Graceland is Elvis…

When I think of Memphis, two things immediately come to my mind – Elvis and BBQ. When talking with friends and family about traveling to Memphis, they always mention visiting Graceland or are recommending a great BBQ place for dinner. Having never traveled to Memphis despite its close proximity to where I grew up, I never experienced either one.

I got my first chance to visit Memphis last year when my hubby and I attended the Duran Duran concert. It was so cool and a fun time. Although, we did n0t get to see Elvis;  but we had a chance to sample some of its famous BBQ. When we got a chance for a return visit this year, we made sure to have Graceland on our places to visit.

My hubby and I left early Saturday morning.  The drive is always cool with my hubby because we talk the whole time and like to listen to music.

The first stop was Graceland. I did not know what to expect because I have heard mix reviews. Some people said they really enjoyed seeing the house, while others said it was not worth their time. I always want to have an open mind, so I was ready to go exploring.

We drove into the parking lot which is super huge and the parking attendant was very friendly.  We got out and walked to the Visitor Building and purchased our tickets.  We stepped up to the ticket entrance and we heard a voice over us say that we can go to booth six to purchase our tickets.  After using our AAA discount to save ten percent on the tickets, we briefly browsed the gift shop and then proceeded out of the building to take the shuttle across the street to the home. The first point is for you to take a photo and then it was a short wait for the bus.  We boarded a 25 passenger air-conditioned bus and were driven across the street.  First impression was that this was a two-story, well-kept home. I have to mention that the home was very well kept and the grounds were well manicured.

Elvis's home

Graceland — Elvis’s home

After leaving the bus, our group stepped into the home to begin the tour. It was tight inside the house because everyone wants to take a look at each room. An interesting fact is that Elvis only had his guests on the first floor. And that he and his family were only allowed on the second floor. In respect for Elvis and his family, no one is allowed on the second floor. The tour of the home is not that long because your are only touring the first floor and the basement.

The stairs to the second floor are roped off, so no one can go upstairs.

Staircase roped off in Elvis home.

Staircase roped off in Elvis home.

His interior decorating was an eclectic taste.  When you walk in to the kitchen, it is like you stepped right into the 1970s.

Elvis Kitchen

Elvis Kitchen

 Everything has been preserved from the time period, nothing has changed. It was interesting to see his taste in furniture and what fabrications he wanted in his home.

The game room was mind boggling with the fabric pleated ceiling and walls.  I actually thought this room was pretty cool.

Gameroom

Game room

The basement was very mod and Elvis had a lot of friends down there. It was said that Elvis watch watch three different televisions at the same time because the President had done this.

Basement

Basement

One of the most interesting rooms that my hubby took a picture of was the family room. I could imagine that a lot of guitar playing happened in this room.  Look at the wood and the hard edginess of the room.  This room embodies the 70s.

Family room

Family room

The house was smaller than I thought but it was such a great tour to see a glimpse of where Elvis and his family lived.

We had a blast!

JT and Hubby

JT and Hubby

We even got a glimpse of a little Elvis.

Little Elvis Impersonator

Little Elvis Impersonator

 

Stay tuned because there is more to the Graceland Experience!

 

 

 

JTwisdom

 

Amazing Floral Print!

JT

JT

The last couple of weeks the temperatures have been well below normal, with highs topping out at only in the upper 70s. But this week, the temperatures are creeping back up to the upper 80s and even 90 is forecasted later in the week. Beat the summer heat with a cool handkerchief top and cool breathable pants.

The top with the black tank underneath from Susan Graver rocks because it is not only pretty to look at, it is also very cool and comfortable elegance.

Oh! Don’t forget to go and vote and visit ICU Eyewear because there is a good chance you could wear some really cute readers.

ICU Eyewear

ICU Eyewear

Full view of the back of the top. The sides are sewn from below the armhole down so nothing is showing that you don’t want to.

Susan Graver floral print top

The red pants by George Siminton works so beautifully. The red is so empowering and bold. Most of the time black pants would be styled with this outfit, but I wanted to add some pizzazz so I added a vibrant color. Below is a an up close picture of the print in the top. The flowers in red orange , yellow, lilac, purple,  are bursting in joy. The necklace was purchase from a local artist. My bangle eye candy  jewelry were gifts from my hubby. my purse if from Dooney and Bourke that shoes color blocking.

Floral print Susan Graver

Floral print Susan Graver

Bracelets : Brass and Silver

Ring – Taxco silver

Coin cuff – Italian Lire gold trim

All set to take the pic and Vinny gets in the shot. Oh well!

JT and Vinny

JT and Vinny

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Word for the day!

Patience.

This post is linked with Visible Monday.

 

 

ICU Eyewear Giveaway : You can see clearly now!

My Elegant lovelies, Readers are no longer dull and boring. They have been elevated to high fashion style and chicness. No one would ever know these glasses below are readers. ICU eyewear has kicking style and taking readers to a new level.

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The days of buying readers at the discount store are over because consumers are demanding style in eyewear that will last.

This style is so on trend for 2013 and beyond.  The design is urban with an eclectic vibe. I could never tell that these glasses are readers.

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ICU Eyewear is a leading designer of reading glasses, sunglasses and specialty eyewear.  The company’s brands which include ICU Eyewear, Dr. Dean for ICU Eyewear and Wink by ICU Eyewear have earned a reputation for high quality, innovative design and editorially acclaimed fashion. ICU Eyewear’s eponymous signature line is a collection of on-trend, contemporary, fun and colorful readers and sunglasses, designed with the millions of baby boomers in mind who need a little extra magnification but want to continue to be stylish and fashion forward. Dr. Dean for ICU  is for men and Wink by ICU is the eyewear line for women.

JTwisdom

JTwisdom

I wear glasses and contact lenses and my eyewear must be on trend and pretty. I wear glasses that flatter my face and are comfortable. If I wore readers I would not want anything less than the best.

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Read In Style Giveaway

Tell ICU Eyewear which is your favorite pair of Dr. Dean or Wink glasses and be entered to win one (1) free pair of the reading glasses you voted for.

ICU Eyewear is giving away 1,000 pairs of Dr. Dean and Wink glasses or 40% off one order of readers from the ICU Eyewear.

The giveaway is active from August 14th 2013 at 12am PST and ends on August 27th, 2013 at 11:59pm PST.

The 40% coupon code is valid until October 1st, 2013 on reading glasses only.

One entry per email address. Winners will receive their free pair of reading glasses via First Class Mail and will be delivered 4-6 weeks after the giveaway ends.

These glasses are so pretty that one just does not seem like enough. If you wear readers please go to there website and vote to win.

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The designs are stellar and the quality is top notch.

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This is a sponsored post for ICU Eyewear.

Styling and Profiling

Hi Elegant Lovelies!

This dress was such a great find from Macy’s last year. I am not sure what my hubby and I paid for it but it was not full price.  Dress by Elementz

Dress by Elementz

The colors are so vibrant and bright and the leaves are so asymmetrical and strategic in pattern placement that it elongates the body.

The black lace jacket was from a black sheath dress set. The dress size was too large for me. However, I kept the jacket because I thought it could go with other pieces in my wardrobe. I wore the sheath dress set when I vacationed in Los Angeles some years back and this is the first time I wore the jacket since that time. Snap! I know better and I will definitely wear this jacket more often. The ruffle lace trim is so dainty and feminine.

JT in dress by Elementz

JT in dress by Elementz

My man-made fabric handbag is from Kathy Van Zeeland and I don’t think she makes this design anymore. My shoes are from Etienne Aigener.

List of my jewelry selections:

Earrings-  Large gold hoops

Necklace -Red jasper heart necklace

Watch – Ceramic by Isaac Mizrahi

Heart Charm Bracelet –  gift from hubby

Ring – Sleeping Beauty Turquoise sterling ring

This dress can go for work or play. Change up the shoes, hair, or jewelry.

JT Flower in the hair

JT Flower in the hair

I really like wearing flowers in my hair and this turned out oh so chic.

My hubby and I took this pic coming home from church.  When I look at my love, I smile and thank the Lord for him. He is very special to me.

JT and hubby

JT and hubby

This post is linked up with Visible Monday.

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