need for fitness and style—all in one sleek time piece.

  • Activity Tracking – whether you are running, biking or hiking; the sensors recognizes the type of activity that you are doing and records it for you.
  • PurePulse™ Heart Rate and Simplified heart rate zones – This feature tracks your heart rate during the day and during a workout. It will let you know if your heart rate is in the rate zone when exercising, to burn the most calories.
  • Connected GPS – If you want to know the route of your walk or run; the GPS feature will track it for you.
  • FitStar Workouts – From your wrist, the Blaze will give you instructions with graphics for a simple and quick workout. A perfect option if want to have a workout on the go. You can workout anywhere at anytime with images and instructions on how to do the specific exercises.
  • The workout summaries provide insights and track progress from day-to-day, and week-to-week.
  • The design is sleek with a high resolution screen that is easy to read.
  • The watch band is interchangeable in leather, stainless steel and sports band selections.
  • With a flip of the wrist you can see the time and your current step total.
  • The sensors are sensitive and can register you taking steps when you are actually checking the screen. On my wedding anniversary, my hubby and I took an all-day Jeep tour through Canyonlands and Arches National Park. When we were jeeping through the rocks and rough terrains the Fitbit blaze was measuring my movements as steps. That was not an accurate count for me that day. It was good that I was also hiking on the tour. There is a big difference between in the total number of steps taken with my other tracker and the FItBit Blaze. If i reached 10,000 steps on the FItBit Blaze, I would still have about 3000 to 3500 more steps to do with the other tracker.  This was very interesting because trackers were worn on different arms at the same time.
  • With the FitBit Blaze connected to my smart phone, you can receive Smart notifications from your calendar, email accounts, and text message on the watch. Everything is easy to see and clear.
  • The smart phone app organizes your daily stats with the option to add water intake and caloric intake. The information from the FitBit Blaze synced with the smart phone app with out any issues or problems.
  • On the Fitbit’s website, you and see more detailed information about your steps, weight, sleep and compare it with previous days statistics. This allows you to see if you are on track with your target number of steps, calories burned, or water intake. You can set goals and the app and website will do the tracking for you to see if you within reach of achieving that goal.
  • Though the FitBit website, you can join groups of like-minded, fitness-minded people. You can challenge each other for monthly step totals, miles covered or active-minutes achieved.
  • Once you sign up for the app and website, you will receive weekly updates of your progress; and provide you with tips for a healthy life. These tips include recipe for healthy food choices.
Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness watch

Fitbit Blaze Smart Fitness watch

The FitBit Blaze watch is your all-in-one fitness tracker. It is the ideal tracker for anyone who wants to take control of their fitness level and goals. It is all within reach of your wrist or your laptop. With all the technology built into the FitBit Blaze; there is no need to worry if it will be hard to understand. FitBit has gone the extra mile to simplify everything so that it’s easy to set-up, easy to use and easy to understand. The time is now to know your fitness level and to know where you want it to go to. You can get there with the FitBit Blaze.

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FTC Disclaimer:
Verizon Wireless provided me with the FITBIT Blaze to sample for six weeks, after which time I returned it back to Verizon. I received no monetary compensation to write this review. All opinions are my own.

Beauty News: New York Biology UltraLASH Brow & Skin Serum

Hi Beautiful People,

Do you ever feel like you want your lashes to grow longer or brows to look fuller? Are you wearing faux eyelashes and would really like to get rid of them?
I hear you loud and clear.  I have never worn faux lashes and don’t pluck my eyebrows, but I do know what it’s like to fill in brows to make them look fuller.

New York Biology UltraLASH

New York Biology UltraLASH

New York Biology has an UltraLASH Lash & Brow Serum that claims to make those brows look fuller and grow those lashes longer. I am always a little skeptical for such claims being made but I don’t mind giving the product a try. My brows and eyelashes are already full but I do add powder or a brow liner stick for fullness.
The UltraLASH brow and lash serum comes in a 3.5 mil box and when you take top off it has brush applicator on the top.  After I wash my face I apply according to the directions the brush gently along my brows . You only need to apply the serum once so it will last a long time.
My brows look full, healthy, however, my brows are already thick so not seeing a lot of change right now.  I will keep using the serum and see how it works overtime.

JTwisdom applying applicatorto brows

JTwisdom applying applicator to brows

When I apply the serum to the upper eyelashes I would apply the brush from the inner part of my lash line to the outer part.  it was very easy to apply, and a little of the serum was all I needed. I have used this product a month and I can tell that areas were my lashes need to look thicker I am starting to see thickness.

JT applying brush to lash area

JT applying brush to lash area

The ingredients  and more information about the UltraLASH & Brow serum is listed below for your convenience.
Aqua (Water), Glycerine, Hydrolyed Starch Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Pentapeptide-17, Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark Extract, Malus Domestica (Apple) Fruit Cell Culture Extract, Mannitol, Panthenol (D), Glutamic Acid (L), Xanthan Gum, Lecithin 1, 2- Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Sodium Chloride Disodium Succinate, Tropolone, Phenoxyethanol, Phytic Acid.

Directions
Draw the applicator carefully along the skin at the base of the upper eyelashes going from the inner part of your lash line to the outer part. May also apply to eyebrow area. Use once daily. External use only.

About the Product
  • DERMATOLOGIST & CLINICALLY TESTED this irritation-free and allergy-free formula was tested to deliver results without causing discomfort. This eyelash serum has gone through rigorous testing at an independent lab under dermatologist supervision to insure you have peace of mind.
  • LAB TEST IN CLINICAL TRIALS SHOWED that after use of Eyelash Enhancing Serum, users found that applying the solution daily, gave a 25% increase in the thickness and length of eyelashes after two weeks, and a 75% increase after six weeks of regular use. The results were studied over a panel of applicants and measured with SigmaScan software.
  • THICKER, FULLER, & LONGER LASHES our Eyelash Growth Serum is made utilizing cutting edge technologies such as Pentapeptide-17, Swiss Apple Stem Cells and Botanical Complex Tricholasty®. These active high-end ingredients encourage hair to grow thicker, fuller, and longer while improving the overall appearance and condition of your lashes.
  • CREATE THICKER, MORE DEFINED BROWS unlike other eyelash growth products the ingredients in this serum have been tested to work on brows just as effectively. Our clinically proven formula is designed to transform weak, uneven and sparse brows into healthy-looking, fuller brows.
  • MADE IN THE USA our Eyelash Enhancer Serum is made using the Highest Quality Ingredients. Produced in our FDA Approved cGMP Facility does not contain alcohol, parabens or sulfates and is Cruelty Free.
FTC Disclaimer:
I received this product for a discounted price for my honest and unbiased opinion. All opinions are from bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com.
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JT Style File: Cool Prints For Hot Days

Hello Beautiful people,

Are you enjoying the summer?  It is already August and I even saw a school bus today with kids on it already. I pray you having fun and that it is not hot and humid where you are. It has rained and a few cloudy days this week, but all of the sudden we had a break from the heat. Today, on the other hand, felt like a hot stove out there and quite humid. I can not complain because I have so much to be thankful for.

Tips on keeping cool in the summer

  1. Natural fibers are great in a warm climate because the fabric is breathable and not slippery.  Breathable fabric wicks away moisture. Bold prints are fun to wear and elongates the body. You can see in the image below the print in the palazzo pants take center stage. I added my red Dooney and Bourke handbag for a color effect that accentuates the whole ensemble.
  2. Be Confident and bold.  God made you special, you have to remember that.
Perfect Prints

Perfect Prints

If you have been hesitant in years past about wearing prints, be bold and take a chance. Bright and cheery pants could bring a small to your face and change your whole attitude.

JTwisdom

For Moms: How to Survive Your Daughter’s Prom and Make it out the Other Side Alive!

Discover what you can do to help so your daughter can have the best prom possible.

Sherri Hill

Sherri Hill

 

Moms, if you are reading this right, we would like to let you know how important you are. Not just to life itself of course, but to your daughter’s prom night. Being one of the most important nights in her life to date, you will play an essential role in making sure she feels and looks her best.

Not only this but part of the whole experience which makes prom so much fun is how moms are always an essential part of the process. Whether it’s shopping from a trusted store like Peaches Boutique in Chicago, IL, choosing and planning make-up ideas or giving honest yet loving feedback on things, no girl can do without her mom for prom.

So now you are fully aware of just how important you are to your daughter’s prom, let’s look at some important things you can do along the way.

When it comes to the prom night, you may have to save the day (more than once) and here’s how… 

  • The hair goes wrong! Here’s how to fix a BHD (Bad hair day): If you have booked in with the hairdressers and things aren’t going as planned, breathe and relax. You can ask the stylist for some tips on how to create the desired style if time is short. Make sure you have some curlers, bobby pins, fancy clips and a straightener at home if you have to clean up the mess.
  • Make sure the make-up is perfect: Make-up can either make or break the overall look of your daughter on prom. It’s good to emphasize from the start just is. This may cost more up-front but will cut down on costs when hiring beauticians. There are also plenty of cool YouTube tutorials from pros who can really help you create the look your daughter wants.
  • Make sure you buy all the essentials: Essentials can include anything from hairspray to foot gels to make heels that little bit more comfortable. It’s the small things that count and can make your daughters prom night go smoothly.
  • Think about the logistics: All girls get excited about their proms, so much so they may look past all-important elements such as how they are going to arrive to their prom. It might be a good idea then to help arrange the ride. Most chauffeur services will be in high demand around this time of year so ensure to get things booked well in advance. Also consider the numbers, the more people you and your daughter can get on board the cheaper the overall cost will be.
  • Think about any after-party: Will your home host the after-party? Does your daughter have any plans for when the prom is over? Thinking post-prom is also an area which may slip everyone’s mind but be important to finishing the night with a bang!

As you can see, you’re an essential part to the process, mom! Doing these things can really help your daughter enjoy her prom and look the part.

This article was written by Katrina Fernandez

Fashion Translations from the Four Seasons

Fashion intricate the use of complex ideas which blends color and artistic design themes to highlight an idea or inspiration, Fashion inspirations or influence come from different sources, may it be from movies, clubs, sports, different cultures, nature or even from the four seasons. It all comes to the designer from which he or she can draw inspiration from. A designer can make the best use of his or her creativity to translate and adopt such inspirations and give it an artistry to fit into the mainstream of making fashion apparel clothing dresses for women.

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The Fashion Inspirations
A varsity jacket for example can have the patch knit work with their specific team or college colors for the representation or the clubs or affiliations can choose their own colors or symbols to identify themselves based on certain qualities or attributes, such representations or the blend of colors have been interpreted and reinterpreted to showcase a unique style.

Denim jeans for example have been reinvented over the years to portray free spirit or willingness, thus it is now a popular fashion trend for the teenagers and have been modified with metal studs, rhinestones, torn up patterns and hand markings. The idea for certain fashion styles become eternal with the representation of an idea or a unique attribute.

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The idea of wearing a black leather jacket can personify dominance, red fit ‘n flare dresses can outline passion and sex appeal and bright colored tunic tops can showcase wittiness and chic personality. Even seasons help to compartmentalize fashion as designers focus on the elements of design with natural aesthetics, color patterns and print textures that translate fashion. Colorful floral embroidery designs by designer Nara Paz have been hugely adapted by fashion icons.

The Four Seasons
Each season can indicate a reference point to draw inspiration from and have an impact on the people, for example, summer is a season of bright colors and brings the thought of an idea for rain or gardens. Winter mostly showcase light dull colors in apparel wears, mostly white, light blue or pink and brings frosty images of snow and ice. Fall season articulate reflections of spring and spring on the other hand brings liveliness of print design patterns from the inspiration of different flowers which blossom during the entire season.

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These fashion timelines balances fashion choices for people and designers because each season that you experience, flows right for your fashion choices. Designers nowadays look for the real creativity and inspiration which does not necessarily change over time, the real creativity is how, when, where applied which is a creative act in itself.

Guest Post Written By Henry Kingston

Girl Gadgets:The Kate Spade New York Slim Portable Charger

Hi Beautiful People,

Hope you are having a lovely day and getting out there enjoying the summer.
I find that I always need to keep in my purse my battery charger because I never know when I may need it.
If you are traveling or at the office, it is always good to have your techie gadgets fully charged at all times. Whether you need to keep your phone charged to keep track of the road for GPS purposes or to keep the cell phone fully charged to make phone calls, a portable charger is a good item to have in your arsenal.
The kate spade New York slim portable charger is a battery on the go that’s stylish and can fit in your purse or handbag.  If your cell phone is running low, you can use the charger and instantly plug the cable that’s attached into your phone and start charging immediately.

kate spade New York Charger

kate spade New York Slim portable charger Verizon.com

Features
* The style is a slim design gold stripe signature style of kate spade designs – pulling this out of your purse, people would not know if it was a charger or a compact case.
* Over 8 hours of additional talk, text and surf time
* Quick Charging time
* Integrated Lightning connector and Hidden Captive charging cable – when the cable is not in use you can tuck it back into to the resin compartment.

Portable backup has a rechargeable 1500 mph lithium polymer battery for Micro USB devices meaning you can plug the charging cable into your Mac Air or Mac desktop and you can recharge the battery. The battery charger is user friendly and not difficult to use. I had to make sure that the charger is fully charged before I put it in my purse. After my phone or other techie device is fully charged, I removed the charging cable and have it ready for the next use.

kate spade New York Slim portable charger

kate spade New York Slim portable charger

The charger is compatible with  iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPhone 6,iPhone 6 Plus,  iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPod Touch (5 generation). I used the charger with my own iPhone 6 Plus. Check with Verizon.com if you have any questions about compatibility.
The retail price is $49.99 which is a very good price. Everyone one should have a charger because you never want to have the battery in your phone to go low and you have no resources  available to get more talk time on your phone when you need it.

JTwisdom signature

I was offered the opportunity to demo this product for a month and returned item to Verizon. All opinions are strictly bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com and are honest.
Bubbingwitheleganceandgrace.com was not compensated or given a product for this review.

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