Blessings to you and hope your having a great day.

I have found such a pretty dress during my birthday month of May.

JT in dress

The dress by NY Collection is so chic and comfortable in the best way. I was browsing at Macy’s with my husband  on the day of my birthday. I saw this dress on the mannequin. I looked at the price tag and it was a whopping $69.00.  I really liked the fabric because the lace had a touch of spandex and it was fully lined.  Although I have to wear a slip underneath.

Lace Fabric of dress

That was not what I was planning to pay for it, so I sighed and said “Maybe someday I will get this dress; but not right now.”  A couple of week later, my hubby and I went to a different Macy’s because I was looking for some black shirts  for the helps ministries I work in at church and I spotted the same dress.  But this time, the dress was on sale.

JT in NY Collection  dress with cardigan

It was a good deal because the dress was half priced and I had another 20% coupon, making the final marked-down price of the dress down to $27.60. I have learned that it pays to wait. If you can wait you may get a better deal. It is not always wise to go out and by something hastily, especially with Macy’s. Macy’s seems to be having a new sale going on all the time, and there are usually coupons attached to the sales flyer. You never go to Macy’s without a coupon.

This is another versatile dress that works by itself or with a cardigan, whether it is for church or for work. My Coach handbag in bright patent fuchsia gave the outfit above a pop of color.

Below is a picture with the cardigan off and its effortless style.  The silver belt came with the dress and gives definition to my waist.

My shoes  from DSW are a Kelly and Kate ballerina spectator  style that was a nude color with black. It worked without looking too matchy-matchy.

Having a little head banger fun.

Happy Father’s Day to my Dad and my Father in love Dad who are in heaven with the Lord, to the Dads everywhere, Dad role models, those mothers and fathers who are being a mom and a dad to their children.

This post is linked to Visible Monday.

Dress Series Part III: Lovely Lace originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on June 16, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

On this Father’s Day, I honor my Dad who went to be with the Lord in 2003.

Love and compassion. He was a kind, God-fearing man who worked hard to provide for his family. My mother did not work she was an awesome stay at home mother; so he was the bread winner. It was not always easy; but we made it. I will always remember him giving me undercover candy when my mother wanted me to constantly eat healthy snacks. He always looked out for me; and I admire him for that.

I am the only child and I knew that I was in a house of love.

I remember my Daddy riding the bus with me to college because my mother did not want me to be on the bus by myself. I needed to be close to home when I went to college so I went to a small private college in town. At the time, I did not understand why he had to ride the bus with me. But I  look  back now and I am so thankful for him being with me and taking care of me.

When my grandmother became ill, my Daddy stayed with her after he would get off of work so that she would not be in the house alone. She had previously walked out the house and became disoriented. After that time, it was important for someone to be in the house with her. He did not have to do that, but he did when no one else stepped in. I admire him so much for giving of his time.

JT’s Grandmother and Dad

I know I should be cheerful on this Father’s Day. However, as I write this, tears role down my face when I see these pictures.  My Father is with the Lord in heaven and I am happy that I  know that I will see my Dad, my Mother and my Grandmother again.

Happy Father’s Day Dad!

Celebrating Father’s Day originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on June 15, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

I was given the opportunity to try a Snugg iPad leather case  for my iPad 3 from www.Snugg.com. I choose pink because that is one of my favorite colors. It arrived Royal mail in about two weeks. When I opened up the package, the case looked really stylish and edgy. I had to immediately place my iPad inside and try it out.

JT using snug iPad case

The first impression of the case was it had a vibrancy of color and the soft hand of the leather. Also, my iPad felt so secure and snug (pardon the pun) inside the case.

Snugg iPad 3 Leather case

I really like how my iPad 3 feels secure when I inserted it in the case and secured it with the velcro flap. When I closed the case there is an automatic shut off , so there no worries about the battery running out because it conserves energy of the device.  They stylus holder is on the top. I do not have a problem with the stylus holder located on the top maybe because I am left handed. My husband prefers the stylus holder to be on the side for more convenience. Maybe that is because he is right-handed.

www.snugg.com

 The Snugg website has a cool video on how the case converts for different uses. In the picture above the flap you see will convert the iPad into a table top stand to either watch movies or do other things on the iPad.  I really like this feature about the case.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Th e Snugg company gifted me with the iPad 3 leather case and asked if I would give my honest opinion.  I believe that they gifted me a high-quality product.  The Snugg iPad 3 leather case  is on sale on the Snugg  site right now for $34.99. This is a product that I would have paid for.  Yes, it is that good.

I would like to thank the Snugg company for gifting me with the iPad 3 leather case because it really is an awesome product.

If you are in the market for an iPad Case then look no further than www.snugg.com. The cases are made well and very well priced.

Snugg iPad Leather Case Review originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on June 9, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

JTwisdom

This is one of my favorite dresses By Madison Leigh. I purchased it for a great price from Macy’s a few years back. The fabric is comfortable and I can wear this dress all year long. Florals are bursting with popularity this year, so if you have something with flowers on it, wear it. If you do not have anything with a floral pattern or don’t care for floral wear, you can wear a flower in your hair. Silk flowers can be purchase at a store like Michael’s. Cut off the stem of the flower and pin it in your hair. I have made flowers for my hair many times.

JTwisdom

This dress is a chameleon with color because there are shades of yellow, gold, black, green and gray. I am wearing a black cardigan. However, I can wear a multitude of colors with this dress. I wore black because I often will put on a green shirt jacket, so I am changing it up a bit. Isaac Mizrahi was the first designer that I heard say that you can  coordinate florals with other floral pieces. Don’t be afraid to mix patterns, be daring.

When it’s hot, there is nothing like putting on a dress. It is like having a built in air conditioner because I like natural fibers and breath-ability. Having those elements in a dress is perfect. This dress has a built in bra and doesn’t need a shaper underneath. All of these features make it  such a great find and a go-to favorte.

JT with V

I wore this dress with my Stone Mountain clogs because the metallic color in the shoe is so neutral and not competing with the colors in the dress.

What floral apparel do you have in your closet?

This post is linked up with Visible Monday!

Dress Series Part II: Florals in Bloom originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on May 27, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

Remembering soldiers who have fought for America and those who are fighting for our country right now. Memorial Day is not about barbecuing and having a party. This day is about giving honor to soldiers who have fought and are fighting so that we can have and maintain our freedom. My prayer to Father God  is for all the soldiers who are here in the states or in a foreign land that God’s protection is over them and that they will come home to their families safe and sound. In Jesus Name. AMEN

God Bless the USA!

Memorial Day originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on May 27, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

Please pray for all those affected by the storms in Oklahoma.

Please also keep the animals of Oklahoma in your prayers too….We pray that they are all safe.

This was not an act of God this was the act of the enemy (The Devil). Death and destruction are not of God.

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God:

I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.(KJV Bible online)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Praying and Interceding for Oklahoma! originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on May 20, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

The perfect pair of shoes can make a world of difference when finalizing your look. Its been said that no matter what one’s wardrobe is worth, if one pairs high quality shoes with an outfit, the entirety of every other piece will look high quality as well. Further, if the clothes fit and one’s makeup and hair is done properly then the shoes can amplify the look and completely take it to the next level.

With that in mind, here are Footcandy’s Top 3 Shoe Styles that every woman should have in her closet in order to pull together any look regardless of the occasion.

1. Flats (nude, print, black or brightly colored)

 Flats are very versatile for any lifestyle. From work to errands to travel to the weekend, investing in a few high quality pairs of flats will get you through an array of life events and activities. A few designers that will always provide comfort and quality and of course high fashion designs are Emma Hope Shoes, Jimmy Choo, and Rebecca Minkoff. These three incredible designers have an assortment of multicolored prints, textiles, and cuts throughout their collection. And it is important to note that any woman of any age can find a style that is perfect for her in one of these three collections.

Emma Hope Shoes  -  12603

Jimmy Choo  -  Weber

Rebecca Minkoff  -  Irma

2. Wedges (espadrille, platform, tweed or patent leather)

 A wedge is essential because it has the capability to be paired with an assortment of outfits. From capris to shorts to a peplum dress, the wedge adds height while giving you security to walk, dance and even run from one child’s activity to the next. It is a stable shoe because women can dress them up (e.g. an outdoor wedding) or casually dress them down (e.g. girls’ luncheon). Which ever way one chooses to wear them, a few designers that always provide high quality wedges every season are Oscar De La Renta, Footcandy, and Kate Spade. Each one of these designers has versatile textiles, colors, and heights in their collection of wedges.

Oscar De La Renta  -  Alaly

Footcandy  -  Cabo

Kate Spade  -  Lainey

3. Trendy Pump
(strappy, open toe, closed toe, textured, or bright)

Every woman should own at least one statement making pump. A trendy pump exudes a sexy, strong, and empowered persona so make sure that the pump you chose makes you feel confident with every step you take. Remember this pump should be a statement piece that is intended to make a lasting impression (e.g. a party) so the sky is the limit with these shoes. But do keep in mind that you want to compliment your wardrobe so make sure that you know what wardrobe pieces you want to enhance. Some fabulous designers that always create rare fashion forward pumps are Giuseppe Zanotti, Jerome Rousseau, and Stuart Weitzman. Each one of these talented designers craft one of kind pumps every season that will guarantee a statement making impact.

Giuseppe Zanotti  -  E30233

Jerome Rousseau  -  Kirby

Stuart Weitzman  -  Tickle-Up

We hope that these 3 must have shoe styles make it into your closet!

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

–Promotional Content–

3 Must Have Shoe Styles for Every Closet originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on May 19, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

I really enjoy wearing dresses in the Spring and Summer. This is my birthday month and I had to share with my lovely readers one of my recent finds. I love finding good deals and this one was a great deal.

JT in dress by Jones New York

My hubby and I went to Macy’s on my birthday,  May 11. I happen to be going through the Jones New York clearance rack. To my surprise, I saw this beautiful vibrant dress. The dress retailed for $129. It marked 65% Off, with a sale price for about $45 and change. With a gift card the final price was $23 and change.  Jumping up and down. Hurrah! I looked at another rack and it had the same dress but in a polka-dot print with a retail price of $129. Amazingly, that dress was not on sale. Have to catch those deals when you can.

The pattern sings songs of spring and summer. I love how the fit is so slimming. The dress can also be very versatile by adding a simple cardigan and animal print flats or heels. It is perfect for those not-so-warm spring days, when you need the cardigan in the morning when it is a bit cool. The cardigan is also a great layering piece for those warmer days when you are inside and the air condition is turned down low. I love it cool in the office so a cardigan is a must. If I need to take the cardigan off, I still have enough coverage that I don’t feel uncomfortable or showing too much skin at work.

JTwisdom

This blue cardigan works perfect with the shades of orange in the dress. The contrast of colors really makes the outfit pop.

 This dress is great for spring and summer; but it will work great for fall and winter as well. I can easily see this dress with a blazer or sweater with tights and boots.

Praise the Lord! This was such an awesome birthday deal. Celebrating my birthday the whole month.

Stay tuned for Dress Series II

This post is linked with Not Dead Yet Style

Dress Series Part I: Bright Colors! originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on May 18, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

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 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.

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.

Linked to:

Not Dead Yet Style

Memories of My Mother and My Grandmother originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on May 13, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.

Carman

Carman is raising funds for his new album through Kickstarter and is 90% complete.

I grew up listening to Carman’s music. This is wonderful to hear that he is planning to write new songs and record an album.

On Carman’s Facebook page he announced that he’s battling an illness. I am interceding for and I am believing for Carman’s complete healing.

Carman’s words on the Kickstarter Fundraising site page said,
“I’m so excited about this incredible opportunity we all have through “Kickstarter” to make something happen as a team and a family. Through this fundraiser for a new CD and Video project, we can finally have something big we can interact on, on a personal level. 8 weeks ago I was diagnosed with incurable Multiple Myeloma Cancer and given a 3-5 year window of time. It seemed like a death sentence but through Kickstarter God have turned it into a life sentence.”

Carman has given free concerts where thousands gave their lives to Jesus. He has ministered for years and I support him and his music.

My favorite videos from Carman

Carman’s witch invitation(First mini movie in Christian music)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Carman’s witch invitation with commentary(making of the video)

Click here to view the embedded video.

Satan Bite the Dust
Shows how we have to pray for ourselves everyday and stand against the enemy.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Addicted to Jesus (A2J)
Carman AND DCTalk

Boy, I would dance big time to this one.

Stand tall, Stand Strong!

Click here to view the embedded video.

Support Carman guys, he is too legit to quit!

To pledge funds towards the new album please go to this link. No amount is to small.
Kickstarter fundraiser: New Carman Album and Music Video

Update

Carman’s Kickstarter fundraiser is so successful that the new album is over 100% funded and the goal time has not ended yet. Praise be to God!

Kickstarter fundraiser:New Carman Album and Music Video originally appeared on Bubbling with Elegance and Grace on May 10, 2013.
Content Copyright owned by Bubbling with Elegance and Grace.