Tuesday, June 8, 2021

Go See The Greatest Generation in Aviation at The Lyon Air Museum

 Hi there!  How are you doing today? I hope you are feeling good, great, fine, or wonderful...and if you aren't, at least ok. Have you ever visited the Lyon Air Museum?


Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Lyon Air Museum in Santa Ana, California (Orange County).  This museum was established by Major General William Lyon, and here you will be able to see authentic aircrafts, rare vehicles, and related memorabilia from the 20th century World War II era. The mission of this world-class venue is to provide inspirational stories from aviation history. These historical events are clearly depicted through educational exhibits, authentic historical aircraft and related memorabilia. 



Are you a teacher? Consider planning a fantastic group tour for your class!  On your visit, listen to volunteer docents share real stories from the World War II time period and see these amazing aircrafts up close in person. You may make reservations prior to your tour and Lyon Air Museum would be happy to tailor the tour to 
accommodate your group's interests. Please click on the link here to access group tours: 

You have to see this red Porsche in person!

A memorial to our 41st President George H.W. Bush. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviator after graduating from the Phillips Academy.  He was considered to be one of the youngest
aviators in the Navy and was commissioned as an ensign in the
Naval Reserve at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi on June 9th, 1943.



Four Aces!

A kind tribute to Eddie Martin who founded Orange County's first airport in 1923. If you are interested in reading more information regarding his life, here is a link to an article from the LA Times here:
 LA Times Tribute to Pioneer Eddie Martin
You may learn more about the Martin Aviation company here: Martin Aviation Company
Martin Aviation for Pilots link up here: Martin Aviation for Pilots Link

A magnificent motorcycle!

A dedication presented to Willa Dean Lyon, The "Wind Beneath Our Wings"
for her sponsorship
at the 2009 Orange Blossom Bash. 





The official address of the Lyon Air Museum is:

19300 Ike Jones Road, Santa Ana, CA 92707

Phone: 714.210.4585

Hours of Operation: 10:00 a.m. -4:00 p.m. Daily

Admission Rates:
General Admission: $13.00
Seniors and Veterans: $10.00
Ages 5-17 years: $6.00
Under 5: Free
Groups (10 or more): $1 off each
Pre-Arranged School Groups: Free*
(*Restrictions Apply)
Memberships Available 
Prices subject to change.


Website: www.lyonairmuseum.org

See you soon!

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

Meaningful Mondays: Your Talent Is God's Gift To You


Friday, July 10, 2020

Office Essentials On and Off the Clock

If you are looking to start your office wardrobe or are just replacing the essentials, you may be surprised at how these basics can serve as more versatile options off the clock.

1. The Blazer

Banana Republic Black Blazer
Photo: Banana Republic
This black blazer is a staple for most office environments.  However, more people are starting to wear this jacket more casually off the clock. A simple black blazer can often be seen paired with a white tank or bustier and skinny, flare, or boot-cut jeans.  My first work blazer was from Banana Republic, and it won't be my last.  They make nice structured work pieces and are one of my go to places for office blazers.


2. The Pencil Skirt


http://www.anntaylor.com/all-season-stretch-pencil-skirt/320135?skuId=15432520&defaultColor=6600&colorExplode=false&catid=cata000013
Ann Taylor Black Pencil Skirt
Photo: Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Navy Pencil Skirt
Photo: Ann Taylor
Blue or navy pencil skirts are an essential to many office work environments and can be easily paired with a cardigan, tunic, collared shirt, or blazer.  I have several of these skirts and I really like the fit of this brand because of the wider waistband and paneling on some of them. 

3. The Cardigan

gray shawl collar cardigan
Premise Studio Gray Shawl Collar Cardigan
Photo: Stein Mart
This gray cardigan is a great office essential for more "Casual Friday" dress days. However, this cardigan can also be worn on the weekends for a day at the beach over a sundress, or with jeans and a tank.  I happen to love the Premise Studio cardigans because of the quality of the material they use.  I also feel that the shawl collars look more modern and are more versatile than a traditional fitted button down cardigan.

4. Not Just Dress Pants, Dress Pant "Yoga" Pants 


betabrand yoga dress pants
Betabrand Dress Pant Yoga Pants
Photo: Betabrand

betabrand yoga dress pants
Perfect for the office
betabrand yoga dress pants
Or the lunch time lotus
betabrand yoga dress pants
They stretch too!
These "Dress Pant Yoga Pants" by Betabrand were designed by a woman named Sarah James and have sparked my curiosity.  I have yet to try these pants, but I see them as an office outfit essential in my near future.  These pants can take you from the boardroom to the beach (that is if you do yoga at the beach) or yoga studio.  You may even be able to bike to work in these if you work local.  These pants look stylish with their sophisticated fabrics and sound super comfortable because they are built with a soft, stretchy performance knit that moves with you.  They even have plenty of styles to choose from such as: boot-cut, straight-leg, leggings, and cropped-leg.  Thank you for designing these Sarah.  I can't wait to try these pants!  If you want to see some of Betabrand's other comfy and professional looks, Betabrand's Pants Section is the place to look.

5. The Black Sheath Dress

Banana Republic Black Sheath Dress
Photo: Banana Republic

The black sheath dress is a great alternative to separates, or can be worn on those mornings when you don't know what to wear and you are in a rush to sit in LA traffic or catch the train.  Throw on a cardigan or blazer, add a scarf, or a chunky necklace and ta da! You're ready to start your day.  This dress can also be worn for most social events when accessorized accordingly.

6. White Collared Shirt

Banana Republic White Collar Shirt
Photo: Banana Republic
The white collared shirt is a timeless classic for both men and women in an office space.  You can never have enough of these for each season because white gets dirty easily and constantly needs to be refreshed in one's working wardrobe.  A white shirt is great for job interviews and adds crispness to most day or evening looks.  The white shirt is probably one of the most versatile pieces we own because of its' layering capabilities.  On weekends, this shirt can be worn with jeans and a tank, layered over a thin turtleneck with a trench or blazer, under a vest, or under a v-neck sweater

7. Shoes

Cole Haan Black Pumps
Photo: Cole Haan
The shoes are one of the most important parts of any office wardrobe because it is the basis of how you will be feeling for the next eight hours.  Cole Haan makes excellent, comfortable, and stylish work shoes.  Basic black work heels with a closed toe is always a safe choice and can pair with many outfits.  Over the course of working for many years in an office environment, I can honestly say that if you have comfortable shoes on, you will have a good attitude on as well.  Many of you may know that in any work environment, Attitude is Everything!

Hope you enjoyed this post and see how office essentials are not only useful for the boardroom, but are also versatile for life outside the office space.



XO Joanna












Tuesday, July 7, 2020

Creating a Memorable Wooden Watch with Engraving

 Jord Cora Koa watch with rose gold face Joanna Joy fashion blogger California fashion blogger petite fashion blogger white lei white dress beach

Jord Cora Koa watch with rose gold face Joanna Joy fashion blogger California fashion blogger petite fashion blogger white lei white dress beach

*This is a sponsored post and I received a Jord watch to review.


Hello!  How are you?  Today, I wanted to share a sponsored post with you about personalization with Jord watches.  Hand-crafted, Unique, Gorgeous!  These are all key elements of JORD watches.  I was looking for a watch that was both beautiful and customizable because I like options.  One of the nicest options is being able to engrave these watches for that special someone.  Engraved time pieces mean so much more when they are gifted with a message on the back.  I remember receiving a beautiful jewelry box that had a special engraved message on it.  I still have it, and I will always remember the person who gave it to me. 

Photography: Mason Hall

Photography: Mason Hall


Photography: Mason Hall


Engraving
Watch engraving is an option that can add even more personalization for a memorable Valentine’s Day gift, Anniversary, Wedding, Graduation, or Birthday gift.  A funny quote, an inside joke, or a meaningful message can make this watch a “timeless keepsake” or “heirloom piece” that can be passed down in your family for generations. 

Jord Cora Koa watch with rose gold face Joanna Joy fashion blogger California fashion blogger petite fashion blogger white lei white dress beach

Jord Cora Koa watch with rose gold face Joanna Joy fashion blogger California fashion blogger petite fashion blogger white lei white dress beach





Watch Selection
Browsing the Jord website was easy.  They carry both men’s and women’s watches with small and large faces.  When I chose my watch, my eyes quickly landed on the women’s Cora Koa wood watch with the rose gold face.  I love rose gold because it can go with just about anything.  There were so many pretty watches to choose from, but I thought this one was the prettiest.

Jord Cora Koa watch with rose gold face Joanna Joy fashion blogger California fashion blogger petite fashion blogger white lei white dress beach

Jord Cora Koa watch with rose gold face Joanna Joy fashion blogger California fashion blogger petite fashion blogger white lei white dress beach


Wood Selection
There are several types of wood to choose from.  Koa wood is actually sourced from Hawaii and “koa” is a Hawaiian word that means “brave, bold, and fearless”.  Nice!  I also have a connection to this particular type of wood because my family is from Hawaii.  That’s when I knew that this beautiful wooden watch was the one for me.  The selections of wood are: dark sandalwood, maple, zebrawood, koa, purpleheart, ebony, walnut, kosso, stacked sandalwood, rosewood, and olive.








Face Selection
There were many beautiful watch faces to choose from however, the rose gold face was a nice neutral tone that would pair nicely with so many items in my closet.  Engraving can be done on the back side of the face to make this a very special sentimental gift piece as well.  Additionally, there were also many face colors to choose from like: sable, vintage rose gold, Aegean blue, navy, turquoise, grey, ivory, rose, smoke, ash, plum, champagne, slate, emerald, khaki, maple, burl, sandalwood, and mint.  I received my watch packaged in a beautiful cedar wood box and it was even more beautiful in person! 

If you ordered one, would you get yours engraved?  Who would you give it to and what would it say? 
Jord Cora Koa watch with rose gold face Joanna Joy fashion blogger California fashion blogger petite fashion blogger white lei white dress beach

Jord Cora Koa watch with rose gold face Joanna Joy fashion blogger California fashion blogger petite fashion blogger white lei white dress beach

Photography: Kendra Blair
Watch: Jord









Saturday, July 4, 2020

The Freedom to Choose!

*This is a sponsored post and a dress was provided by eShakti.  However, all opinions are my own and I was not paid for a positive review.

eShakti Bebe Forever 21 Fourth of July red and white umbrella red shoes navy blue pin dot bustier dress red bead necklace


eShakti Bebe Forever 21 Fourth of July red and white umbrella red shoes navy blue pin dot bustier dress red bead necklace






eShakti Bebe Forever 21 Fourth of July red and white umbrella red shoes navy blue pin dot bustier dress red bead necklace

eShakti Bebe Forever 21 Fourth of July red and white umbrella red shoes navy blue pin dot bustier dress red bead necklace

eShakti Bebe Forever 21 Fourth of July red and white umbrella red shoes navy blue pin dot bustier dress red bead necklace
Dress: eShakti
Heels: Bebe
Umbrella: Forever 21
Hair: Angie Williams @ Flaunt Salon in Long Beach
Makeup: Elizabeth Jones @ No Labels Just Beauty
Photography: Franz Swantko


Happy 4th of July everyone!  What an appropriate post, just in time for the 4th!  "Freedom" is definitely a gift, and is something that we should celebrate with great joy.  What better way to celebrate, than with a dress from eShakti!

Recently, I was contacted by eShakti to write a review on a dress from their company.  However, they also offer: tops, pants, skirts, jumpsuits, shorts and special occasion dresses.  This company's slogan is  "We Design.  You Customize."  I prefer to call it "The Dream Dress Store" because only something this good could exist in your dreams right?  eShakti allows a shorty like me, the freedom to customize a dress in the perfect size and length according to my height and individual measurements.   They offer clothing from size 0-36W.  

Additionally, they offer customers the freedom to choose a customization option in regards to the length of the dress, the type of sleeves, and the necklines they desire.  Also, they have plenty of nice selections offered in classic and modern styles to suit your taste.  While scrolling through the choices, I had a difficult time deciding on which one I would pick because they had so many cute dresses to choose from!  If you have unusual sizing issues like myself, and have to get practically everything altered to fit just right, then this is definitely the online store for you.  I chose this dobby-dot print dress with a corseted top.  It arrived quickly and the material it is made out of is really soft and of high-quality fabric.  The stitching is sturdy, and as soon as I put it on, it fit my proportions perfectly!  I chose the length to the knee and kept the sleeves in the original design.  It came with a matching belt that you could tie at the waist, but I thought it looked better without it.  It also gave me the option to choose pockets with this dress, but I opted to have no pockets.  I liked having so many options in the ordering process.

I love my dress from eShakti!  It fits me perfectly:)  Thank you eShakti!  This will not be my last time ordering from here. 

I hope everyone has a fun and safe 4th of July!  Now go ahead and exercise your freedom to choose something "made perfectly just for you" from eShakti!

XO Joanna

Monday, June 1, 2020

Allyship In Honor of George Floyd

Hello! It has been quite some time since I have posted anything new.  However, I wanted to take some time to recognize black owned business and articles in support of those who are not with us anymore and to show allyship for a community that has personally shown me a ton of love in some of my lowest moments in life.  Thank you!





In memoriam and support of George Floyd's life, here are a few ways we can show allyship and support moving forward to our friends, family, coworkers, and community as a whole.  

  1. Documentary About Women Entrepreneurs "She Did That"
  2. Allyship by Inc.com
  3. Popsugar -Best Black Owned Beauty Brands
  4. Oprah Magazine - 10 Black Owned Makeup Brands
  5. Wbur.org - 10 Books From Black Authors
  6. Essence - 24 Books Written By Black Authors
  7. L.A. Times -85 black-owned food businesses in L.A.
  8. The Good Trade -Ethical and Sustainable Fashion
  9. LA Mag - Black-Owned Restaurants and Shops
  10. Etsy Market Black Owned Business
  11. Capitol Chic Designs- Stationary, stickers & planners



Friday, May 29, 2020

Firmoo.com Global Online Optical Store


*This is a sponsored post and received eyeglasses from Firmoo to review.  All opinions are my own and I was not paid for a positive review.
Firmoo Eyewear Firmoo.com Global Online Optical Store Orange H&M Jacket Armani Exchage Navy Blue Pencil Skirt Navy Vintage Heels Blue and Green Plaid Scarf Eyeglasses Reading Glasses

Firmoo Eyewear Firmoo.com Global Online Optical Store Orange H&M Jacket Armani Exchage Navy Blue Pencil Skirt Navy Vintage Heels Blue and Green Plaid Scarf Eyeglasses Reading Glasses

Firmoo Eyewear Firmoo.com Global Online Optical Store Eyeglasses Reading Glasses

Firmoo Eyewear Firmoo.com Global Online Optical Store Orange H&M Jacket Armani Exchage Navy Blue Pencil Skirt Navy Vintage Heels Blue and Green Plaid Scarf Eyeglasses Reading Glasses

Firmoo Eyewear Firmoo.com Global Online Optical Store Orange H&M Jacket Armani Exchage Navy Blue Pencil Skirt Navy Vintage Heels Blue and Green Plaid Scarf Eyeglasses Reading Glasses

Firmoo Eyewear Firmoo.com Global Online Optical Store Orange H&M Jacket Armani Exchage Navy Blue Pencil Skirt Navy Vintage Heels Blue and Green Plaid Scarf Eyeglasses Reading Glasses

Firmoo Eyewear Firmoo.com Global Online Optical Store Eyeglasses Reading Glasses

Firmoo Eyewear Firmoo.com Global Online Optical Store Orange H&M Jacket Armani Exchage Navy Blue Pencil Skirt Navy Vintage Heels Blue and Green Plaid Scarf Eyeglasses Reading Glasses

Eyeglasses: Firmoo.com
Jacket: H&M
Skirt: Armani Exchange
Scarf: Tattered Boutique
Shoes: Vintage
Hair: Loryn Ruiz-Mendoza @ Envy Beauty Studio, Long Beach, CA
Makeup: Cindy Jensen @ Envy Beauty Studio, Long Beach, CA
Photography: Franz Swantko


Happy Wednesday to you!  How have you been?  The weather has been a bit chilly, so I threw on a scarf to wear to the office.  It's been so cold here, that all I want to do is drink hot coffee and tea to stay warm.  How about you?  

Lately, I have been working so much on the computer with my full-time job and also with this blog, that I feel that it is time to get reading glasses.  Do you wear reading glasses?  Recently, Firmoo contacted me and asked me to review their glasses.  

So here it is... 

My experience with Firmoo.com has been smooth.  This company is a global online optical store that offers "vision and fashion the frugal way" according to their website.  This is true, these glasses are being offered at discounted prices compared with most prescription eyeglasses that I have seen.  My biggest fear was picking frames that would not look good on my face, but there was no need to worry about that because Firmoo.com offers a really neat virtual frame experience called "Try On".  They show samples of several different face types for both men and women with each of the style of frames that are offered.  

The other great way you can choose frames is to upload a picture of your face onto the Firmoo.com website, and it will show you virtually how you would look with that style of frame on your face! Awesome!  After that, you can enter in a prescription if you need one.  Firmoo chooses thin and light lenses with anti-reflection and anti-UV coatings automatically when you order.  My glasses were received quickly, and came with a beautiful map design case, a cleaning cloth, a small bag to carry it in, and a screw driver to adjust the sizing.  They thought of every little detail, and that boosted my level of satisfaction with this company.  Overall, I was very impressed with the quality of Firmoo.com.   

Lastly, I hope you will be able to visit this site to see what great deals you can find for all your eyewear needs.

Hope you are having a wonderful week:)

XO Joanna