We all want the best for our children, and this means that we work hard giving them the things in life we think they need, but when we do this, we can run the risk of doing too much for them. The best way to raise healthy and happy children is to incorporate healthy habits that they can maintain throughout their life. If you can help your child develop healthy habits early on in life, they will feel the benefits forevermore. Here are a few things to get you started.
Encourage Your Children to Read Food Labels Something that we all forget to do, but that meal that may appear healthy on the surface could hide an abundance of sugar. Many pediatric dental care providers will help you to look after your child’s teeth and reduce sugar intake by avoiding sweet foods and juices, but it’s important to recognize where sugar could be hiding. It’s not always just in the sweet stuff!
Focus on the Positives If we use an abundance of negative language and tell children what they cannot do, we have to remember to rephrase and re-frame by telling them what they can do instead. Keeping everything positive will have a big impact on our children’s mindset. When they have a more positive attitude to solving a problem, rather than thinking they cannot do it, learning to solve a problem through trial and error, and giving them the right tools to solve problems will make them feel they can accomplish anything. Positivity is so important, and one little thing you can do with the end of every single day is to encourage practicing gratitude, as this helps them to focus on the good things, even if they think they had a bad day.
Choose Real Rewards We have to find ways to celebrate good behavior beyond sweet foods and video games. While screen time can be beneficial, it is important to focus on the motivation factors based on their age. Finding a system that works will make a massive difference.
Focus on Family Time Families don’t always spend time together anymore, but if you can focus on making one part of the day family time, it reinforces that idea of togetherness. The best example is dinnertime. You could help your children get involved with making the meals, everybody doing the dishes together, and that quality family time around the table is very beneficial for the family.
Be Realistic You have to be aware that they are going to be pushbacks. You may feel that you’ve got to invest yourself wholeheartedly in giving your children healthy habits, but this can mean you are overdoing it. It’s important to remember that you need to focus on your health too, as this sets the right example for your children. But if your children aren’t on board with new healthy habits yet, remember to take it small and steady. Gradual changes will make the biggest difference in your children’s health over time, so don’t beat yourself over the head if they don’t get it right away.
I must admit! I should be more confident, but I still don’t feel totally comfortable taking pictures of myself. NO, everyone who has a blog wants to take thousands of pictures of themselves. I either feel that I’m not my fighting weight, too over thirty, or not attractive enough. I think that is one of the reasons why I created this blog was to face my inner complex fears. I have been putting my foot in the water for almost twelve years. I am here showing up, so I guess that counts for something. This was such an exhausting work week that this stress release showed up and doing what my passion is.
This week in the midwest, the temperature and the humidity top out over 105 degrees. I am actually listening to Hot Summer from Prince’s latest that was released today.
Today’s Style list
Chambray Shirt with striped cuffs
Faux-Wrap Dress, self-tie belt: Isaac Mizrahi
Sandals: Earth Origins Suede Upper – Pippa
Necklace: Gift
Watch: iWatch
The dress is so cool and flowy. I have to love myself to be able to give love. If my inner self is not confident, then what I wear means nothing.
I couldn’t find the exact dress on QVC.com, but this dress is similar.
The Faux-Wrap Dress
The Faux-Wrap Dress The Faux-Wrap Dress by Isaac Mizrahi is an added safety of nothing flying up with that burst of wind. The actual fabric is sewn to the other side of the dress, giving an illusion of a wrap skirt with added security. I usually don’t add the self-belt, but it was so hot that I didn’t want to be wearing a leather belt. I think that it looks chic without one. I added the chambray shirt jacket because the dress does not have sleeves. Since I would be working in the office, I needed extra coverage with the air conditioning.
This week has been very stressful, so I need my fashion to be chic, cool, and easy.
Hello Elegant Readers,
What to wear? What to wear? Have you ever stood in front of your closet and wondered what you were doing to wear on those summer days. It can be hot and humid one day, and the next day it can be raining. It can be frigid on the inside but steamy on the outside. Instead of dressing the same way for the entire summer season, I have to dress for the day. This picture below is me getting ready to leave for work.
Living in the Show-Me State, summers are typically hot and humid, and I want my outfit to be as cool as possible. On this day. I wanted my clothing to be free-flowing because it was hot but not as steamy. The cotton blouse is Isaac Mizrahi, and the polyester gauchos are from Bob Mackie. Having a cotton blouse and polyester pants was okay because it was in the 90-degree temperatures, but I wouldn’t be wearing polyester if it was a muggy day. The polyester in these gauchos actually felt breathable and not heavy. My leather sneakers are from Vince Camuto. It is great to have a cute and comfortable shoe that works well with a variety of outfits. My leather handbag is a Dooney and Bourke Hattie that is great on the shoulder.
Even with temps reaching near 100 degrees outside, you have to remember that the inside will be much cooler. Whether you are in the grocery store, at church, or work, the air conditioning is turned down and makes it feel like it is 20 or 30 degrees cooler. In these situations, there are great options without bringing out the winter parka. If I have a shirt or a dress with no short sleeves or no sleeves, I always carry a lightweight cardigan with me just in case. Dressing in layers is something that we should do all year long it’s not only for fall and winter.
Tips for dressing for summer
– Dress in layers: bring a lightweight cardigan or sweater with you just in case it’s chilly
– Look for key pieces like blouses, pants that are natural fibers because there’s breathability
– If it’s not too hot, you can wear polyester but make sure it’s not heavy
– Step outside of your comfort zone and wear a piece of clothing (like a skirt or scarf) or color you normally wouldn’t wear
I see people running in the park, wearing only shorts and without their shirts or bra tanks. People may have the idea that we are in summer, but not so fast. It’s only the beginning of spring. I had had to shed my coat a couple of days this week when the high temps peaked in the mid-50s to 60 degrees. Although I’m not wearing my shorts or bra tops just yet, I am breaking out my new Christian Dior new sunglasses. At the rare time I had on the television, ShopHQ spotlighted several Christian Dior sunglasses styles when I saw the Umbrage style. They are so unique and have a style all their own.
JT wearing Christian Dior “Umbrage” Unisex 52mm Round Frame Sunglasses
The round frame flatters the face. The lenses have a garden design feature that does not inhibit what you see. Brilliant! Here is an up-close view of the lenses so you can see the design feature.
The sunglasses retail for $670, but I didn’t pay that price on SHopHQ. ShopHQ often has flash sales, this day only pricing, or other types of sale pricing. Amazing, I paid less than $70. You have to be on the lookout, and while I was doing this post, the price dropped from $125 to $71. I will jump at the opportunity to get high couture sunglasses for 90 percent off the retail price.
Check out my YouTube video for a closer look at the sunglasses.
The iconic luxury brand Christian Dior took the Umbrage sunglasses to another level because they exude confidence and demand attention. People don’t know what to say when they see me wearing these sunglasses. I feel very fortunate to get this gorgeous pair of sunnies for such a fabulous price.
If you want to look like you stepped off your private jet, these are the sunglasses for you.
February is Black History month and Vice President Kamala Harris was sworn into office on January 20, 2021. During the Inauguration she wore a striking purple dress with a matching coat designed by Christopher John Rogers. The striking outfit was accentuated with a custom pearl and gold necklace and earrings created by Wilfredo Rosado. The purple coat had bluish undertones in this picture and makes her complexion glow. In the fashion world monochromatic is hot and top of the moment. I believe the monochromatic look works well. The purple being vibrant would have clashed with a contrasting print or color. Designer Rogers stated the color symbolized unity which is what the world needs now more than ever and a sign of hope.
Vice President Kamala Harris and husband Doug Emhoff greet the crowd during the 59th Presidential Inauguration ceremony in Washington, Jan. 20, 2021. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris took the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol. (DOD Photo by Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Carlos M. Vazquez II)
Would you wear a monochromatic look?
A monochromatic look has often been considered a fashion faux paw, but now the look is on trend and is considered a classic. It can make a figure look very slimming. And it looks easy but it’s a skill of a great stylist to make this look come off fresh and energized.
Happy New Year! I really enjoy saying that. It’s still the beginning and the best year you’ve ever had right? Receive that!
I heard from one of my coaches that Vice President-elect Kamala Harris is on the cover of the February 2021 issue of Vogue and the response is 50/50. The images below are cover shoots for digital and print.
What are your first reactions when you see these images of VP-Elect Harris?
February 2021 Vogue shoot Vice President elect Kamala Harris
It appears to me that she is trying to be relatable to the people and and offer a familiar look. I think I have always seen her in a pantsuit. It is a very professional and polished look. Her out of the box moment is pairing the pantsuit with converse sneakers.
Hmmm, my first thought was what was going through the stylist mind and what did her entourage have a say in this photo shoot. Well, I heard that she did not have a stylist and she styled herself.
I can go on and on, but let’s face it. No matter what level of the ladder you are at, people are look at you and what you wear is a science.
Vice President-elect @KamalaHarris is our February cover star!
Making history was the first step. Now Harris has an even more monumental task: to help heal a fractured America—and lead it out of crisis. Read the full profile: https://t.co/W5BQPTH7AUpic.twitter.com/OCFvVqTlOk
I would have loved to have seen VP-Elect Kamala Harris styled different. Maybe a tweed suit or a pencil skirt instead of pants. Or a fabulous moment like a dressy elegant evening gown with sneakers and another photo with heels side by side set in the Vice President’s office as the background or her standing in front of the White House. Kudos that the photographers where of African descent, however, this woman has made it as the first African descent VP-elect and my mind is so out of normality and I am just like you kind of moment.
I want to show how I would have styled VP-elect Harris. It doesn’t have to take her all the way out of her comfort zone but it can push her a little to take chances.
Amal Clooney is a Lawyer and has mad style. Chanel is timeless and I think styling VP-elect Harris in a Chanel suit with tons of pearl and chain necklaces would of been oh so fab.
Chanel Photo Images InStyle Photo Image PopSugar
My style choices for VP-Elect Harris would stretch her limits and she may tell me she just can’t do it but I would hold my ground and say step outside of the box.
Images: Time Michelle Obama Dress 1Left Naheem Kahn Dress 2Right Alexander McQueen
I think people would say wow I have never seen VP-Elect Harris in anything like that, she’s beautiful. Familiarity is okay at a time and I understand that. However, she is now the VP-Elect and style choices can change. The sky is not the limit so I expect to see style changes in VP-Elect Harris’s future. I am interested to see what she wears at the Inauguration ceremony. Not sure if they are having any virtual galas in the midst of a pandemic and if they are, will Harris dress up for it.
Interesting fact, Melania Trump has not been on the cover of Vogue during the last four years, despite being a former fashion model and the current First Lady.
Have you changed your style in different seasons of your life? If so, how? We all change are style choices but we can still maintain who we are as a person and remain humble.
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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