There has been lots of snow here in the Lou, as well as other parts of the country. Beautiful; but people have to learn how to drive on the roads and slow down. A total of 1o.6 inches of snow with wind chills down to minus twenty-five degrees. I am one of those peculiar people who enjoy snow and I play in it with my hubby and the doggies. However, when it gets down to the minus temps, you cannot be outside for too long and the doggies feet get cold.
If I want to feel refreshed and get going one part of my regime is to eat healthy, take the vitamins that my doctors recommend and exercise regularly.
EXCELEROL
I was recently asked to try EXCELEROL. On the box product description says, “Your decision to start using EXCELEROL demonstrates your superior cognitive potential. The product is $48.69 on Amazon.com. By maintaining a proper diet, exercising regularly and supplementing with high potency ingredients as those found in EXCELEROL; you may dramatically increase your chances of success. This product has been specifically formulated to support focus, memory, concentration and alertness.
This past year, especially October through December, I was going non-stop to Christmas program rehearsals at my church. I was intrigued with the thoughts of increased focus and concentration. I was willing to try the 15-day supply.
At the time I started taking the Liquid Vcaps my hubby and I would work a full day, come home to get a quick bite to eat and then back out for Christmas Rehearsals. The Christmas production and Christmas crew at church have been having steady rehearsals since October. It was every Friday and then towards the actual day of the program we would rehearse Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It snowed the weekend of the event; so it was rescheduled for the following Sunday. This meant that we had another set of rehearsals that were for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. In addition, we had to be at church at 7:30am Sunday morning on the day of the program. I was taking the Liquid Vcaps the whole time.
Sound board
After Christmas program over, I felt like I had been going non-stop because I am also involved my other activities at my church. I felt sinus symptoms on Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day, I was dealing with a head cold and it knocked me out. Thank the Lord that even though I was feeling symptoms I was able to enjoy the holidays. It was so nice to have some calm time and rejuvenate.
Accelerated Intelligence, the company who make these capsules, claim that the pill will increase your thinking process. I think I have been on point and very alert. It’s so important to pin-point cues, and note changes. My position for the Christmas program was working in the Audio Booth. In the past I have been working in the Computer Room; but this time it was Audio. In the audio ministry, the crew and I have to be on point and always alert to observe cues. During the Christmas program portions of the script may change, music needs to be shortened. For example, there was a puppet scene where the kids arms were getting tired from puppet dancing. My audio assistant head and I have to go in our music software to shorten the music. Voice overs need to be shortened or two speaking parts need to be merged together. All this involves a great deal of thinking, detail, coordination and preciseness. I felt alert and ready for the show.
The capsules contain:
Located on the box.
Powerful ingredients
Liquid suspension technology
Standardized extracts
High potency
Contains botanical sources of caffeine
Vcap 100% vegetarian capsules
Ingredients Green Tea, Black Tea & White Tea Guarana & Kola Nut Huperzine Ginko Biloba Rhodiola Vinpocetine
Citicoline
Acetyl L_Camitine
PS (Phosphatidylserine) AGPC (Alpha0Glyceryl Phosphonyl Choline) L – Tyrosine DMAE
30 Liquid Vcaps 845mg Dietary Supplement
Take 2 Liquid Vcaps per day
If you have any questions about any of the ingredients, please check with your doctor before taking this dietary supplement.
I have only taken the product for 15 days. I think that although I have seen more alertness I need to take more of the supplement to see what the long-term benefits are of the product.
Disclaimer
I am not giving any medical advice, this is a review of a product that was sent to me to give my honest opinion.
Again, please check with your doctor regarding taking any kind of supplement. You are held responsible for checking with your doctor and Bubblingwitheleganceandgrace.com will not be held responsible if you have any kind of reactions to this product.
Downton Abbey is back with the Season Four premiere last night on PBS. My hubby and I have been watching since the beginning, following the Crawley Family who live at their English country estate during the 1910s and early 1920s. I so much enjoy period movies and television shows, like Downton Abbey. For me, watching Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice; and Manor House is a great way to spend a cold snowy day like it is today. With temperatures topping out at only zero today, I love to stay in the house, curl up with a warm blanket and watch a good movie filled with elegant women and sophisticated men.
PBS.org
In the first three seasons, we have watched as Lord Grantham struggled keep his family in order and his estate in the family. We watched the on-and-off again love story of Matthew and Mary, the struggle for Edith to find love, and the untimely death of Lady Sybil.
Season Four begins six months after the tragic end of Season Three, when Matthew dies in automobile accident soon after the birth of his new-born son, George. We see that Lady Mary is deep in grief and is struggling to be a mother her son. A nanny has been hired to care for Lady Mary’s and Lady Sybil’s babies. Lady Rose is now at Downton; but is living a free-spirited, non-aristocratic life. Mrs. O’Brien has left to pursue another lady’s maid job. Mr. Mosley is struggling to find work now that he is not needed after the death of Matthew. Anna and Bates continue being happy in their marriage now that Bates is out of prison.
Some of the interesting things I found from last night’s episode:
* Lord Grantham continues to struggle to manage the estate as the death tax imposed on the death of Matthew has once again thrown the Downton into peril. Branson is working with the Lord to keep the estate moving forward.
* Mrs. O’Brien was gone. She was such a mean and evil person, especially with her relationship with Mr. Barrow. That relationship was quite twisted. But I still liked watching her because she added so much to the plots twists and turns.
* Lady Edith rekindles her relationship with a married man, who is determined to divorce his insane wife for Edith, even if it means leaving England and going to Germany.
* The new nanny did not last too long. When Mrs. Crawley overheard her call Lady Sybil’s baby a ‘cross breed’, I felt like I wanted to jump out of my bed and slap her real good but I kept my cool.
* Mr. Barrow is still pure evil, but I give it to him that he was right about the new nanny.
Questions remain as I wait for Episode Two.
* Who is the new Downton heir, now that Matthew has died? Is it his son, George or his wife, Lady Mary? The consensus is that it is Lady Mary. But how will she work with her father in running the estate?
* Will Lady Mary be able to let go of her grief to be able to love again?
* How will the new lady’s maid work out? Since she had previously worked at Downton and was trying to have an affair with Branson, will she try to pursue him again? Will she try to get the family turn against Anna?
Interesting that Branson can only confide in the Carson and Mrs. Hughes and cannot be real with the family?
* Will Lady Rose continue her unruly antics and cause more problems for Downton?
If you missed last night’s premiere, you can watch it by clicking here.
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!
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
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 *
In the photograph below, I am at the park modeling my new Sikkim jacket handmade by Nirmaan from MarketPlace: Handwork of India.
Marketplace of India Sikkim Jacket
MarketPlace: Handwork of India recently asked if I would collaborate with them, to review one of their new must-haves for fall. I previously worked with this wonderful company when I was featured in its Fall 2012 catalogue. CLICK HERE to read about my professional modeling debut.
I support MarketPlace’s mission wholeheartedly, so I gladly accepted an opportunity to work with them again.
JT enjoying a beautiful fall day in the Park.
“MarketPlace: Handwork of India is an innovative fair trade, not-for-profit organization which combines the experience of running a business with a variety of support programs designed to effect real, meaningful, and lasting change in the lives of low-income women in India. We work with 480 artisans who are organized into 14 independent co-operatives which produce high-quality women’s apparel and home decor. Being in charge of their own businesses, the women learn valuable skills and are able to earn a living and support their families. In addition, programs offer educational and enrichment opportunities designed to help the artisans overcome personal, cultural and financial obstacles.”
To read more about the mission of MarketPlace: Handwork of India, click here.
I was given several amazing options to review; and I selected the Sikkim Jacket. Isn’t it beautiful! The description in the Holiday 2013 catalog reads,
“With easy oversized kimono styling, this Jacket artfully combines elements of bold ikat and kalamkari vegetable print. Hand embroidery adds a pop. High hip length, three quarter sleeves.”
This intricate ikat design pattern of the jacket caught my eye because it was different and looked like a workhorse in the wardrobe. The Sikkim jacket is versatile enough that it can worn 12 months out of the year. See how the intricate pattern goes around the neckline, along the lower hem of the jacket and around the cuffs.
Pairing the jacket with red pants made it a cut above because it goes beyond the norm. A bold punch to an outfit is a must for fall.
MarketPlace: Handwork of India
The jacket works well with the red turtleneck top and red pants. I added a different spark of color with the turquoise handbag.
JT
Behind the scenes for the photoshoot.
1.First, I selected Forest Park for the location.
JT looking for a great spot.
2. I make sure that I take my jewelry case with me so I can change my accessories to show the versatility of the jacket.
The wind was brisk a it was great to be able to catch some sun because it was cloudy earlier in the day.
JT getting ready for photo shoot
I had so much fun styling this jacket.
JT
I would like to thank MarketPlace for giving me the opportunity to style this lovely jacket.
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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