Archive for October, 2013
On Saturday, the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, held it’s annual From Purses to Portfolios Celebration at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
This event was held to honor the 2013 Award Recipients, those who had achieved various levels (hours) by participating in Money School Classes, Money Clubs, Special Events and Volunteering. Women achieving various levels ranging from 1-15 hours and up to 250 hours were being recognized, the highest achievement being the Ambassador of Financial Education ~ 250 hours.
The recipient of this award was Elizabeth “Penny” Church for her “Penny’s 2 Dollars Money Club” and she also received the Sandra A. Varano Golden Purse Award.
The other categories of recognition were: Money School Advocate Awards; Executive Director’s Awards and Outstanding Volunteer Awards of which I was also a recipient due to the volunteer hours of instruction for the Blogging 101 and Blogging for Your Small Business classes.
The From Purses to Portfolios Celebration was held in a beautifully decorated ballroom, and on each table there was a vibrant Autumn Mum and a small Gift Bag on each seat. Inside the Gift Bags was a pink FAB pen, Note Cards, “friends don’t let friends drown in debt” magnet, a donation envelop, a card advertising “Money Letters” and a retractable measuring tape from Citi, who was the major sponsor.
Chasing the Dream Exhibitors were set up around the ballroom selling products and attendees walked about chatting and networking. In an adjoining room there was a breakfast buffet, warming trays filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and fried potatoes. As well as tables of yogurt, pastries, bagels, fruit, coffee, tea and juice.
Ronni Cohen, Executive Director opened the program with a warm welcome and explained the levels of achievement and how they are gained through the Money School of Delaware.
Alisha Adams, a Money School instructor gave a beautiful blessing and Quadia Muhmmad, Program Director introduced the Keynote Speaker, Jackie Cummings Koski.
Jackie Cummings Koski, is the Award Winning Author of Money, Letters 2 My Daughter. As one of 6 children raised by a single dad, where money was always short, finances were taboo to talk about and bad money decisions were made, she knew that she wanted her daughter to make better financial decisions in her life.
She was determined to teach her daughter Amber, financial literacy but in a fun and easy way, one that would appeal to her teenage mind. Jackie began to write letters and those letters turned into a best selling book, one that was sent to and acknowledged by the President and First Lady Obama. Money, Letters 2 My Daughter is available in book stores as well as a downloadable ebook.
Jackie ended her presentation with a Group Activity in which she asked us to answer 1 of 4 questions on a “My Money Letter” form. Those willing to reveal their answer on stage were each given a $2 bill which has been significant in Jackie’s life long savings plan.
Ronni returned to the podium to present the 2013 Awards and Door Prizes which included Gift Cards, a WaWa Gift Basket and Books. One of the winners was a man, but in keeping with the FAB motto of “FOR Women ~ ABOUT Women ~ BY Women AND the men in their lives” is was okay!
A game of “What’s in your Purse” was then hosted by Quadia with the winner of having the most items on her list in their purse receiving the table’s Mum.
The event concluded with a book signing by Jackie and more sales by the Chasing the Dream Exhibitors. It was a great day and another wonderful FREE event sponsored by The Delaware Financial Literacy Institute – The Money School of DE.
The 10th Annual From Purses to Portfolios Event will be held next year on October 25th 2014 – so mark your calendars.
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Hello Friends, did you know that every time you donate clothing, household goods or even a car to Goodwill you are helping someone in your community?
Did you know that with each box or bag filled with clothes that you donated from your closet is helping someone in your community?
Did you know with each donated game, toy or piece of exercise equipment you no longer want, and need to make room for newer models is helping someone in your community?
Did you know that with each shopping trip or thrifted haul that you are helping someone in your community?
If you didn’t know – Now you do – Because it does!
Donating to or shopping at Goodwill® is more than chic or the “in thing” to do, it’s also helping someone in your community and we all can use a little help sometimes.
Please join me and so many others in spreading the word about the “Donating Stuff Create Jobs” campaign on behalf of Goodwill Industries International and the Ad Council
You’ll be helping someone in your community!
In memory of my sister, Gloria Cross, Jr. – 4/2/63 – 9/14/92
In Memory of my sis Gloria – 4/2/63-9/14/92
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The holidays are just around the corner and most of us are a bit more budget conscience, however, if you are looking for cute and unique gift items at affordable prices, please check out GOANDGIFTSHOP.COM. Go And Gift Shop is an online store that sells all types of gifts, collectibles, home, garden and seasonal decor that fits into most budgets.
With some gifts priced well below $20.00, and others more than $50.00, you are sure to find something for everyone on your shopping list. They also carry unique items such as this “Shoe Wine Holder” for the fashionista in your life.
Do you want to give your home a mini makeover or just find something special for a family member, friend or co-worker? Take a look at their online catalog and if you are not ready to make a purchase create a “wish list” or order a Gift Card. Also, don’t forget to sign up to receive exclusive promotions and discounts for when you are ready.
As an added incentive GoandGiftShop has offered my readers a $10.00 off Gift Code to use towards their purchase, valid only until December 15th. Simply send an email to info@goandgiftshop.com with “I want a $10 gift card to GOANDGIFTSHOP.COM” in the subject line and you’ll receive a reply back with the discount code.
Now is a great time to start thinking about indoor and outdoor decor for next year’s season at today’s discounted prices. Check them out and let me know what you think.
Happy Shopping and Saving!
I was not compensated for the writing of this post and all opinions are 100% my own.
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is Hearty Beef Stew made with Crock Pot Seasonings
Ingredients
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1 package Crock Pot Hearty Beef Stew Seasoning
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2 lbs beef for stewing
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5 cups of veggies – potatoes/onions/carrots
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1 1/3 cup of water
Dice veggies and cube beef, however, I chose not to cut beef
Place beef and veggies into crock pot – spray with cooking oil or use liner for easy clean-up
Mix seasoning with 1 1/3 cup of water and pour over veggies and beef
If you cubed beef, stir all ingredients well
Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, 4 hours if on high
Come home to a fully cooked meal with a wonderful aroma
Serve with biscuit to sop up the gravy!
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Hello Friends…it’s
This week I am thankful for the following:
hubby and son’s covered the pool before I got home and they did it correctly!
had a lazy…do-nothing…no makeup…didn’t-even-leave-the-house weekend
ironed almost all of my clothes
finally defrosted the freezer in garage
watched season premier of The Walking Dead
#1 son is doing well and is actively seeking full time employment – say a little prayer for him
#2 son attended his final Homecoming Dance and was home before midnight
discovered and watched the new show “Sleepy Hollow” and now I am hooked
but most importantly, I am thankful for my health, family, friends , finances and of course my faith
oh and that tomorrow is Fri-Yay!
Thrifted Pumps from GW Boutique (Goodwill) – Do you remember this haul?
Speaking of which I am about due for another one – lol!
Thrifted from Goodwill
I wore this outfit on Wednesday and chose to add the red blazer because the weather was a bit cool early morning
This was another beautifully blessed week despite the 3 hour commute into work yesterday due to a tractor trailer accident on route 896 – no one was seriously injured just cited for inattentive driving!
Now it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week?
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!
Remember last month when I started my birthday at the Glasgow Medical Center taking tests, well the results are in and although not all of them were abnormal, one was a bit disconcerting. I am Vitamin D deficient.
Me…the dunking of Oreos into a big glass of milk…me….the Kahlua mixed with milk drinking…me….the daily eating of cottage cheese in salads…me…the tomato and cheese sandwich eater…me…the yogurt spooning, sun worshiping me is Vitamin D deficient – REALLY, how does that happen?
AGE
Vitamin D deficiency is more common in women, people of color, obese people, senior citizens and breast-fed infants. For 52 years I have been in good health, other than the normal bumps and bruises and a few minor cuts as a child I have been the picture of health. Only two hospitalizations, the first was 21 years ago when I had to have a Cesarean Section giving birth to #1 son, and the second was four years ago for Urethral Diverticula,
So how does one go from that to this…simple
AGE
Now don’t get me wrong, I know there are millions of people with ailments, diseases and disabilities far worse than being Vitamin D deficient, so I’m not crying, “woe is me”. I’m just passing along a little information that I’ve learned since my diagnosis, because more than half of the US population could also be Vitamin D deficient.
Vitamin D is really a hormone rather than an actual vitamin and it is needed for calcium absorption required for bone growth and density. 90% of our Vitamin D comes from directly from the sun, but darker complexions do not absorb as much due to the melanin in our skin.
Body fat interferes with how Vitamin D is formed as well as age, after 50 we are less able to produce Vitamin D. Vitamin D stimulates muscle growth which is important especially for older women who are more susceptible to bone softening osteoporosis. Low Vitamin D levels have also been associated with the increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment and cancer.
Symptoms may be subtle but they include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- leg cramps
- muscle pain or weakness/cramping
- sleep interruption or insomnia
- poor concentration or memory
- headaches
- bladder or bowel issues (urgency/frequency or constipation/diarrhea)
The best way to determine if you have a Vitamin D deficiency or to determine the best dosage you need for your body, your blood levels must be tested. Levels may be lower in the winter and higher in the summer, but this chart shows the categories of those levels.
There are several online sites including www.webmd.com where you can get additional information but for me, the bottom line is that I need to increase my Vitamin D intake, including taking a supplement of at least 2000 mg; eat more foods fortified with Vitamin D such as milk, butter, yogurt, orange juice, and oily fish and of course hang out in the sun more and you know me…I love hanging poolside…so a trip to The Bahamas may be just what the doctor orders!
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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Liberty Creek is one of my favorite wines so I am honored to work with them in sharing this information with you!
Liberty Creek® Vineyards Supports Operation Gratitude in Holiday Drive to Bring Music to Troops Overseas
Liberty Creek Vineyards is teaming up with Operation Gratitude to provide holiday cheer through the power of music to US military members serving overseas. Compilation CDs featuring holiday classics sung by top country crooners will serve to lift spirits, boost morale and provide comfort to service members far from home during the holiday season as part of the “Tunes for Troops” program. A Liberty Creek donation will enable Operation Gratitude to include the CDs in the care packages they send to troops around the world, for whom “home for the holidays” is not an option. Liberty Creek’s holiday drive began October 1st and will run through the end of the year.
Consumers can contribute to the holiday drive by visiting LibertyCreekWine.com and entering the unique code found on specially tagged bottles of Liberty Creek Wine. In exchange for the support, Liberty Creek will donate $1.00 per code to Operation Gratitude, up to $10,000. Operation Gratitude will use this donation to provide the specially created holiday music compilation CDs.
“At Liberty Creek Vineyards, we view the holiday season as a time to cherish what we have and give back to those who are in need of a boost during this time,” says Michael Shastid, Brand Marketing Specialist, Liberty Creek Vineyards. “We are honored to be joining Operation Gratitude in giving back to the US troops who give so much of themselves for us every day.”
Operation Gratitude sends care packages and letters personally addressed to U.S. Service Members and wounded warriors, and believes music makes the packages even more meaningful.
“’Tunes for Troops’ is such an important part of our efforts, as music has the power to soothe, comfort and lift spirits among our troops, especially during the most difficult times to be away from loved ones,” says Carolyn Blashek, Founder of Operation Gratitude. “Liberty Creek’s continued support facilitates our ability to support US military members and to show our appreciation for the sacrifices they make.”
For more information about Liberty Creek Wine and their program to support Operation Gratitude, please visit www.LibertyCreekWine.com.
Liberty Creek offers nine great-tasting and affordable wines in a vibrant fruit-flavored portfolio: Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel, Sweet Red, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and New Moscato and Pink Moscato. It’s an affordable option to keep in mind when stocking up for holiday parties and hostess gifts, with an added bonus of supporting “Tunes for Troops”.
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Hello Friends and Happy Monday
Today is Columbus Day so most schools and Federal offices are closed, unfortunately I am no longer in school nor do I work for the Federal Government so I had to go to work. Fortunately, without the school buses and heavy traffic the drive in wasn’t too bad, but I’m sure it won’t be the same heading home.
Oh well, at least it’s not raining – Happy Blue Monday!
Last night before the season’s premier of The Walking Dead I was able to press out a lot of clothes including my outfits for the week. Today’s Dressing for Less outfit is dedicated to The Walking Dead because I feel like a zombie after staying up to watch The Talking Dead, then 2 episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
In case you are wondering…I slept like a baby because horror doesn’t bother me which is why October if my favorite month for television watching, especially Halloween night. My all time favorite horror movie is the original 1968, black and white version of Night of the Living Dead…a classic…”Barbara, they are coming to get you!”
Are you a fan(atic) of The Walking Dead if so, what did think of last night’s premier – too much too soon? Why did they have to kill off Greg from #EverybodyHatesChris ? Yuck, he coughed that virus into the communal water basin..uh oh! Twitter was blowing up last night with all kinds of theories, this is going to be a roller coaster season!
These shoes definitely don’t have me walking like a Zombie! If you are looking for fashionable yet comfortable pumps – contact your Avon Rep or check out my Avon website because these shoes are SUPER COMFORTABLE!
Purse is also Avon (mark)
Sleeveless Shift dress was thrifted from Goodwill and George Sweater from Walmart.
Are you a fan of horror movies, and if so, what is your all time favorite?
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Hello Friends and Happy Monday
Today is Columbus Day so most schools and Federal offices are closed, unfortunately I am no longer in school nor do I work for the Federal Government so I had to go to work. Fortunately, without the school buses and heavy traffic the drive in wasn’t too bad, but I’m sure it won’t be the same heading home.
Oh well, at least it’s not raining – Happy Blue Monday!
Last night before the season’s premier of The Walking Dead I was able to press out a lot of clothes including my outfits for the week. Today’s Dressing for Less outfit is dedicated to The Walking Dead because I feel like a zombie after staying up to watch The Talking Dead, then 2 episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.
In case you are wondering…I slept like a baby because horror doesn’t bother me which is why October if my favorite month for television watching, especially Halloween night. My all time favorite horror movie is the original 1968, black and white version of Night of the Living Dead…a classic…”Barbara, they are coming to get you!”
Are you a fan(atic) of The Walking Dead if so, what did think of last night’s premier – too much too soon? Why did they have to kill off Greg from #EverybodyHatesChris ? Yuck, he coughed that virus into the communal water basin..uh oh! Twitter was blowing up last night with all kinds of theories, this is going to be a roller coaster season!
These shoes definitely don’t have me walking like a Zombie! If you are looking for fashionable yet comfortable pumps – contact your Avon Rep or check out my Avon website because these shoes are SUPER COMFORTABLE!
Purse is also Avon (mark)
Sleeveless Shift dress was thrifted from Goodwill and George Sweater from Walmart.
Are you a fan of horror movies, and if so, what is your all time favorite?
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Hello Friends and Happy Monday
You may or may not have heard that Middletown was recently ranked #2 behind Millsboro as the best town for young families in Delaware. The ranking came from a study conducted by NerdWallet.com, and as a resident of Middletown for the past 21 years, I was curious as to how the determination was made.
The criteria used for this ranking were: home values, medium household incomes and growth as well as the quality of the public schools. The quality of life was also taken into consideration with Middletown being named the healthiest community by Governor Markell’s Council on Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.
The medium household income in Middletown is $70,942, with an average home value of $264,000, and with the current economic development completed or underway: Amazon’s Fulfillment Center, Johnson Controls‘ expansion, Christiana Care’s Emergency Center and Westown Movies it has provided many new jobs in the state of Delaware.
NerdWallet.com only used data from GreatSchools.org which uses standardized test scores in ranking schools, Appoquinimink School District ranked 8th out of 10 with Millsboro at 9th. Other areas such as a town’s accessible walkways, parks and recreation and youth sports leagues were not taken into consideration.
As a parent that raised two sons in Middletown, I would also like to add that Middletown is a safe and racially diverse town, one that it home to very friendly people.
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Ronni Cohen, Executive Director opened the program with a warm welcome and explained the levels of achievement and how they are gained through the Money School of Delaware.
Alisha Adams, a Money School instructor gave a beautiful blessing and Quadia Muhmmad, Program Director introduced the Keynote Speaker, Jackie Cummings Koski.
