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"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35, 37-39
Below are six things that can lead us to feel hopeless and overcome by circumstances. Make a mental checklist of the things below you have experienced in your life.
- Traumatic Event
- Strained Relatoinship
- Serious Health Problems
- Crushing Disappointment
- Unchangeable Circumstance
- Painful Loss
Some people will face these things and be tanked by them and others are able to rise again. These perseverant, resilient people are still standing no matter what has happened.
Resilience and perseverance are a set of skills that can be learned. That means that we can all learn perseverance. When we live with perseverance, we bounce back and aren't buried by life and by loss. We not only survive, but thrive. We live a hope-infused life, not a hopeless life.
"We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3
This process is within the reach of every one of us to develop perseverance, character and hope.
The most hope-infused people are not those who haven't been through anything. The most hope-infused people are those who have suffered and let this process work in their life.
Here are three things to consider about perseverance, resilience and endurance.
1. Life is harder than we ever expected.
We somehow have it in our heads that life is supposed to be easy or comfortable. That it's supposed to be stress-free and pain-free. Then when the wheels fall off the bus in our life, we are shocked. From that shocked place, we become angry and from that angry place, we end up with confusion and disillusionment as though life was supposed to be easy and life was supposed to be relatively painless. When life isn't easy, we don't know what to do.
Jesus says: "In this world, you will have trouble." John 16:33
He doesn't say some people are going to have some hard times. You are going to have problems. Sometimes people find life so hard, so overwhelming and so debilitating that they end up taking their lives.
Almost a million people in the next year will take their own life around the world, 44,000 people in the United States. It's the number two cause of death for people between 10 and 34 years old in the United States. People who die by taking their own lives, are not wanting to die. Most of the time it's just because things have gotten so hard that they can't see a way out. They can't see any other way for the pain to stop.
The Bible is so real about this too. Job, this man who lost his family, his home, his crops, his livelihood, was covered with boils on his body from head to toe in terrible pain. He talks about being at that place of just not wanting to live.
"My days have passed; my plans have failed; my hope is gone. But my friends say night is daylight; they say that light is near, but I know I remain in darkness. My only hope is the world of the dead, where I will lie down to sleep in the dark." Job 17:11-13 GNT
That's a man in despair. The first way to rebuild hope in your life, is to accept that life is harder than you ever thought it was going to be. Start setting more realistic expectations for your life.
2. God gives us resources to cope with life.
God is so good to us that he gives us resources to be able to cope with the fact that life is harder than we thought it was going to be.
He gives a Savior because that is what we need more than anything else.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 NIV
Take heart, be encouraged. You don't have to overcome the world, carry the weight of the world or solve every problem. You can't, but someone can. Someone has carried the weight of the world, his name is Jesus.
God has also given to us a new mind to cope with life. A mind that aligns with His. We can begin to think like God. Over time, we develop and transform.
"So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death, but letting the spirit control your mind leads to life in peace." Romans 8:6 NLT
Before we accept Jesus as our Savior, our minds are a scary place. The Bible says that the longer we are in a relationship with Jesus Christ, the more he can transform our minds.
The third thing that God has given to help us cope with the difficulties of life is God's Word. He's given us the Bible as a roadmap to navigate life's troubles.
"By your words I can see where I'm going; they throw a beam of light on my dark path." Psalm 119:105 MSG
Sometimes the path in front of us looks so dark. The Bible is a light to our path and we can see where we're supposed to go. When you read, study, memorize, meditate on the Bible, over time, you are transformed.
3. We get to choose our responses in life.
From the list of 6 things above, you probably didn't have a lot of control over some of those things. You do get to choose your response though. It's freeing to know you are not held captive to a disease, disappointment, disillusionment, depression or even death.
You are not held captive by what has happened to you. Take a look at some of the choices that can give you hope again. These choices will help you build perseverance, character and hope.
- Choose to expand your connections
When hope starts to fade and we start going through those really hard moments, there's a natural tendency in all of us to withdraw. The moment we want to isolate or disengage, from family, friends, small group and church, hope is fading. We must choose, in those moments, to press in to community, to relationships, to those people who are there for you, who love you and care about you.
"A friend is always a friend and relatives are born to share our troubles." Proverbs 17:17 CEV
- Choose to believe that, in Christ, you are capable of handling anything
Last week's post was about how you are in Christ, and you can take off the label of unqualified or weak and put on the label "capable."
"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13
- Choose to avoid expecting the worst.
When you take a simple event in your life and go to the worst possible outcome. When you've already written the scenario, you've already written the bad scene in your head.
"Lord, when doubts fill my mind, when my heart is in turmoil, quiet me and give me renewed hope and cheer." Psalm 94:19 TLB
- Choose to protect your heart.
"Above all else, guard your heart. For everything you do flows from it." Proverbs 4:23
Persevering people have come to understand that waves of hard times can eventually warp your perspective. They have learned how to take care of themselves in the middle of the hard times. People with perseverance are careful about their inner life.
"Do not give the devil a foothold." Ephesians 4:27
When the devil establishes a foothold in your life, he doesn't try to take over your whole life, he starts by getting one little area of your life at a time. The more you depend on Jesus the more you know what it means to really live.
The way Satan gets a foothold in our life is through any negative emotion. Jealousy, envy, fear, resentment, lust, anger or boredom can all be a foothold. When you mix several of these heart conditions together they're very potent. When you're tired, frustrated, hurt and lonely, that combination is setting you up for a fall.
- Choose to discover a truth about yourself.
In the middle of this mess you're experiencing, it's likely that there are some things about yourself that are hidden. Things that would be really important for you to learn.
One of the benefits of trouble, is that it exposes where we're weaker than we thought we were. It exposes the holes and the gaps in our faith.
Is there a part of the way you deal with conflict, is there something about the way that you relate to other people you need to work on? Trouble has the way of helping us if we will seek self-discovery. We can choose to learn and get better from it.
"We can also learn from insults and hard knocks." Lamentations 3:30
- Choose to practice gratitude
If you're going to be someone who turns suffering into hope, you need to practice gratitude. Not necessarily thankful for the wound itself, but when we think about Jesus and we think about what He did for us on the cross we know without His suffering we wouldn't have salvation.
"Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness." Colossians 2:7 NLT
- Decide today that nothing can destroy you.
You can make a decision that you will not let anything destroy you. No matter what comes your way, you don't have to let them destroy you.
This problem, this pain, this agony is not going to win. If you are going to be a person of perseverance and character, rebuilding hope again, you too will have to make even if it's a feeble declaration, a declaration that says, "No matter what comes, God will get me through it and in Christ I will not let it destroy me."
"I will not die; instead, I will live to tell what the Lord has done." Psalm 118:17 NLT
"Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? . . . No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:35, 37-39 NIV
Satan's ultimate goal is to separate us from God. You have a relationship with God, you trust Him, you believe in Him, but then there trouble comes that causes you to take a step back from God. If that is your response to trouble or pain and it stays your response, then the enemy has won.
God's Word says that you are a conqueror when you say, "Yes this hurts, yes this has taken me down time and again, but I will not be separated from the love of God that I have through Jesus Christ." That makes you a conqueror.
But Paul says, "We are MORE than conquerors"
To become MORE than a conqueror is to take the very thing that was meant to destroy you and separate you from God and make it serve you.
The hard times that we go through are meant to make us more like Christ. Hold on. Yes you can, through the power of Jesus Christ.
You can still stand.
You're still here.
You will not die.
You will live to tell what the Lord has done.
Check Back
Check back on your discussion from last week. Do you have any more thoughts, questions or conclusions about the message on 1 Peter 2:9-10, Conquering Labels?
Listen to the sermon: online, iTunes podcast or Google Play Music
Hear the Word
Read Romans 8
In Romans 8, Paul lists several things that threaten to separate us from the love of God. The good news is that in Christ, we can be more than conquerors over those things.
Life is harder than we ever expected, but we can build resilience and find hope again when we rely on God's resources and realize we have a choice in how we respond to life. Scripture tells us that in this world we will have trouble. but nothing can separate us from the love of God. By expanding our connections, believing we are capable through Christ rather than expecting the worst, protecting your heart and practicing gratitude, resilience is within our reach. Whether we experience traumatic events, strained relationships, serious health problems, crushing disappointments, unchangeable circumstances or painful losses, we can not only survive but also learn to thrive through Christ, who gives us strength and hope as we are transformed into his image.
- Ice Breaker: Name things in life that often warm the heart or bring a smile to one's face even when life gets tough.
- Resilience is the ability to recover quickly and is a skill to be developed. Why would this ability be important in this world and in what ways can it be established?
- What are some disadvantages of being isolated during a difficult time, instead of sharing your problems with someone else?
- Share how you became resilient and found hope during a time when suffering shook your confidence in Christ, and you didn't felt like following God anymore.
- Psalm 119:105 tells us God's word is like throwing "a beam of light on my dark path." Share a time when a Bible verse gave you wisdom, hope, or insight to a dark problem in your life.
- How could deciding that nothing can destroy you change the outcome of an overwhelming circumstance?
- How could focusing on the promise of heaven change our daily perspective?
Tell Someone Else
Who can you encourage with hope as a result of this message? What scars do you carry that could give someone life and hope?
Pray: Father, you hear the cry of our hearts whenever we suffer and your heart hurts when we hurt. When life is hard, help us to keep our eyes on you. Holy Spirit, in every difficulty we face, teach us how to be resilient and find hope by relying on your resources. Lord, help us find power in our choices to respond to whatever life challenges we face. Above all, strengthen us when Satan attempts to destroy our faith and assault our confidence in you. Today, we say "no" to doubt and despair. Each day, we choose to conquer evil by declaring we will not let suffering cause us to turn away from you. Thank you, Jesus our Savior, that each scar in our life blends in with the scars you bore for us, and how our sufferings cause us to be transformed into the beauty of your image.


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Bike Storage Ideas: 15 Ways to Store Your Folding Mountain Bike
In this modern age, sometimes living space can be at a premium. Large bikes (and indeed smaller folding bikes!) somtimes don't lend themselves to effective storage. Today we take a look at some of the options available to store your folding bike.
One of the biggest challenges to owning a bike is storage. Leaving your bike outside leaned up against a wall is not an option. Doing that exposes your bike to harsh weather conditions that could dampen your rides performance. In this post, we extensively discuss how to store a mountain bike.
1. Floor stand
Basically, it is a long metal bar with vertical slats configured to hold only a single bike. The ground support is quite similar to the bike rack used in grade school. They are very simple and ideal when there is enough ground room. In fact, they are suitable for garages and entrance hallways. You just fit the front or back wheel and you're done.
2. Storage Sheds
If you do not have enough space or if you have a bunch of bikes, you may want to consider a bike shed. It's a great choice if you do not want to store your bike indoors or in the garage. You have an option of three brackets for attaching to the bike shed and for storing various types of bicycles, from narrow road bikes to electric bikes to big tyres.
3. Free-standing racks
These freestanding racks are perfect for garages and places where racks cannot be mounted on the wall. They are usually designed to accommodate two bikes, sometimes even more. The racks and bikes can be easily moved for cleaning, reorganizing a garage or moving to another apartment or house.
4. Wall mounts
Wall mounts are suitable for people who have little space and do not want their bikes on the floor. The racks offer a wide variety of product line in the market. The options include simple hooks, hooks and trays, hinges or horizontal wall hangings. Mountain bikes bend aggressively making it difficult to store through the upper tube, but the arms of some wall mounts move up and down to fit the specific shape of your bike.
5. A Simple Stand
Sometimes the simple things in life are the best and this also applies to a bike rack. Simple bike stands are used as a display and a workbench for cleaning, repairing or simply storing bicycles. The stands are available in red, green, and white for both indoor and outdoor use. If you use your bike often this can be ideal for a commuter bike.
6. Bike Cabinets
Are you renting or are you looking for a more convenient and secure way to store your bike? These cabinets are intended to create unique bicycle storage space for tool kits, helmets, shoes, and more. For those who like to ride a bike and do not want to drill holes in the wall, this bike cabinet may be the best storage solution for a folding mountain bike.
7. Bike Shelter on the Balcony
If you live in an apartment and you have a balcony, you can create space for your bike. Under the shelter but outside the living room, the bike is dry and safe. Attach a few hooks to the wall to preserve the floor space then move it away from the floor.
8. Hoist bicycle storage
The Hoist bicycle storage system is an excellent substitute for standard ceiling mounts. The system is ideal for high ceilings when you can't easily access your bikes with the standard hooks. The system can lift the bike and free up space in the garage, attic or dressing room. It involves an efficient pulley system to help raise and lower the bike. Measure the height of the ceiling before you start shopping. Some can only withstand heights of up to 12 feet.
9. Ceiling mounts
Ceiling mounts are the best choice for garages when you have a folding bike. These easy-to-install storage racks take up vacant spaces on the top of the garage, getting your bikes out of the way. The only real problem is if the bike is too heavy to be lifted or if the ceiling is high and a ladder is needed.
For daily use, make sure the bike is suspended low so that you can easily grasp while taking it down. If you have several bikes suspended by wheels, you can arrange the front and back wheels interchangeably so that the handles do not interfere with each other.
10. Gravity frame
Gravity frames support is designed to rest against the flat part of the wall and to stabilize the arrangement with the weight of the bike. No need to drill holes in the wall. Usually, they can hold two bicycles.
11. Kickstands
Kickstands are one of the most basic storage options and a great way to keep your road bikes erect in the garage. Serious road cyclists generally do not use these supports in order to reduce weight. However, a leisure cyclist may find it convenient to fit a kickstand.
12. Bike Storage Wall
The vertical bicycle garage is a good solution for very small spaces of home and office. The system is also suitable for apartments or family homes that require a maximum of 3 to 4 bikes. Endo is a simple wall storage system that folds flat when not in use. With variety of bright colours like yellow, green, pink, blue, red, black and white.
13. Turn Your Bicycle Storage into a Living Room Feature
Storing your bike in the living room is another great choice for storing a folding bike. The hero system has the ability to turn ordinary old bikes into an art installation. Hanging a bicycle as a work of art, however, requires a lot of wall space. With the use of simple wall clips, you can store your bike horizontally from one side to the other. Like Endo, there are a variety of bright colours to choose from.
14. A Secure Bike Metal Shed
If it is not an option to put your bike in the house, you require a very safe outdoor unit this is ideal for a commuter bike. Loop protection provides this functionality. This galvanized metal bike park is bolted to concrete and can accommodate up to 3 adult bikes. In addition are padlocks, floor anchors and security chains to keep your bikes more secure.
15. Topeak Two Up Bike Rack
For those who rent accommodation and aren't allowed to install anything on the wall, the Topeak rack is a good option. It is perfect for both storage and maintenance work. The rack is one of the most robust racks on the market with two hangers but can hold up to four.
When it comes to storage of your folding mountain bike, there are many options on design and storage types. From space efficient storages to creative and attractive storage options, this varieties offer you choices on which storage option is preferable to you. Before purchasing a storage for your bike it is important to check on the space at your disposal. Also, you should consider your bike size and weight. The options featured above give an idea on some of the best bicycle storage options available.

subset: commoncrawl


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Knitting for Dummies
My mother talked me into taking a knitting class with her. When I told Spouse, he doubled over laughing. "You are going to take a knitting class?" he asked incredulously. "And what is wrong with that?!" I declared indignantly. "Well, you hate sewing and you can't do it," he said. "I could do it if I wanted," I said. "I don't enjoy it, so I don't do it. And besides, knitting is not sewing."
And I fumed wondering how I got a reputation for not being able to sew. I mean, just because he is a surgeon and stitches people together – where does he get the idea that he can judge my sewing capabilities?
To be honest, I have sewn one article in the 20 or so years that Spouse has known me. And that was under a bit of duress.
I was a new mother and my motherhood image was new, bright, shiny and somewhat naïve. I was trying hard to do everything "right": breast feed, make my own baby food, carefully coordinate "belly time," wash all the clothes with dye-free, perfume-free soap, sterilize everything that touched his mouth (at least the things I put into it). Somehow my image of a mother also included a woman that could sew clothes for her children. Couple this with a new best friend who was extremely skilled at sewing. (She has her own serger, for goodness sakes.) And the "make a clown costume idea" was born.
Actually, the costume came out really well and was worn by 4/5 of the kids (it got lost during one of our moves but found again after). But that is because my friend did most of the work. The two parts I do remember working on, a sleeve and a leg are backwards – the arm hole is very large and the leg hole squeezes the leg a bit too tightly and leaves a mark on those cute, chubby toddler legs.
In analyzing the sewing situation, I realize where the problem lies: I peaked too early.
See, in high school, I used to cross-stitch all the time. I loved it. I used the many band bus trips to complete several projects. (Yeah, the guys were lining up to date me.) The pinnacle of my sewing career was a duo of geese that I gifted to my sister.
And then, suddenly, there was no more time to cross-stitch, and no time to invest in learning something new. Besides, I really wasn't that interested in sewing and so the years went on with Spouse being the only
sewer person that sews in the family.
Now the kids are getting a bit older, and there are moments when I have >gasp< free time, usually at night.
So I am taking a knitting class with my mother.
Now I will just get this right out in the open – I need remedial knitting classes. (I hope Spouse doesn't read this.) We started with 25 stitches. At various times I have had as little as 23 and as many as 27. I have holes, bumps, distorted edges and a loop hanging off the side. I drop the needles constantly. Last week the instructor had to take apart and re-knit sections for me 3 times. In one hour. She uses me as an example. Her "teachable moments," she calls it.
But I am continuing on in hopes that it will "click" one day. There is only one direction this can go in, right?
Oh, did I mention that Number 4 asked for a sewing machine for her birthday this year? I'm going to leave that one to Spouse.
Blogging my way from A to Z as part of the 2014 April A to Z Challenge!


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According to the Royal LePage House Price Survey1 and Market Survey Forecast released today, year-over-year home prices made modest gains in many regions across Canada in the third quarter of 2018. The national trend was largely influenced by price appreciation in Greater Vancouver, while property in the Greater Toronto Area experienced continued year-over-year price declines, with modest gains in value when compared to the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the Greater Montreal Area saw the highest year-over-year home price appreciation rate of the three largest Canadian metropolitan areas studied.
The Royal LePage National House Price Composite, compiled from proprietary property data in 63 of the nation's largest real estate markets, showed that the price of a home in Canada increased 2.2 per cent year-over-year to $625,499 in the third quarter of 2018. When broken out by housing type, the median price of a two-storey home rose 1.4 per cent year-over-year to $736,337, while the median price of a bungalow climbed 1.5 per cent to $519,886. Condominiums continued to see the highest rate of appreciation nationally when compared to the detached segment, rising 6.7 per cent year-over-year to $441,240.
Looking ahead, Royal LePage is projecting a further uptick in home price appreciation in the fourth quarter, forecasting a 1.5 per cent increase in the aggregate price of a home in Canada over the next three months.
"Positive economic fundamentals, supported by a new agreement on trade, should bolster consumer confidence across Canada and stoke demand in the nation's real estate market," said Phil Soper, president and CEO, Royal LePage. "Dangerously overheated regions have cooled considerably this year, while home prices have remained remarkably resilient. This is the soft landing that policy makers were hoping for."
After more than a year of intense negotiations, the federal government reached an agreement with the U.S. and Mexico on regional trade. Widely seen as a good outcome for the Canadian economy, the USMCA is expected to be signed into law before year end. "More confident that their jobs are secure, the new USMCA agreement has removed a widespread veil of uncertainty that was acting as a drag on large purchase decisions," said Soper. "On the other hand, the trade deal paves the way for the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates. Overall, this is a positive development for housing industries on both sides of the border."
1 Access to your front door must be easy. Clear all snow and ice from the driveway, front walk, porch and any paths around the house and backyard.
2 Decide how to manage coats and boots so as not to distract from your entryway's first impression. Put out a freshly washed or new rug and keep a spare tucked away, as a backup.
3 Fill your home with bright and warm light, creating a cozy contrast to the cold outside.
4 Find the perfect temperature. Keep in mind the door is going to open and close throughout the day.
5 Showcase summer photos. If you have a photo of your backyard in full bloom, blow up a copy and display it by the backdoor.
6 Create a welcoming and relaxing first impression with light aromas. Brew coffee, warm a pie in the oven or light a mild-scented candle. The rule is to keep fragrances very light to not overwhelm scent-sensitive buyers.
7 Resist the holidays. Holiday decorations act as clutter hiding your home's potential, and nothing can make a room look smaller than a Christmas tree and gift-wrapped boxes. If you cannot resist, a small ornament on the hearth or another small nod to the holiday your family celebrates can add charm without taking over.
Winter boots, coats, hats and mittens can create chaos when you first walk through the door, but with the right design plan, this area can be clutter-free. Not only will the space look tidy, you will save time and reduce stress when everything is dry and at your fingertips.
Less water inside starts outside: Leave a rough mat outside to brush off snow and another mat inside where boots can dry.
Air circulation: While it's tempting to create storage with doors to hide bulky coats, you need air flow to dry garments and boots. Hooks are much more effective than cramming coats into a closet.
Well-designed and sturdy hardware: Heavy coats that stay up the first time require a good hook. Since hooks are relatively inexpensive, don't worry about saving a few dollars.
A place for everything: No matter the size of your space, everything should fit neatly. If you have children in your family, assign each person a space. Extra winter gear can be passed along or donated.
Protect your floors: It's inevitable that even the best mat will leak or overflow. If you are putting in new flooring, you might want to consider waterproof materials such as tiles. Another option is to use a large rug that covers most of the space and fits nicely under the mat.
Detoxify your home with plants
Lady Palm Naturally resistant to insects and durable, this plant can grow 14 feet if given room. Highly adaptable to most indoor environments, this plant is a good choice for a beginner.
Bamboo Palm Scoring high in its ability to remove formaldehyde and benzene, two commonly found toxins in the home, bamboo palms are a perfect choice for a room that is bright and sunny.
Areca Palm This plant can grow over 10 feet tall and emits water vapour, a bonus for dry homes.
Rubber Plant If a room in your house gets a little cold, this may be the best plant for you. Tolerating temperatures as low as 5 degrees, rubber plants can also be placed in areas with low sunlight. Be sure to wear gloves when you are pruning, as the sap can irritate your skin.


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*This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn a small commission if you purchase something by clicking my link, at no cost to you. Thank you!
As crisp, Fall weather finally begins to reach Texas, I'm looking forward to pulling out all my Stitch Fix Fall favorites. I'm sharing my favorite pieces from past fixes for the Fall season. And I've teamed up with Stitch Fix and a group of awesome bloggers to bring you a Huge Stitch Fix Giveaway!
How Stitch Fix Works
Here's a quick run of how my favorite styling service works. Since I don't like to go to the mall, or can't find the time, I love that Stitch Fix sends pieces right to my front door for me to try on at my convenience.
Here's a rundown on how it works:
- Fill Out Your Style Profile
- Select Your Shipment Date
- Receive 5 Pieces (tops, bottoms, dresses, shoes, accessories)
- Try-On
- Keep What You Like/ Return What You Don't in Prepaid Envelope
- Get a 25% Discount for Keeping All 5 Items
You can link your Pinterest Board to your style profile so your stylist knows what you like. The more feedback you provide the better your next fix will be. Set your fixes up for automatic delivery or schedule them on demand.
Stitch Fix Fall Favorites
Sena Bar Back Blouse & Maribel Distressed Jean
I love the burgundy color and unique back detail of the Sena Bar Back Blouse by 41 Hawthorn from last October's Fix. The Maribel Distressed Straight Leg Jean by Kut from the Kloth also came in the same Fix and has become a staple in my wardrobe.
Colibri Plaid Henley Top
The Colibri Plaid Henley top by Market & Spruce was also part of last October's Fix. It's gotten a lot of wear and I look forward to pulling it back out this Fall.
Meera Split Neck Top & Martina Slub Knit Cardigan
I love the look of the printed Meera Split Neck Top from 41 Hawthorn with the burgundy Martina Slub Knit Open Cardigan from Pixley. I would have never put these pieces together unless my stylist had suggested it in last November's Fix. Stitch Fix helps you find new looks you probably wouldn't come up with on your own. I highly suggest trying out the style card looks that come with every fix.
Elby Split Neck Blouse & Jonathan Skinny Cordur0y
I love this outfit from my 11th Stitch Fix Review! I like the color and pattern of the Elby Split Neck Blouse from Alice Blue. The Jonathan Skinny Corduroy pants from Kut From the Kloth are so comfy. I didn't want to take them off. They are something I would have never picked out on my own (cords typically give me 80's childhood flashbacks). These two pieces were designed exclusively for Stitch Fix, so you won't find them anywhere else. They are also petite.
Amalie Knit Top & Wilco Quilted Vest
Another favorite full outfit, this time from my 12th Fix. The Amalie Split Neck Binding Hem Knit Top by Papermoon is super comfy, especially topped with the Wilco Solid Quilted Vest by Market & Spruce. The Addyson Tulip Hem Skinny Jeans by Mavi took some getting used to but now are very comfortable.
Margo Cargo Jacket & Lola Ankle Zip Skinny Jean
I actually received this Olive Marve Cargo Jacket by Kut From The Kloth and Ruby Lola Ankle Zip Skinny Jeans by Just Black in my June Fix. The temperatures for our Summer vacation were going to be a bit chilly so I requested some layering pieces. I'm so glad these pieces will transition easily into fall as well.
Stitch Fix Giveaway
I am so excited to co-host a huge giveaway with Stitch Fix and some of my favorite bloggers. Together we are giving away a $1250 Stitch Fix gift card to one lucky winner. Use the rafflecopter below for your chance to win!
Stitch Fix | Macke Monologues | Chasin' Mason | Life in Pearls and Sports Bras | Emily Enchanted | The Box Queen | Still Being Molly | Crazy Together | Kim's Cravings | What's Working Here | Every Little Thing She Does is Meh | Take Time for Style | Kiddo and Soul | Sweet Purple Tulips | Jessi Living Lovely | The Mom Creative | Mom Spark | Hispana Global | Passion for Savings | The Shirley Journey | Pink Rose Mama | Sweet Pea


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Justin Bieber. That name in the not-too-distant past conjured up some negativity from people – branding those pop star antics as a tad on the spoilt side (a slew of arrests and tantrums last year certainly didn't help matters.)
But don't worry, Biebs– we've got your back. And we're the first to admit that this year marked a change in our relationship with Justin Bieber. Yes, our crush on the 21-year old singer shows no signs of waning. Here's why…
Justin's Actually Very, Very Funny
If you have yet to watch his LOL Carpool Karaoke with James Corden yet – get YouTubing stat! The Love Yourself singer treats us to a hilarious clothes swap with Mr Corden, speaks out on those nude pics and hides the TV presenter from (his) paparazzi. And that's the SECOND time he's been on the show. Here's hoping for take three…
He Shows His Emotions
Justin shed a few tears after his incredible comeback performance in September at the VMAs. "I just wasn't expecting them to support me in the way that they did," Bieber said afterwards. "Last time I was at an award show, I was booed. I think I've worked so hard on this album. I've worked so hard at just becoming the man I want to become." #Blessed.
He's Ridiculously Talented
There's a recent song – Love Yourself – was an instint hit and amassed 60million views on YouTube. Justin's got soul people! So he's pretty much the modern-day Justin Timberlake, right? Soz, other Justin.
He's Upped His Music Game
Working with cool American DJ duo Skrillex and Diplo on his new record has obviously paid off. We love his new sound – the breakup songs, the dance tracks… it's all there. "I think it's more relatable now," Justin admitted recently. "When I had that young voice it was hard for people to connect. Dudes can listen to it now and say, 'Yeah, I like that new Bieber song."
Latest Stories
He Can Make Fun Out Of Himself
Giving Derek Zoolander a run for his money. Justin Bieber pulls the best Blue Steel pose in this Zoolander 2 cameo, out next month. We. Can't. Wait.
He's Super Romantic
Apparently he serenaded his former flame Selena Gomez recently singing "My Girl". Couple goals, or what?
By Emma Firth


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The trailer for this fall's historical gay rights drama Stonewall, directed by Roland Emmerich, premiered Tuesday, and while I can at least admit that I was moved by the Obama opening and that Old Montreal convincingly passes as sixties-era New York, my initial impression is the same as everyone else's: yikes.
There's a hell of a lot of cisgender white men in this clip for a revolution that was famously, valiantly fought by people who cross gender, racial, and orientational lines. Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Majors, Sylvia Rivera, et al. are all seemingly M.I.A. in a movie, penned by acclaimed TV scribe and Pulitzer-finalist playwright Jon Robin Baitz, that once again re-writes a pivotal moment in multiethnic, non-heteronormative LGBTQ history to center around the personal conflicts of a hot, strapping, young white man, played here by War Horse's British up-and-comer Jeremy Irvine, who evidently — and this takes some serious gall on the parts of all involved, if true — throws the rebellion's first brick.
In less than two days, a petition on Gay-Straight Alliance Network calling for a boycott of Stonewall has gathered over 8,000 enraged signees. The trailer's debut and the subsequent uproar over the film's apparent white-washing have also coincided with "Inequality in 700 Popular Films," a new study from the Media, Diversity, and Social Change Initiative at the University of Southern California. The study, which examined portrayals of gender and race in 100 top-grossing films of the past eight years, basically re-affirms the infuriating if unsurprising reality that an industry dominated by white men only really cares about white men. I suppose this is news to anyone who thought Hollywood was becoming more diverse, but one need look no further than the eye-opening tumblr project Every Single Word, Beyond the Lights director Gina Prince-Bythewood's recent criticism of Netflix's lazy racial bias, Marvel's inability to make it work with Ava DuVernay, that ridiculous Aloha debacle, or the fact that yet another Spider-Man movie is being made with — shocker! — a straight white boy at its center to see that things are pretty much staying the same.
Based on its trailer, Stonewall only looks to be widening the diversity gap in Hollywood and the indignation this dubious trailer has ignited is hard not to side with. It's especially disheartening in this of all years, for reasons that should be more than clear, to see such a specious cover-up of an extensive rainbow of trailblazers whom so many of us remain proudly indebted to. And yet...
Even if Stonewall might be as offensive as its preview sure makes it appear, I'm willing to give the film a very measured benefit of the doubt until, you know, someone has actually seen the full thing. This current trend of prematurely reviewing and burying movies based on two-minute trailers and scattered word-of-mouth is an occasionally misguided pattern that is dooming plenty of great or at least culturally indispensable films — not that Stonewall will necessarily rank among them — to misunderstanding and needs to stop.
Emmerich also happens to be openly gay, though that's obviously not assurance in itself, and has made ongoing promises that the film provides an inclusive and well-represented portrait of how it was, even if reading the quote "We have drag queens [and] lesbians…" in a recent Vulture interview produces an iffy image of some poor P.A. taking a tally of some butch and bewigged extras at the door of the inn. And sure, Baitz has totally gypped the film's central, lopsided love triangle between a hunky out-of-towner, a white community leader, and an abused Latino transwoman from Nigel Finch's barely-remembered 1995 dramatization, also entitled Stonewall.
But still, I'm trying to keep an open mind, or, even better, follow Ava DuVernay's lead in this matter. DuVernay, to no one's surprise, conducted one of the most refreshing and thought-provoking conversations on Twitter yesterday in response to the Stonewall backlash, the highlights of which are produced below:
Was feeling some kinda way re: #stonewall. Then thought of the folks mad that LBJ isn't the main character of #selma. And unfolded my arms.
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) August 6, 2015
My point: if we are depending on this power structure to center, include, advocate for those outside of "their center," we gonna stay mad.
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) August 6, 2015
You should be tired, @elielcruz. But you know who to depend on and who not to, right? All I'm sayin.
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) August 6, 2015
We can't stay mad. Can't have our attention diverted. Cause then we always start from zero. There are plans to make. I unfolded my arms.
— Ava DuVernay (@AVAETC) August 6, 2015
Even if Stonewall's erasure is as pernicious as plenty of us are suspecting, devoting the energy of our inevitable anger to an industry that has exhibited only the smallest interest in changing its worrisome ways is a futile method of actually getting these broader, tougher-minded historical stories made and seen. Because Hollywood will never lead the liberation charge. Instead, let's devote our time to directors like DuVernay or writers, directors, and producers like Reina Gossett and Sasha Wortzel. Gossett and Wortzel are currently raising funds on Women Make Movies for their short film Happy Birthday, Marsha!, which tells the vital story of the aforementioned Marsha P. Johnson, an African-American drag performer and legendary trans activist who became one of the defining figures of the queer liberation movement, even though she's likely little more than a backgrounded presence in Stonewall. The film even stars actual trans women of color (pictured below), including Tangerine's über-charismatic leading lady Mya Taylor as Johnson. (Donate to the project here!)
It's immensely inspiring to see up-and-coming filmmakers like Gossett and Wortzel, as well as active pros like DuVernay, who still choose to fearlessly dissect ignored or misunderstood heroic figures and harrowing, heart-rending periods of history in the dynamic and diversified ways that historical cinema was always meant to.


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Alaska Airlines 4+
Alaska Airlines, Inc.
- #53 in Travel
- Free
Travel light at each stage of your journey with our companion mobile app. Explore options, book trips, check in, and move hassle-free through airports. Find all the flight information that matters to you, as you need it.
Features of our travel app:
• Book a flight and select your seat
• Shop one-way, round trip, and award travel
• Shop using our calendar feature
• Shop using your percentage off discount code (more coming soon!)
• See your trips in a list for easy access
• Purchase a seat upgrade using Apple Pay (before check-in only)
• Change your seat prior to departure
• Cancel your flight easily by tapping the 3 dots
• Add your Mileage Plan or TSA precheck numbers to your flight - make sure you get your miles! How? Tap on your name or during check-in
• Check-in up to 24 hours before your flight
• Access your mobile boarding pass—no more paper
• Add your boarding pass, Mileage Plan and Lounge card to Apple Wallet
• Pre-select your meals in Main Cabin and First Class
• See your flight schedule and boarding time
• Share your travel itinerary with friends and family
• Sign in to your account to sync your trips saved in your My Trips
• Track your Mileage Plan balance & view your account activity and tier status
• Keep an eye on First Class and Standby wait lists
• Receive push notifications for flight delays, gate changes, and more
• Change to an earlier or later flight when you check in
• Add flight details to your iPhone's calendar
• Track flights taken by friends and family
• Look up schedules
You can find additional information about the Alaska Air travel app by visiting alaskaair.com/mobile.
Thanks for sending us feedback at email@example.com. We are listening, and welcome your suggestions.
What's New
Version 4.3.2
New touch-free bag tag printing: purchase your bag tags ahead of time, then print them touch-free at the airport.
More hassle-free trips sync: trips sync automatically when you sign in on any device.
Thanks for continuing to fly with us, and for your help finding bugs. Please keep sending us feedback—we're always listening!
Ratings and ReviewsSee All
Our guest from Japan didn't realize that Canada has new visa requirements. Counter agent Courtney in Fairbanks was very patient and helpful as she hurriedly applied online for her ETA Visa but it was too late for her scheduled flight.
A call to reservations and Dave in Boise got permission from a supervisor to transfer her supposedly non- transferable ticket to a flight two hours later and Dave put a note into her record.
We waited at the airport for over two hours for the visa approval. Once she had received it another call to reservations and Kim in Phoenix quickly got her on the flight that was closing out as we spoke and the change amounted to less than $15!!!
Courtney again hustled to get her bag checked in and her onto the flight. She made it onto the next departing flight and at minimal cost thanks to knowledgeable and helpful agents who really did everything possible. Thank you Alaska Air for being understanding, flexible and generous. You have again reaffirmed to me that you deserve all the awards you receive for EXCELLENT customer service! Proud to be a Alaska Air MVP!!
Top notch application, top notch airline
I've been fortunate in doing considerable global traveling as a result of my career. Now that I'm retired, my wife wants to travel throughout the US as well as internationally. The one airline we both enjoy more than any other is Alaska Airlines. In fact she insisted we get their credit cards because of the advantages it offer. However, when it comes to using a smart phone and all of the various applications she would rather use the phone and text message exclusively and forget about the other applications. She does not find the apps "intuitive" and becomes rapidly frustrated.
I put the Alaska Airlines app on her phone anyway. To my amazement, she is very comfortable with the app and gladly uses it first anytime we start thinking about a trip.
This app really is "intuitive and very easy to navigate through. For someone who hates apps, she really knows her way around this one. Frankly, if she not only uses it but enjoys using it; the majority of folks should really enjoy the ease and throughness of this application.
It is always fast and easy to book a flight and pick your seat. I love using apps that are easy to use as you go step your step to get the job done and this app is super easy to use and if you are a 1st time user of the app. Within 24 hours of your flight Alaska Airlines will send you a notification that you can check in and if there's empty seats still you can change your seat from the original seat choice you made at the time you booked the flight. Alaska Airlines will also give you the opportunity to check your bags if you have to check one in if you have an over size bag or have more then one that is your free carry on. You can pay for extra baggage fees when you check in online or using the Alaska Airlines app or wait and pay at the airport Incase you end up with more baggage or you ended up not needing a extra bag. After you get checked in the app will ask if you want to add the boarding pass to your Wallet if you use an iPhone.
- Seller
- Alaska Airlines, Inc.
- Size
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- Travel
- Compatibility
Requires iOS 11.0 and watchOS 3.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
- Languages
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- 4+
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- © 2011-2020 Alaska Airlines, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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- Free
Get all of your passes, tickets, cards, and more in one place.
Family Sharing
With Family Sharing set up, up to six family members can use this app.


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Submission details
Baddemichl`s 3DMark Vantage - Performance score - Enthusiast league
53914 marks with NVIDIA Quadro P5000 at 1657.5/1499.8MHz
Ranking position
Global 1x GPU rank:
Quadro P5000 rank:
1st out of 1
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Not Baddemichl's best submission.
0.0 Points
Hardware Points
1st using Quadro P5000
2.5 Points
Points earned for team league
Global Team Power Points (GTPP) Not PremaMod's best submission.
0.0 Points
Hardware Team Power Points (HTPP) 1st in team using Quadro P5000
5.2 Points
Hardware details
CPU details
- Model: Intel Xeon E5 1680 v2 'Ivy Bridge-EP'
- Cooling: Air (Stock)
- Speed: 4,199.92MHz (+40.00%)
Memory details
- Type: 15360MB
- Speed: @ 2,133MHz
- Timings: CL12.0 12-12-32
VGA details
- Model: Quadro P5000 (GP104 GL) NVIDIA
- Cooling: Air (Stock)
- Speed: 1,657.5MHz (+3.14%) / 1,500MHz (+33.20%)
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ROCKPALS 80W Portable Solar Panel Charger, Parallel foldable Solar Panel
1. Constructed of sunpower solar cell, convert up to 23% of solar power into free energy
2. TIR-C technology ( Target intelligent gecoginition chip )
3. The pouch on solar panel is made from flannel and hand-sewed for storing your cell phone.
4. Prevent against reverse charging
5. Waterproof IPX3
Peak power: 80W
Cell rate: 23%
Power voltage: 18V
Power current: 4.4A
USB output: 5V/9V 2.4A max
Operating temperature range: -20℃-65℃
Unfold size: 16.73*11.61*1.97in
Fold size: 45.28*16.73*1.18in
Packing List:
1 * Parallel 80W solar panel
1 * DC5.5*2.5 to DC5.5*2.5 parallel cable
1 * DC 5.5*2.1 to DC5.5*2.1 output cable
1 * 8mm DC connector
1 * DC Aviation plug cable
1 * DC3.5*1.35 conector
1 * User manual
Product Features
- MADE FOR SOLAR GENERATORS: Compatible with most solar generator on the market ( but not for Jackery 440 ). Include DC5.5*2.5mm to DC5.5*2.1mm cable for ROCKPALS 250W/500W/PRYMAX 300W portable power station, DC5.5*2.5mm to DC5.5*2.5mm parallel cable for connecting two 80W solar panels, DC aviation cable for ROCKPALS 300W portable power station, 8mm DC connector for Jackery Explorer 160/240/500, DC 3.5*1.35mm connector compatible with Suaoki portable generator
- USB SMART CHARGING TECHNOLOGY: The build-in smart IC chip intelligently identifies your device, and maximizes its charging speed while protects your devices from over charging and overloading. The charging current of USB ports (up to 5V/9V 2.4A max) for smartphones and tablets(iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy), GPS, digital cameras, etc is monitored and automatically adjusted according to the sunlight level
- PARALLEL SOLAR PANEL AND 20% FASTER CHARGING: Our parallel solar panel made of Sunpower material and can connect two solar panels together (other parallel solar panel sold separatly) and convert max watt is 128W. It will be 20% charging rockpals 300W portable power station faster than normal 100W solar panel
- WATER-RESISTANT: The solar panel is IPX3 water resistant to endure all weather conditions, ideal for outdoor activities such as camping, climbing, hiking, picnic. Please NOTE: The junction box is not waterproof and please keep it dry
- PORTABLE AND FOLDABLE SOLAR CHARGER WITH KICKSTAND: Foldable design with a PET rubber handle, weights only 5.3lb. Convenient to carry it wherever you go. Slightly adjust the angle with the kickstand.Recharge your ROCKPALS 250W/300W solar generator on-the-go with 80W solar panel


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"There is no doubt fiction makes a better job of the truth."
-Doris Lessing
Hello guys, Amazon India has released the most popular books lists based on its customer votes. These books can be your bed time reads or over-a-cup-of-coffee reads and are extremely affordable. Here, I am listing the most popular fiction books of 2016 by Indian authors. Grab one for yourself! Enjoy the winter with a book and a cup of hot coffee or green tea (for health minders!).
#1 She Swiped Right into My Heart by Sudeep Nagarkar
Love, relationship and friendships are not defined for our generation. The boundaries between them are often blurred and the result is often full of confusion and tears. 'She swiped right into my heart' by Sudeep Nagarkar is one such gripping tale of three friends who fall into the cobweb of emotions, love, heartbreak and betrayal. The road ahead is not easy. You do not want to lose your friend, but you cannot also lose the one you love. What will their lives lead into? Where is the fate taking them? Are they going to make some sense out of the situation or will they decide to never cross paths again? Geet is on a diverging road, which path will she choose? How her decision is going to affect the other two? The answer to these questions can only be found by reading 'She swiped right into my heart'.
#2 One Indian Girl by Chetan Bhagat
Hi, I'm Radhika Mehta and I'm getting married this week. I work at Goldman Sachs, an investment bank. Thank you for reading my story. However, let me warn you.
You may not like me too much. One, I make a lot of money. Two, I have an opinion on everything. Three, I have had a boyfriend before. OK, maybe two.
Now if all this was the case with a guy, one might be cool with it. But since I am a girl these three things I mentioned don't really make me too likeable, do they?
#3 Everyone Has A Story by Savi Sharma
Meera, a fledgling writer who is in search of a story that can touch millions of lives.
Vivaan, assistant branch manager at Citibank, who dreams of travelling the world.
Kabir, a café manager who desires something of his own. Nisha, the despondent café customer who keeps secrets of her own.
Everyone has their own story, but what happens when these four lives are woven together?
Pull up a chair in Kafe Kabir and watch them explore friendship and love, writing their own pages of life from the cosy café to the ends of the world.
#4 Our Impossible Love by Durjoy Datta
A romantic bestseller, 'Our Impossible Love' is centered around the growing up years of a young Aisha, her journey of self-discovery as a woman and love. Our Impossible Loves explores human relationships in all their complexity, juxtaposing a man–woman relationship with a brother-sister love and that of gay love.
Durjoy Datta, a master craftsman at storytelling, has created characters in a urban setting that are easy to relate to, where achieving a balance between life, love and ambition is not always an easy task.
#5 This Love that Feels Right… by Ravinder Singh
Life would have been easier had it been possible for us to plan falling in love; more importantly, avoid falling in love… 'Love is not for you,' she told herself. Inside, just like any girl, she desired to be loved. She had accepted her life the way it was, till one day love showed up unannounced, uninvited! That's the thing with love. It doesn't take permission. It's in its very nature to gatecrash into our lives Standing face-to-face with love, she finds herself asking, 'Is this love right?' The answer is not simple. It never was… This intense love story will shake every belief you've ever had.
Source: www.amazon.in (images and the content)


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The U.S. celebrated on Tuesday the 75th anniversary of the Minimum Wage Act, which was signed by former president Franklin Roosevelt in 1938 and established a minimum wage standard.
"Seventy-five years later, Ohioans who work hard should be able to take care of their families by earning a living wage," Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) said. "But too many Ohioans are working harder than ever – and barely getting by. Working full-time in a minimum wage job in Ohio pays about $16,000 per year – which isn't much to live on when you're trying to put food on the table, fill your gas tank
s, send your children to school, and provide a safe place for them to live. Ensuring a fair wage is good for middle class families and good for our economy."
Brown is the co-sponsor of the Fair Minimum Wage Act, which would increase the federal minimum wage to $10.10 an hour from the current rate of $7.25, in three increments of 95 cents. The law also provides for automatic annual increases based on the cost of living.
Additionally, the legislation would raise the minimum wage for tipped workers from $2.13 per hour to 70 percent of the regular minimum wage—the first time in 20 years the minimum wage for tipped workers would increase.


text: Spotlight Sessions: The Role of Quality (Assurance) in the context of AI, IOT and Blockchain April 30 4/30/2019 4:15:00 PM 4/30/2019 4:45:00 PM 4:15 PM - 4:45 PM Businesses are increasingly turning to AI, IOT and Blockchain, which have already revolutionized and are being hailed as the next generation of innovation. What is the implication of these new technologies on the role of Quality Assurance? How does it evolve? What are the key changes to be expected to ensure QA is still value-added of these new technologies in our industries? Attend this session to find out!


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Caracas, May 23 (RHC)-- On Monday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez held talks in Caracas with his Venezuelan counterpart, Delcy Rodríguez. They addressed bilateral cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.
As part of his visit agenda, Bruno Rodríguez reviewed development of social missions, implemented by the Bolivarian authorities with Cuba's assistance, in the municipality of Charallave.
Also on Monday, the top Cuban diplomat placed a wreath at the Monument dedicated to Liberator Simón Bolívar at the square that bears his name in Caracas.
Also during his stay, Minister Bruno Rodríguez will pay homage to Bolivarian leader, the late Hugo Chavez and will meet with Cuban professionals, who are offering their services in Venezuela, as part of bilateral cooperation programs.