Thank you for all who took the time to vote for my team and I. We appreciate you and thank you so much! Whether you follow the blog or just happen to catch us on Google because you saw us in the search thank you for stopping by.
JT at the Midwest Fashion Conference
Winning this award makes us feel so good because we work hard to put out a quality product. This is what we do and we enjoy it. Before starting this blog, I asked the Lord to give me direction and He has taken this blog further than I ever imagined.
My team and I have said that if one person gets something out of the blog, then it’s all worth it.
People’s Choice: Blogger To Watch Award
The award came with a slfba (St. Louis Fashion Blogger Award) necklace. This was unexpected so that was a nice touch.
#stfba necklace
So what did this award mean to Bubbling With Elegance And Grace? Continue to write quality articles and continue to think outside the box.
The late nights, pushing to the limits, not accepting mediocre content, learning, growing and never settling.
The Bubbling with Elegance and Grace team was contacted and asked to try a Leather Honey cleaner and conditioner kit. We wanted to try this product because it has been around for awhile and is known for quality and integrity. And, because we had a few leather items in our closet that needed to be cleaned before being able to wear them.
“Since 1968, master leather craftsmen and individuals alike have been relying on Leather Honey, the premium leather conditioner, to condition used leather and protect new leather. Uniquely formulated to penetrate deep into the pores of the leather, Leather Honey Leather Conditioner is designed to bring out the best in your favorite leather – from classic equestrian items to furniture, automobiles, shoes, apparel, wallets and more. And we do it without the use of any animal products, silicone, toxins, solvents, or other harmful chemicals.” Leather Honey website
Leather Honey Cleaner and Conditioner, with two cloths
My hubby had these pair of shoes that looked like they were ready to be recycled. However, he wanted to see if Leather Honey products would bring them back to their original luster.
Below is a picture of the shoes. The shoes look dusty and worn from wear.
Hubby’s shoes in need of a makeover
The kit came with a bottle of cleaner, a bottle of conditioner, and two cleaning clothes. The cleaner is super-concentrated. It must be diluted in water before using. The directions on the bottle say to use two tablespoons of the cleaner for every eight ounces of water. My hubby found an empty spray bottle that we had in the closet and he created the cleaning solution.
Leather Honey Cleaning Solution, diluted one tablespoon and eight ounces of water.
My hubby sprayed the diluted solution on the each of the shoes and used one of the clothes to clean the shoes. The directions tell you not to spray to much of the solution on the item that you are cleaning. You do not need to over-saturate the item because the solution is pretty powerful. My hubby sprayed only a couple of sprays on each of the shoes and this was more than enough to get the dust, grime and dirt off of the shows.
After the shoe has had a chance to dry, the next step is to apply the conditioner. Using the second cloth that was included in the kit, my hubby applied the conditioner to the cloth and then used the cloth to buff the shoes. My hubby recommends that you apply the conditioner to the cloth instead of directly to the item you are working with. This allows the conditioner to be applied more evenly and smoothly to the item.
My hubby applying the conditioner.
After cleaning the shoes take a look at the dirt that came off in the cloth.
Cleaning Cloth results
Allowing the the shoes to dry and applying the conditioner, the transformation is marvelous. Take a look!
These shoes look new and revitalized.
Check out the Leather Honey website because the company gives detailed information, videos and testimonials about the natural leather cleaner and conditioner.
*This is my honest opinion. Bubbling With Elegance and Grace team was gifted the
natural cleaner and conditioner and two cloths from Leather Honey .
My hubby and I celebrated 15 years of marriage on September 11th! We are celebrating the whole month.
Wow, 15 years makes me reflect to my wedding day filled with joy and happiness.
JT and Hubby Wedding The rings
This is my daddy and I on my wedding day, he was putting a penny in my shoe for good blessings.
JT and Daddy
My hubby and I celebrated this past week with an awesome road trip. We just got back and I’m getting back to blogging again. We will be writing about the trip to the Southwest, so check back soon for those posts.
I wanted to see what my wedding dress looked like and how it fit after all these years. I pulled it out of the closet and I tried it on. My dress did not cost thousands of dollars; but to me it looked like it did.
My dress was designed by Alfred Angelo, exclusively for JC Penney’s. I was dealing with some physical and medical challenges at the time, causing me to gain weight that I was not able to control.
I know gaining about fifty pounds is not what I wanted when I got married; however I dealt with it and conquered it.
On the day of the wedding, the dress fit me exact. It did not need to be taken in or hemmed.
However, 15 years later, the sleeves are baggy and the wedding dress is loose on me now and hangs.
Side view Wedding Dress
This is a back view of the dress and it’s beautiful, but it looks so different on me now. I decided to wear a cream-colored dress.
When you looked at it up close, you can tell that it is cream. But in all of the photographs, it looks white.
My daddy stepped on my dress after the ceremony was finished. I thought at the time that he had ripped the fabric where I couldn’t reattach the bustle to the back of the dress.
When I tried it on, I found out that the dress wasn’t ripped at all. But, my maid of honor did not attach the train correctly after I walked down the church steps.
I attached the train correctly in the photo.
I thought this wedding dress was haute couture with all the bead work and detailing from the sleeves to the hem.
Back view JT wedding dress
Here’s an up close look of the detail in the bead work; exquisite I must say.
Closeup of detail
My hubby and I planned our wedding and we were on a budget. However, I still wanted it to be a wonderful day of celebration. I still look at the dress and marvel at how beautiful it is with all the beadwork and lace.
Pray you are having an awesome Labor Day holiday weekend. I have been battling a summer cold, however I am feeling better, thank the Lord. Plenty of tea and cough syrup!
I am super excited to tell you about the Lotus Seed Mala that I was gifted by Romell, founder and designer of Karma Mantra.
I was contacted by Romell, who asked me if I would like to try a piece of jewelry from his website, Karma Mantra. I had not heard of Karma Mantra before, so I was intrigued and went exploring on the website.
The design variations and styles of jewelry styles are available for both women and men.
I always enjoy reading the about page to know the story behind the designs.
Here’s an excerpt from the Karma Mantra About Page:
“Karma Mantra’s entire line is a collection of hand-selected gems acquired from designer Romell Bhaala’s global journeys. Additionally, Romell uses the experiences of his travels to inspire new one-of-a-kind creations. Each item is the culmination of a powerful past shaping a transcendent future.”
It was extremely hard to select a piece that I liked, so I suggested a few of my favorites and was ready to be surprised.
My package came in the mail and when I opened the envelope, this is what was inside.
A beautiful Lotus Seed Mala and a sweet card inside that said, “JT, hope this was everything you expected and more! Peace & Love, Alexa”
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Karma Mantra package
The Lotus Seed Necklace Mala retails for $24.99 on Karma Mantra’s website.
Product Description
“This beautiful Lotus Seed mala is one of the most beautiful and powerful looking malas carried by Karma Mantra. Wear the beautiful Lotus Seed Japa Mala around your neck or hold it in your hand during your meditation practice to us the Lotus seeds as healing. Like the Lotus flower which takes its roots in muddy depths and blossom into a beautiful flower, let the Lotus Seed Mala remind you of your inner beauty. Let your soul root itself within difficulties and grow above them with beauty and compassion. With each bead over 12mm, this mala tends to be a mala used for meditation, kirtan or for someone wanting to take their Japa practice to the next level. Please Note: This Mala is very long, and can be worn long or wrapped around as a necklace/multiple stack bracelet. ” Karma Mantra
Lotus Seed Mala Styled by JTwisdom
I respect that some use the Lotus Seed Mala for meditation, kirtan or Japa, however I am wearing the Mala as a necklace styled with fashion apparel.
In the picture the necklace is styled with a very bright and bold dress that I constantly get compliments on. In the photo below, the Mala is wrapped twice around the neck in a short and long style.
Lotus Seed Mala Karma Mantra
I wanted to show that the necklace is very long and can be worn many different ways, the style is up to you. I layered the Mala with my jasper heart leather cord necklace for dimensional effect.
Karma Mantra Lotus Seed Mala
The beads are soft and really accentuated my embroidered blouse.
Lotus Seed Mala Karma Mantra
The beads flow so well and feel very secure. When I wore this blouse, the Lotus Seed Mala did not feel weighty at all. It was great.
Lotus Seed Mala Karma Mantra
Another way I styled the necklace was with a casual blue striped blouse. The look was so relaxing and cool. The shape of the beads remind me of large freshwater pearls. I keep talking about the shape because the beads are so comfortable.
Lotus Seed Mala with Blue Striped Blouse
This is four-season jewelry that can be worn no matter what the temperature is outside. The necklace can work with a blouse, dress, or turtleneck.
Post coming soon showing how to style the Mala for fall and winter.
Thank you Romell and everyone at Karma Mantra for giving me the opportunity to style the Lotus Seed Mala.
The Super Moon was out recently and it was a fascinating sight to see. I have to tell you about a great opportunity I recently had to review the most beautiful tee.
The Super Moon
Designer Camilla Olson recently contacted me to try “The Infinite Tee.” I have collaborated with Camilla in the past on a dress, so I know her work is fabulous. I anxiously waited to receive it and give it a try. I received the tee in less than two weeks and when I received the package in the mail it came with a 5×7 illustration card showing different ways to wear the Tee.
There are so many ways The Infinite Tee can be worn that the ideas are endless.
I stepped outside of the box and put the tee over of my sleeveless dresses. The silk tee is very comfortable and a great layering piece.
On the Camilla Olson website, the description of The Infinite Tee
The Infinite Tee is definitely more than just a Tee. Self blocking around the bra line removes uncertainty of appropriateness. The slight accent of the double layer is surprisingly eye catching because of the perfect encircling around your torso. Wear it with or without a bra, with a tank and jacket, or anything in between. We think this is the most versatile piece in our collection and guess you’ll agree it is more than just a Tee. Each purchase includes a 5″ x 7″ illustrated card on ways to wear the Infinite Tee. (www.CamillaOlson.com)
JT Styling the Infinite Tee
Details of the Infinite Tee are:
100% silk chiffon, imported
5 1/2″ self fabric double layer serves as a pseudo bandeau
Gentle slit at the front neck, adds interest and lengthens the face and torso.
French seam finish on all seams
Pin hem
25″ from shoulder to front hem. (size XS)
36″ diameter at the hem (size XS)
Sizes XS – XL Dry clean or hand wash cold.
This tee is effortless. I feel odd calling this a tee because it feels and looks so luxurious. The tee works so well under a blazer or with your favorite jeans. The style choices are endless with this tee.
I paired the Tee with printed design, wide-leg pants and it flowed effortlessly. Tee is cool and great for hot days because the fabric is breathable. I really like how the print of the pants shows through silk fabric. I could wear this outfit to work, church, shopping, traveling and more.
JT in Infinite tee with printed pant
I paired the tee with a maxi skirt. Tee highlighted the colors in the skirt.
JT pairing Infinite Tee with maxi skirt
The styles are endless. What a versatile luxurious tee that will work in my wardrobe all year long.
Thank you Camilla Olson for giving me the opportunity to style this tee.
* JT was allowed to keep the Tee, the review is her honest opinion. *
Can you believe that it is August already? My friends’ and colleagues’ kids are starting school soon while others will be going back in a week. Well, there is still time to get that vacation getaway before summer gets away from you. I feel the humidity outside and the heat.
If you had a fantasy getaway, where would you go?
How about Las Vegas — the city that never sleeps. I envision styles for you if you ever plan to go.
Fantasy vacation where you and the hubby are flying into Las Vegas for a quick, three-day weekend. You can stay at the Aria at Citycenter. Aria is a destination in itself, featuring over 4,000 rooms, a multitude of restaurants for every taste bud, a spa and salon, and awesome entertainment options including Cirque du Soleil.
aria at citycenter
When you get up in the morning, you want to look cute, but effortless. I went for the layering effect with the jacket, jeans and blouse. Even though Las Vegas is warm, it may be cool in the cafes when you are getting some breakfast before you start your day. The jacket can always be taken off as the temperature rises. I went for the gold with the accessories and added a pop of color with turquoise necklace.
Viva Las Vegas Breakfast glam
After breakfast at the Cafe, it’s time to check out the boutiques and shops.
Aria Cafe
Crystals mall is right next to the hotel. You would have to take a day just to browse all the shops that include Tiffany’s,Versace, Dolce and Gabbana, Tom Ford, and Jimmy Choo to name a few. The water features along with the trees and plants are a must see.
I included a second style sheet of a great day look that will keep you looking fabulous. These Guiseppe Zanotto wedge sneakers will be stylish and comfortable walking all day long.
Pile on the bracelets, hoop earrings and add a pop of color in the necklace and handbag.
Style Sheet Two: Daydreamer
Night out with the hubby in Las Vegas
After coming back to the hotel from a day of walking the Vegas strip and shopping; it is time to relax a little and get ready for dinner and a show.
I would recommend dinner at Lemongrass for some stir fry garlic vegetable with Thai iced tea. Sounds delicious!
Lemongrass Restaurant at Aria
The outfit below is perfect for seeing the Jersey Boys show. I saw the group with the hubby on a Caribbean cruise and the show is fabulous.
“The music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons is ubiquitous. Whether or not you realize it, you’ve heard their songs on the radio, in TV commercials, movies or covered by a contemporary artist. Their repertoire of hits like, “Sherry,” “Walk Like a Man” and “Big Girls Don’t Cry” is ingrained in American pop culture. The story behind those songs and the group is just as endearing.” (Vegas.com)
The look: A 50s style with this sleeveless a-line cherry print dress because we are going to see the Jersey boys.
Las Vegas Dinner Nights
The hair would be in an up-do chignon and add a couple of sprays of the fruity, floral fragrance called Fabulous perfume by Isaac Mizrahi.
The three day weekend is styled right and oh so gorgeous.
Learn More About JT Bubbling with Elegance and Grace is a place for life long learners. The Bubbling With Elegance And Grace team was created 14 years ago. A passion for fashion sparked a lifestyle blog for our Elegant Community to enjoy. We are thankful and in gratitude to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
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