What to Look for When Selecting Kids Winter Wetsuits

Hi Lovely Readers,

It is time to start thinking about vacations and wearing the appropriate attire.  Vacation season will soon be upon us and it is essential to be prepared ahead of time. A popular vacation destination for families is the beach. Being in the water is a fun activities for Moms, Dads and children of all ages. Moms and Dads have to think about what suit looks good in the water but they really have to think about what’s the best swim gear for their children.

Making sure that your child is comfortable, safe and warm when they enjoy the water should be the priority of any parent. So, when it comes to choosing children’s winter wetsuits, what are the things that we should be on the lookout for? Well, quite simply, choosing kid’s winter wetsuits is no different than choosing one for an adult. A kid’s winter wetsuit should be well fitted, well made and of the correct thickness appropriate to the sea temperatures that your child will be playing in.

Wet Gear

Wet Gear from H2O Sports

 

Let’s take each of those points and have a look at them in closer detail:

Size – Picking the correct size children’s winter wetsuit should be your first consideration. If the suit doesn’t fit properly then the thickness of the neoprene that you choose will be irrelevant. Children’s winter wetsuits, as with adults too, should be close fitting-just like a second skin. There should be no baggy pockets of air or loose portions of rubber in evidence. If there is then these will repeatedly fill with cold water and lower the body temperature. Another area to look out for is at the extremities of the suit. Neckline, wrist and ankle areas should all be form-fitting, and not at all loose.

Thickness – Once you have chosen the correct size you can then start to consider the children’s winter wetsuits thickness. Whether they’ll need a 4mm wetsuit, 5mm wetsuit or a 5/3mm wetsuit will largely depend on the sea temperatures, but can also be down to personal choice. Some kids feel the cold more than others so adjust accordingly. A rough guide can be that a 4mm wetsuit will be good for water temperatures of around 12° Centigrade or 54° Fahrenheit. A 5mm wetsuit can go a little lower at 9° Centigrade (48° Fahrenheit) and for anything colder still you should be looking at a 5/3mm wetsuit or thicker. It’s important that the kid’s winter wetsuits are comfortable so take this into account too when choosing between a 4mm wetsuit, 5mm wetsuit or a 5/3mm wetsuit.

Quality – This may seem obvious, but it is well worth pointing out. Should the children’s winter wetsuits be poorly made then the above two points become moot. You see, if the stitching is poor or if the zips are low grade then water will enter in from outside of the suit and flush out the warm layer of water that has been created by the body. It won’t matter how thick the kid’s winter wetsuits are. You could have a 4mm wetsuit, 5mm wetsuit or even a 5/3mm wetsuit on and still feel the cold because the neoprene isn’t being given the chance to insulate as it should. A good quality 4mm wetsuit will be warmer than a cheap 5/3mm wetsuit.

 

Children swimsuit from H2

Children swimsuit from H2O Sports

So, next time you go to pick out the kid’s winter wetsuits keep these things in mind. Don’t get too hung up on whether or not the 4mm wetsuit, 5mm wetsuit or the 5/3mm wetsuit is the right choice if you are not looking at all the other areas mentioned too. Buying the correct children’s winter wetsuits will help them to have more fun, so it’s well worth getting it right.

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It’s Easy Being Green and a Golden Blog Award Nomination!

Hello Lovely Readers,

JT

 

Spring is this Thursday and I wanted to give props to the color green and I also will be doing a Winter review post this week. I know you want to see 80 degree temperatures and flip flops but I want to due a winter review.  Even though I was born in may the winter is one of my favorite seasons.

Green is such a lovely color because it can be work with any color and look fabulous. You can wear green anytime and it doesn’t have to be only on St. Patrick’s Day.

JT

I received a Golden Blog nomination that I was suppose to give a little tidbit about myself weeks ago, however to work and church schedules  I had not been able to do so.  Here goes even though I am a little late.

Golden Blog Award

This is the Golden Blog award.  I am smiling right now.

Ten Thought Provoking Facts About Me:

1. I confess I am a Jesus Lover.2. I really drink eight glasses of water everyday and a cup of tea at night.
3. I don’t like to clean chitterlings or smell chitterlings cooking on the stove.
4. Stargazer lilies are my favorite flower, I had them in my wedding bouquet.
5. I collect handbags, clothes, jewelry and journals.
6. I have to wear a piece of jewelry on my body everyday.
7. I started playing piano my Sophomore year of college and didn’t have a piano at first. I had to practice in the piano study rooms at school. I play now for relaxation and for the sheer love of music.  It’s been hard to find time to play (practice) however I am making time now.
8. I enjoy wearing all colors especially pinks and corals.
9. My husband and I enjoy having fun together and we have two doggie family members named Giovanni, the  boisterous beagle and Vincenzo, the lovable collie.
10. I never feel like I truly fit in, I have always been different.  I am a square peg.
Adding a bonus
11. I love to dance and sing. I incorporate dance in my workouts and it’s so much fun.

Thank you for the blog award nomination, it means a lot to me. Muah!
JT
I can say it’s easy being green.
I nominate for the Golden Blogger Award

JTwisdom signature

Winter Time Sparkles and Speak Life!

Hello Elegant Readers!

JT being silly

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.

Joan Boyce "Emily" Sequined Boot with Faux Fur LiningAnother bonus is the shoes have a side zip and a rubber sole with great traction.
Styling with Joan Boyce Emily Sequined Boot with Faux Fur LiningThis 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.

Mixed Medium Necklace

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.

Cameo bracelet

Isaac Mizrahi Watch and Jaqueline Kennedy  & Judith RIpka bracelet

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.

JTwisdom

Day After Downton: Season Four, Episode Four Recap

Okay, so my efforts to have the Downton Abbey recap up the next day has gotten delayed again this week. My schedule did not allow me to get this post ready on Monday evening; but nevertheless, I have push onward and now I have the chance to write my recap.

This year’s season of Downton Abbey is a much different than the previous seasons. There is no major historical event occurring to wrap the plot around. In previous years, we watched as the First World War took center stage and it was easy for the writers develop a plot around such a major historical event. In this season, the plot is more focused on personal stories and events in the characters lives. It allows for a greater development of the characters that we have loved since the first season or a chance to get to know the new ones. At first, I was unsure how this would be work, but the plot line and the writing has been excellent. By the 1920s, Europe and especially Great Britain, saw an extraordinary change in the political and social scene. Season Four of Downton Abbey has masterfully portrayed that change.

www.pbs.org

www.pbs.org

Observations and Thoughts about Episode Four

Anna continues to withdraw herself from Bates and refuses to tell him what is wrong. Learning that Mrs. Hughes knows what has happened, Bates threatens to leave Downton if she does not tell him the truth. Mrs. Hughes tells him, leaving out that it was Green, Gillingham’s valet, who was the one responsible for the vicious act. Once Anna knows that Bates knows, their relationship starts to slowly reconcile. Anna does not want Bates to know that it was Green who attacked her.

Alfred travels to London for the first time to take the chef’s test at the Ritz Hotel. His cooking creating have been a hit with the family, but unfortunately he does not finish in the top four. He returns to Downton.

Mr. Drewe, one of the oldest tenants of Downton, has died. He had not been able to pay his taxes in many years. Prior to his death, Lady Mary threatened to foreclose on his property and get it back so it can be profitable once again. Mr. Drewe’s son wants to continue farming the land and he pleads with Lord Grantham to find a way to do it. Lord Grantham agrees to pay the back taxes and allow him to work on the land. Lady Mary and Branson find out what has happened and do not agree with it.

Technology continues to make its way into Downton. Baxter, the new lady’s maid, is using an electric sewing machine, and Cora wants to purchase a refrigerator for the kitchen, much to the displeasure of Mrs. Pattmore. Mrs. Pattmore continues to struggle with these new items and feels that they are unnecessary. But Mrs. Pattmore sees the benefit of the sewing machine when she rips her smock and needs it fixed in a hurry.

Questions for Episode Five

Will Bates pursue finding out who attacked Anna? Will he find out that it was Green? If he finds out the full truth, how will he react? Will Anna and Bates be able to have the same relationship as they did prior to the event.

Will Alfred continue with his desire to be a chef? Or will he give up on it all together? Who will be there for him to encourage him with his dreams and goals?

What new appliance or technological item will be introduced at Downton? Will Downton keep up with the change times? Or will it continue to be caught up its past, expecting things to stay the same?

How will the changing tide of the working class effect the way Downton does business? How will Downton be able become self-sufficient as it has for the last one hundred years? Will there be other parts of the land be sold off in order for Downton to maintain its operations? Will Lady Mary and her father come into an agreement on the best way for this work?

The Pleasure of Being Covered Perfectly

Hi Elegant Readers,

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.

To read more about her inspiring story please go to her website, www.CoveredPerfectly.com.

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.

JT in Bottom Layered ladies Top

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.

JT in Bottom Layered Ladies Top

 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

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.

Covered Perfectly

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.

JT Wisdom in Covered Perfectly

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.

Bottom Layered Ladies Top1

The Bottom Layered Ladies top information from the www.coveredperfectly.com site:

Details

Bottom Layered Ladies Top

“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!

JTwisdom signature

Day after Downton: Season Four, Episode Two Recap

My wife and I are big Downton Abbey fans. Season Four premiered last Sunday on PBS. We blogged about that episode, with our thoughts and questions. We have decided that we would recap the each episode with our observations and a provide questions for the rest of the season. Yes, we know that there are websites out there can give us the full synopsis of Season Four, but we refuse to find out what’s going to happen. We like the element of surprise and do not like knowing what’s going to happen before it does.

www.pbs.org

www.pbs.org

Episode Two looked to be a low-key episode, with few new developments. The Crawley Family tries to move forward after the Matthew’s death with a house party at Downton Abbey. The party introduces us to new characters and develops existing ones who will play an integral part in Season Four. But before the party has finished, the lives of some of the downstairs staff will be forever changed.

Observations / Thoughts:

*Lord Gillingham, a childhood friend of Lady Mary, arrives for the party and a spark has been ignited between the two.  They talk about the business of Downton, the death of Matthew and moving forward.

*Mr. Gregson is having a hard time getting Lord Grantham to even acknowledge his existence. But Gregson wins back the money that Lord Grantham lost to Sampson while playing poker, things begin look promising.

*The new valet, Green, has taken a liking to Anna; but Bates does not like him or the mischief that he is causing with the downstairs staff. Green throws Anna’s life into peril as the dinner party concludes.

*Branson feels out of place at the house party and is heavily drinking to drown his sorrows. Edna is up to her old tricks and comes to his aid; but at what costs?

Questions for Episode Three:

*How will the relationship between Lord Gillingham and Lady Mary develop? Will it be more business or social? Will there be other men who come into Lady Mary’s life that will allow her to love again?

*How far will Gregson and Lady Edith go to find true? Will a life in Germany be in their future? Is this really Lady Edith’s chance at love? Or will she be heart broken once again?

*Will Anna be able to come to grips with her tragedy? Will she be able to share with Bates what has happened? How will this affect their marriage and their life together?

What will become of Green? How will he act towards the downstairs staff? Will his dirty secret be revealed?

*Will Branson leave Downton and return home to Ireland? Will he rekindle a relationship with Edna? Or will she just use him for her own gain? Did she put something in his drink while they were in the library?

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