Memories of My Mother and My Grandmother

My Grandmother and I

My Grandmother and I

I celebrated my birthday on Saturday with my hubby. Every year, my birthday and Mother’s Day always seem to to fall on the same weekend. Some years, both are on the same day. I have feelings of joy and sadness. I have to cast that sadness down because my mother and grandmother are both with the Lord and would not want to come back.

To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

 I miss my mother and grandmother; but I know I will see them again so that puts a smile on my face.

Today I was going through vintage photos and came across a photo of my grandmother and I.  I might have been eight years old in the picture above. She was coming off the train from traveling out of town. Sometimes, she would travel with her church friends. Other times she would visit family in Mississippi or Chicago. She was a sweet lady who loved the Lord and loved her family very much.

My GrandmotherMy Grandmother was a sharp lady. I know that is where I get my style from. It is in my blood. The picture above is one of my favorite pictures. She looks like she could be on her way to church or an evening out at the theater. I am not sure when this photograph was taken, maybe the 1940s. This stylish outfit could work today, just as it did then. Her classic style has inspired me ever since I was a little girl.

My mother was strong and confident in who she was as a person, and I admire her for that. I do not have many photographs of my mother and none of us together. She did not like to be photographed, even though she was very pretty.  My mother died in 1994.  It has been nineteen years; but sometimes it seems like yesterday. I hold on to the values she taught me, and the love she gave me.

My mother

Cherish your mother if you are blessed to have her with you. Tell her that you love her; even if you have already told her and give her a hug. A mother is a wonderful treasure to have, she is a queen to behold.  If you treat your parents well, you will continue to be blessed beyond measure.

JTwisdom signature

Linked to:

Not Dead Yet Style

Must Have: New Cross-Trainers

 

Happy Spring!

Did you know that you are suppose change out your athletic shoes every 300 to 400 miles?  I was watching a shoe show and heard that information. I bought my last cross-training shoes about a year ago. They are still in pretty good condition; but I needed to get a new pair.  I tried on a several pairs at DSW and narrowed my selection down to two choices. A Reebok FlexFrame and a NIKE cross trainer. When I tried on the NIKEs and it felt unstructured. I would describe this shoe as a good shoe for running or walking.  The Reebok shoe offered more structure support and fit my foot very well. Not to mention the shoe looks pretty rad!

I made my decision and purchased the Reeboks. As soon as I bought the shoes home, I wanted to see how they fit working out with a FIRM video.

Sketcher

Reebok

 My shoes have to be comfortable when I work out with weights or do Zumba.

 The picture below of me doing a lunge with weights. It felt good because my Reeboks made me feel grounded and secure in my move.  Form is everything and when I have a great shoe the move is easy and I get a better workout.

JT working out

JT doing lunge

The Reeboks were great when lifting weights overhead. I could move my toes around in the shoes, the toe bed didn’t feel tight.

JT lifting weights overhead

JT lifting weights overhead

Lastly, I did my side lunge weight lift routine and it was a good feeling because I wasn’t thinking about my feet.

JT doing side lunge and lifting weights

JT doing side lunge and lifting weights

Tips for finding a good athletic show

1. Fit! Fit! Fit! Get the correct size. You don’t want to be in a shoe that is too big or too show. You feet will be hurting for sure. Make sure you can wiggle your toes in your shoes.  If you can’t wiggle your toes they are too tight. Also, a shoe that is too big can cause problems with your feet too.
2. You will walk around in the store to see if the shoe is a good you.  Do some three-knee repeaters, or leg lifts and see how the shoe feels.  I know you make look funny; but your the one working out in them so get what you want.
3. Make sure it’s the right type of shoe. Are you running? Are you walking? Do you dance and do aerobics? Know the right type of shoe for your fitness regime.
4. Design and Color. Get a color that you really like. For me, I don’t like an all white shoe. It needs to be a bright color. But get what you like and want, not just because it happens to be on clearance.

JTwisdom signature

This post is linked with Visible Monday!

Treat Yourself to 5 Comfortable and High Fashion Shoes

 

Are you on a quest for comfortable yet fashionable shoes? Do you have high standards in both departments? Well look no further because Footcandy has found some of the trendiest and most expressive styles that are also comfortable. Whether you’re standing all day at work, touring a new city by foot or dancing the night away at a professional banquet, these shoes will comfortably get you through all those activities and more. Here is Footcandy’s top 5 most comfortable yet stylish must have shoes for the 2013 spring and summer seasons.

 

1. Giuseppe Zanotti’s “RDS304” Sneaker

 

This fabulous canvas, leather wedged sneaker is one of the most high fashion athletic trends this season. Not only will the rubber sole give you ideal comfort but the insole lining of the sneaker is lightly padded to offer you maximum comfort coverage. So whether you’re running to the grocery store, on campus or touring a new city, this sneaker epitomizes the ideal foot support women desire when walking for miles.

 

rds304

footcandyshoes.com  –  Giuseppe Zanotti  –  “RDS304

 

2. Kate Spade’s “Marilyn” Kitten Heel

 

Slide into these glam and feminine Kate Spade patent leather kitten heels. The crisp cutouts and darling bow adds charm while the low demure heel is essential for overall comfort. This sensational shoe’s open toe-box and gently padded leather insole provides utmost comfort and will, without hesitation, get you through a night of dancing at a wedding. So if you’re looking for a secure yet fashionable heel for a dressy event, look no further because the Kate Spade “Marilyn” is that perfect accessory.

marilyn

Footcandyshoes.com  –  Kate Spade  –  “Mailyn

 

3. Jimmy Choo’s “Demi” Slip on Sneaker

 

The starlight shine that emanates from Jimmy Choo’s textured fabric highlights the athletic silhouette of this timeless sneaker. The easy slip-on feature, rounded toe-box and rubber sole create a cozy and durable walking sneaker. So whether you’re taking a casual stroll around town, running the kids from activity to activity or simply need great traveling shoes, this comfortable sneaker will add a little glam to your step.

 

 

demi

footcandyshoes.com  –  Jimmy Choo  –  Demi

4. Footcandy’s “Cabo” Espadrille Wedge

 

Being comfortable has never looked so good. Footcandy’s cross-band leather espadrille wedge is a must have summer accessory. The extra padded insole provides comfort while the open toe-box allows your foot to be free and, most importantly, comfortably exposed. Besides comfort, the best part is that this style comes in an array of colors! So if you’re looking for a low-heeled wedge that provides maximum support and comfort coverage that you can wear poolside or at a gal’s luncheon, then this is the perfect wedge for you.

 

 

cabo

footcandyshoes.com  –  Footcandy  –  Cabo

 

5. Emma Hope Shoes’ “5105” Casual Sneaker

 

This sophisticated velvet sneaker by Emma Hope Shoes is the ideal everyday sneaker. The rubber sole, rounded toe-box and lace up creates a fit that can be adjusted to any foot shape, but most importantly this timeless design is perfect for any season. So pair these sneakers with jeans for the next sporting event you attend, wear them to the park with your kids or casually wear them to a picnic. No matter which way you wear these sneakers, you will undoubtedly love the support and coziness that this shoe creates for your feet.

5105

footcandyshoes.com  –  Emma Hope Shoes  –  “5105

 

To purchase these high quality comfortable styles, or find more on your own, be sure to visit footcandyshoes.com

–Promotional Content–

Coordinating Jewelry and Outfits

 

White and blue diamonds

White and blue diamonds

 

If you are an avid fashion enthusiast, you may already know that jewelry can enhance or complicate your whole image. Many love the ways that jewelry helps them lift up and enhance their attire, but aren’t sure how to mix and match it with their favorite wardrobe pieces. We recommend to not follow standard rules because we all have different personalities and taste when pairing jewelry with clothing.

Let’s review the basics first. Whenever you are wearing an elegant piece of clothing, it is possible to take it to the next level by wearing the right piece of jewelry. To better illustrate this, imagine that you are wearing an elegant evening or night dress that is strapless. With this choice, you can select many different pieces of jewelry to complement it. For example, you could easily wear choker to make your image inspire romance and passion. Another great option would be wearing a large diamond necklace to display beautifully on your upper collarbone. Diamond necklaces are perfect for special occasions where you want to look sophisticated and elegant. The jewelry you choose will become a signature part of your overall look, especially if you wear those pieces more often. Check out www.selluseddiamonds.com for more information on the origin of diamonds.

Remember that certain pieces of jewelry, such as diamond necklaces, can overpower your whole look if you choose to add any extra layers to your attire. Never over accessorize. If the top or dress you are wearing is already flashy, and you’re using it as a statement piece, then there’s no need for any sophisticated accessories. Sometimes a simple, but elegant diamond necklace will do more for you than adding any extra layers of unnecessary accessories.

Tennis Bracelet

Tennis Bracelet

For casual events, it’s okay to wear over the top jewelry.  It’s all in how you style your outfit. If you’re itching to wear that beautiful diamond necklace, by all means wear it to that casual family reunion. Do not save it up for a formal event wear your jewelry and you will stand out from the crowd immediately. Remember that there are no rules for an appropriate time and place. If your personality type wants to wear unique and flashy pieces of jewelry then I say go for it. If you feel that your overall image needs an extra edge, consider wearing unique pieces of jewelry that will enhance instead of detract. We guarantee that you’ll leave a great impression on your next formal or casual event!

Is It Really About My Hair?

Getting ready for church this morning and I realized my hair is still wet from my twist out. What is a girl to do? I washed my hair last night, detangled, conditioned and had six twists on each side of my head. Ready to be styled in the morning. Well, I had let my hair air-dry last night; but my hair is quite thick. This morning my hair was not dripping wet; but it was damp.

Again I say, What am I to do?

Thoughts in my head of wearing a cap, but it is way too warm for that today.  Maybe I could wear it up and no one would never know that I didn’t get the soft lustrous curls that I wanted.

What did I do?

I untwisted my hair added some Carol’s Daughter Hair Milk and styled it to the best of my ability. As you can see in the photo below, this is naturally me.

JTwisdom's natural curls.

JTwisdom’s natural curls.

I am not fond of hair shrinkage; but I said to myself, “This is who I am, so people can take it or leave it.” A few years back, I would of never had worn my hair in this style. It was always straightened either with a pressing comb or by a relaxer. Almost four years ago, I decided to go relaxer free. I had to learn how to style my hair and find out through trail and error what products work best for my texture.

JTwisdom's natural curls

JTwisdom’s natural curls

Here I am, hair shrinkage and all.  My hubby  was constantly saying that he thought it was cute; but all I could  think about was how short it looked.

But you know what, I went to church and got received several compliments.

My hubby said, “Is it better hearing it also from someone else?”

I said, “No.” But his comment made me think that I have to be fine with myself.

God’s word says that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

God made me and He gave me curly hair and I have to love me some me. If I do not love myself; how can I show love to anyone else.

JTwisdom

JTwisdom

I find that the times when I don’t think I look my best are the days that I get the most compliments. Here I am talking about the shrinkage in my hair and a lady today said to me that she would have to pay to get hair like mine, meaning she would have to buy  a curly wig. Go figure?

But the tidbit of advice to remember: Compliments are great; but if there are no compliments, you have to feel that self love inside that you know that you are beautiful.

Outfit in Review

Cardigan Macys
Silk Blouse  J Crew
Tights Macys
Wedges Vince Camuto
Necklace – Nolan Miller
Bangle – Bronzo Italia
Gem silver cuff – gift
Fragrance – Fabulous by Isaac Mizrahi

This post is linked with NotDeadYetStyle
Visible Monday

JTwisdom

JUSTRHYSE AT DefShop

My hubby is a wonderful guy and the love of my life.  However, he is picky when it comes to clothes and he should be because he wants to look on trend and stylish.

Hubby relaxing

Hubby relaxing

My hubby loves to dress up and look really nice and I must say I really admire that quality in him. He takes time to look good for himself and also for me.

I also think that he looks put together when he’s in casual attire as well.

526

I wanted to share some cool pieces from Just Rhyse at Defshop.com  that I think my hubby and other men would feel good wearing because it is casual but it will also give off a chicness at the same time.

JUSTRHYSE

“this is pure urban

fashion from just rhyse.

get it. wear it, relax.

now, you’re dressed.”

You can be fashionable and comfortable.

Just rhyme gain zip hoody

Just rhyme gain zip hoody in grey blue

This hoody is cool but it does not look like this guy is going to mow the lawn. He looks like he is going somewhere; whether it is to the mall or run around town. The pops of color along the piping trim, strings and sleeves gives the hoody an edge above the rest.

My hubby would definitely wear this jacket. Such a great look for men’s casual wear. I love the color blocking and this jacket could  be worn with a button down or a T-shirt.

Just rhyse collegiate jacket

Just Rhyse collegiate jacket

Hubby will not wear completely ripped jeans; but I know he would wear these hot commodities below.

The jeans look lived in with out looking weathered, sheer classic. In the picture the jeans are paired with tennis shoes, but I know my husband would wear boots with them.

Just Rhyse loose fit jeans

Just Rhyse loose fit jeans

My hubby hearts boots.

I am adding in this jacket because I really like the assymetrical zipper, a twist on the vertical zipper .

Just rhyse haki jacket

Just rhyse haki jacket

JTwisdom signature

 Promotional content

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Verified by MonsterInsights