Snow, Rain, and Sleet. These wintertime activities lead some people to sing the blues and long for warmer days and the promise of spring. I am amazed at how many people do not really care for snow. For me, I love the sights of falling snow and my doggies playing in the snow. However, if you are one of those people who are looking for cheap holidays, you are not alone. Cheap doesn’t mean it’s not fun and memorable. You can have a great vacation and not break the bank.
Many people set their sights on warmer climates and enjoy popular destinations on a budget. Travel websites like Dealchecker are offering great getaways to many popular destinations, like The Bahamas.
Even though my hubby and I enjoy the snow, we love to visit cities and countries in various climates. The Bahamas vacation, almost two years, was a vacation to remember. When we boarded the plane for Florida, it was snowing. We were going to a completely different climate. It was 54 degrees in Missouri and 80 degrees in the Bahamas.
Seeing the clear blue ocean in Nassau is breath-taking and I recommend that everyone takes a trip to this beautiful place.
Nassau, Bahamas
In Nassau, we visited Fort Charlotte.
Our tour guide was so informative, telling us about the fort. Built in 1789, the Fort was meant to protect the island from pirate invaders. Despite the expansive size of the fort, it was never involved in any battles.
It was very interesting to go down into the Fort, seeing where soldiers were stationed.
One important point to mention. I always made sure that if I took anything out of my bag, I made sure that all my important items were put back in.
For example, our passports. That travel bag is great because it had so many different compartments. It is unisex so I or my husband could carry it.
The Bahamas also has many open air shopping. You can barter with the locals for some great deals. You can find from everything necklaces to handbags. If authentic Bahama-made gifts are important to you, make sure to ask the vendor. Another thing you can do is look at the price tags or inside the clothing piece. Sometimes you think you are getting a great souvenir, but the tag may say “Made In China”. Make sure you do your homework if having a real souvenir is the only option for you.
These pictures bring back so many joyous memories. I think that it is time for my hubby and I to think about planning another trip. Where would you like to go on your dream vacation?
Downton Abbey season 3 is over and fans can’t wait for season 4 to engulf their TV. I can’t help but think about a crucial point this season, how Lady Edith was left at the altar.
She truly loved an older man, Sir Anthony Strallan, who thought deep inside and told her on many occasions that he was too old for her. Sir Anthony left her at the church with her bouquet in her hand and alone with her friends and family watching in devastation.
I often wondered what did Lady Edith do with her engagement ring? I remember her taking it off. Would she give it back? Would she go to New York and sell it?
Well, what would you do if you were Lady Edith and selling your engagement ring in New York?
Selling a diamond engagement ring can be difficult, since there are thousands of buyers out there that will try to scam you or offer you just a small percentage of what it’s really worth. If you have done lots of research, the process of selling can become a lot easier, but most commonly people have no idea as to what their diamonds are really worth. Because of this, it is best to take your precious stones to a certified local lab that specializes in grading diamonds for what they are truly worth. For example, if you’re in the Big Apple, you can sell engagement ring in NY or sell other types of jewelry: in person, or by website. If you are certain that your diamond is extremely valuable, you could also send it to an international certified lab.
The best you could do is having your diamond appraised from two or three different professionals to get a precise approximation of the diamond’s true worth. Rapaport Value is something you must consider when taking your diamond to an appraiser. The Rapaport is the wholesale value of the diamond, and it basically tells you the highest amount of money you could get from your diamond. If your diamond is not certified, think about investing in a certificate from GIA. This can be extremely helpful to get a higher price for the diamond when you decide to sell it. Remember that there are other great alternatives for getting your diamond appraised or selling it. There are online appraisers that will tell you what your diamond is really worth with great accuracy.
Now, the best option will always be selling to friends or people you know. Friends and family will usually be the ones that would give you the best price and won’t try to rip you off. However, if friends and family are not interested in buying your diamond, you could always try outside sources. We recommend staying away from pawnshops no matter what. A pawnshop will try to buy your diamonds for very small amounts of money, even as low as 10% or less. It’s also not a good idea to sell your engagement ring on consignment. There are just too many factors that can go wrong, and there are always scammers. If your diamond is of great value, you can think about auctioning it off through a certified auction house. EBay or other online auction sites are also an option, but sometimes diamonds can be difficult to sell because of their nature.
Lets face it ladies, most of us have a love/hate relationship with high heel shoes. While some are hesitant to wear high heels because they feel they cannot walk in them, others are worried about the pain that certain designs bring. The trick is to find a designer that fits your unique feet and who uses only the best quality textiles. The material’s quality truly will make all the difference in the world when it comes to comfort.
If you are still reluctant to wear high heels, Footcandy has complied five reasons why high heels are a good investment.
1. High Heels Allow You to: Radiate Confidence
No matter how tall a woman is, when she puts on high heels it becomes all about confidence! If you’re a tall woman worried about being even taller or a short woman worried about not being tall enough, remember it’s about radiating confidence, being chic and most importantly finding a style that allows you to emanate poise. Confidence is without a doubt the ideal accessory any woman can have. So, the perfect designer that will help a woman find inner confidence is Kate Spade. Not only will one fall in love with Kate Spade’s feminine yet timeless designs but the self-assurance that will emit from your step while wearing her designs will make everyone turn their heads.
If you are hesitant to learn how to walk in high heels, always remember that although the heel adds height, if you slouch rather than hold your shoulders back, you will waste every ounce of poise and beauty the shoe is looking to add. Keeping proper posture will not only add to the splendor of the heel but it will give you balance, assertion, conviction but most importantly, it will help align your spine. Consequently, if you are a woman who tends to slouch too much, throw on a strappy pair of high heels by Rupert Sanderson—not only are they the perfect solution to fixing your posture problem but perhaps the best part is that you will look absolutely fabulous doing so!
Putting on a pair of fabulous high heels can not only make women feel sexier but heels can also make them look sexier. Since high heels transform the body by making our calf muscles more prominent, which aids in one’s posture, and by pushing the rear and chest out, it is evident that high heels generally just make a woman’s figure far more attractive. Designer, Jimmy Choo is an incredible designer who never fails at making a woman feel/ look sexy. So if you’re looking for a fabulous pair of shoes to make you feel or look sexier, then Jimmy Choo is the designer for you!
When a woman puts on high heels not only does her body transform but her mannerisms change as well. Wearing the correct high heel will without a doubt allow you to command authority in the workplace. If you’re a professional woman, combine a professional suit with an office appropriate high heel, usually a pump rounded or pointed toe in a neutral color, and not only will you have an authoritative appearance but you will epitomize authority. Your colleagues and/or subordinates will definitely view you as a serious professional woman. Giuseppe Zanotti is a designer who not only makes fabulous high heels that are comfortable but his designs are perfect for any woman looking to command authority in a tough meeting!
5. High Heels Allow You to: Create a Complete Look
Whether you’re wearing jeans and a t-shirt, a suit, a wrap dress or a skirt with a blouse, high heels can make an outfit. High heels add a feminine touch to any ensemble and will transform an ordinary outfit into a fabulous look. What women don’t realize is that a pop of color, a pattern, a brilliant metallic or a patent glossy heel can revolutionize an ensemble. So, instead of grabbing those worn out sneakers, throw on a pair of comfortable pumps by Stuart Weitzman. Not only will this designer make you feel fabulous and transform your ordinary outfit into a complete look but Weitzman is one of the most comfy designers out there. He uses only the best quality textiles; therefore, making your feet content. If you’re looking to modernize an outfit, make sure that you look at Stuart Weitzman’s collection first because he will not disappoint!
Blessings to you. I have been going non stop and it’s time to relax.
I recently purchased a Susan Graver tunic and scarf from QVC.com that is so chic and comfortable.
JT in Susan Graver tunic
The tunic is very soft and I really like how the fabric feels on my skin. The fabric blend is polyester and nylon so it drapes and flows, makes you want to move. I ordered this tunic in an XXS because even though the tunics is loose I still like to have somewhat of a fit. I added a necklace to elongate my body. Whenever you add long necklaces it really draws the eye vertically which makes you appear taller.
JT
The tunic came with a metallic scarf that can be worn in so many different ways. Below I put the ends of the scarf together and looped them through and created a cute look.
JT
In this picture I tied the scarf as a belt, the ideas are endless.
JT
The tunic is can be for all year round wear so it will definitely be a work horse. See how a layered my Isaac Mizrahi cardigan over the tunic and add a pink scarf.
Isaac Mizrahi cardigan layered over a Susan Graver tunic
The Grammys is Sunday and I must admit I am an avid lover of music. This year has some contenders that are very different but up for the fight in their own right.
I have been doing my research on the Best New Artist of the Year Nominees. Everyone is predicting Frank Ocean will win the New Artist of the Year Grammy award. I think he has some competition.
Thinking Bout You
A song about love and break up. He is first a song writer. His written for many popular singers. He became very popular with his crystal clear openness about his life and revealing his bisexuality. An R&B artist coming out. Ocean is the favored winner according to critics; but sometimes the Grammy’s gives a twisted turn so you never know.
fun.
We Are Young (feat Janelle Monae)
This song was at the top of the charts for weeks.
This song is a good contender.
The Lumineers
Their song, “Ho Hey” makes you want to clap your hands, sing along and have some fun. The background music with the vocals is so filled with energy. Will it win Best New Artist? We will see on Sunday.
Alabama Shakes sound is so different then what is out there right now. This groups is my first choice fav. Their music is pure blues/ R&B and rock, all rolled together. Southern rock at its best. Lead singer Brittany Howard, guitarist Heath Fogg, bassist Zac Cockrell, and drummer Steve Johnson know how to rock. I can see them winning the best new artist award.
Hunter Hayes is nominated for Best New Artist for the song, “Wanted.” This song was and is so popular. He is a multi-instrumentalist who sings some really toe-tapping country music. I think that he could win; but we shall see. Being relatively new on the country scene, Hayes’ music sounds like he has been around for a long time.
www.grammy.com
“Wanted,” is a pretty song, I want to wrap you up, I want to kiss your lips, I want to make you feel wanted… He could win for this.
Who do you think will win Best New Artist at the Grammys on Sunday?
Learn More About JT
Bubbling with Elegance and Grace started out as an outlet for my passion for fashion but has evolved into a place for me to teach, collaborate, and inspire. My hubby has since joined the team and we have been digital creators for 13 years. We are thankful for those who believed in us from the beginning and those who have just started riding with us on this lovely journey.
Our tour guide was so informative, telling us about the fort. Built in 1789, the Fort was meant to protect the island from pirate invaders. Despite the expansive size of the fort, it was never involved in any battles.
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