DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for February, 2014

A Woman’s Heart

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday 

Did you know that heart disease is the biggest killer of women, more than breast, ovarian and cervical cancer combined.  The scariest thing about heart disease for women is that over 64% of them who die suddenly of a heart attack had no previous symptoms. 

heart disease

Heart disease is caused by plaque in the blood vessels which was once very hard to detect.  This plaque clogs the arteries and makes the heart a ticking time bomb.  Now a new breakthrough discovered by a cardiologists at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine has made detection easier. 

heart attack symptoms In women not all heart attacks look like that of a man clutching his chest in pain.  For women the warning signs are more subtle and may be confused as being menopausal symptoms, but they should not be ignored:

  • Sweating – excessively drenched in perspiration
  • Nausea or Dizziness – you may vomit or feel like you want to pass out
  • Breathlessness – 58% of women report panting or inability to carry on a conversation
  • Sleeplessness – in the month before a heart attack, 50% report having trouble sleeping
  • Anxiety – a sense of doom or fear, your body is telling you something, trust those instincts

Paying attention to these signs and getting proper medical care can be the difference between life and death, so please make an appointment to see your physician.

Go Red for Women” and protect your heart by living healthy:

  • Quit Smoking
  • Consistent Exercise
  • Manage Stress
  • Eat Healthy
  • Take the heart healthy checkup (here) to stay healthy for yourself and for your loved ones!

Stay Heart Healthy!

Fight Heart Disease in Women – Go Red For WomenIt’s time to take a stand against heart disease in women. Join Go Red For Women to come together and fight the No. 1 killer of women – heart disease.

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Embedly Powered

I am truly thankful for being an ex-smoker, for my wonderful family, friends and of course my faith.  

I am also over-the-top thrilled and thankful for having my post published on the Parade Magazine website.  If you didn’t get a chance to read it (click here).

Now it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week?

Please share, then come cover to Katherine’ s Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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I Got it @Goodwill

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!

 Today’s totally thrifted outfit with the exception of the shoes was purchased at Goodwill.  Each piece was purchased separately from a Goodwill store either in Middletown or Smyrna.

I Got it @Goodwill

 In my mind I saw this outfit fitting differently, but hubby said it looked okay, so I stayed with it.  The sweater, top, and skirt were $3.75 each but I bought them during the 20% off sale, paying only $3.00 each, and the belt was 80 cents.  #winning

I Got it @Goodwill

The suede pumps are Chinese Laundry, purchased from DSW, and off-black pantyhose from Walmart.

I thought about using a different style belt, however, it wasn’t until I got to work that I decided to change the way I wore the belt.  I put it around the top and not the sweater which made me feel and look less bulky.

What do  you think, which way would you have worn it?

After work I met up with one of the 2014 Goodwill Runway Show models and found these Nine West booties which now makes this outfit totally thrifted.

Goodwill thrift - totally

You never know what you might find at your local Goodwill, look what I saw before leaving.

LB's @ GW

Unfortunately, they were a size 7, too small for my feet and at $250.00, were too big for my purse.

Today I am linking up with Whitney Nic James for her Snow Day OOTD and ColorBlind Thrifters Anonymous pick of the week.

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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DIY Storm Survival Kit

DIY ~ Storm Survival Kit

The Polar Vortex, Global Warming, Storms of the Century, no matter what you call it, almost every state in the United States has been affected by this winter’s severe weather conditions.  Have you thought about what you should carry in your vehicle in case you get stuck in a storm?

You can read my suggestions in today’s article in

Parade Magazine

DIY Storm Survival Sack

 


Saturday with the Seniors

Hello Friends and Welcome to the Weekend!

I hope you all had a wonderful Valentine’s Day and regardless of where you went, what you ate or what gift you received, you were able to spend quality time with people you love because that’s all that truly matters.

Last Saturday hubby and I spent most of the day with our son at Appoquinimink High School’s Wrestling Team’s Senior Day – now that’s a mouthful!  Some of you may know that my son started wrestling after the Thanksgiving break and he finished the season with a 5-5 record due to a knee injury.  Saturday was his last match, which he lost but all in all he enjoyed the experience and bonding with his teammates and the coaches.

Prior to the match, each soon-to-graduate Senior escorted their parents/guardians onto the gym floor and presented their mother with a rose.

Senior Day at AppoHS

Malik enjoyed wrestling this season and regretted that he didn’t join the team during his earlier years of High School.

Malik preparing for the match

Wrestling at 170 lbs, this was his last match and you can see the disappointment on his face after the disappointing loss.

Loss after a long and tough match

But like the good athlete he is, it only lasted a few minutes and after talking to his dad, he was back enjoying the rest of the matches with his teammates.

Having a conversation with his dad

Watching the rest of the match with his teammates

Malik and his friend Ahmed, both graduating seniors enjoying the rest of the matches

It was a great day and watching the team knowing that it’s the end of the season was more bittersweet for me than for him.

Rolling up the mat at his last match

Good Season for Appo Jaguars

Me being silly, son not aware!

Mom being silly unbeknownst to hubby or son!

New camera bag from Cameras, Etc.

I ended the afternoon getting a new camera bag from Cameras Etc. in Newark.

Did you share love and laughter last weekend?

Don’t forget to share a post at this weekend’s #WWDParty

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Weekend Wind-Down Party #6

Hello Friends & Welcome to the Weekend Wind-Down Party #6

valentines day card 2013

Hopefully you are not in a sugar coma from eating too many sweets but are home relaxing or preparing for a fun-filled maybe sun-filled weekend.  Truth be told, I am not a big proponent of Valentine’s Day.  The thriftinista in me knows that tomorrow all the candy at Walgreens will be 50% off – 2 boxes for the price of 1!

Anywho, let’s get this party started with this week’s featured posts. Please feel free to copy and paste the button onto your blog page as it will also be featured on our Pinterest Page.

 

I WAS FEATURED #WWDPARTY

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Carrie This Home

A Different Kind of Gift For Valentine's Day

Calm Healthy Sexy

 

Mrs Domestic Bliss

Mrs Domestic Bliss

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View From The Frig

Gurvy Green

Gurvy Green

 

the colored door

the colored door

 

God's Growing Garden
God’s Growing Garden

 

On The Daily Express

On The Daily Express

The rules remain the same, and we ask that after you submit your post you visit and share some bloggy love with at least one other and your hosts.

WWDParty Rules

HOSTS OF #WWDPARTY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Annette (This Simple Home) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest

Antionette (De Divah Deals)  Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram

Danielle (My Snippets of Inspiration) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn

Kay (A Ranch Mom) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter

Nicole M. (Mendez Manor) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram

Nicole R. (A Living Sacrifice) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/LinkedIn

Sarah (Mustard Seed Mommy…ME!) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/Instagram

Teresa (Moms Who Save) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/Instagram/Website

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Valentine’s Day Dinner & Dessert

Hello Friends and Happy Valentine’s Fri-Yay!

Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is Slow Cooked Chicken Cacciatore and Strawberry Shortcake in a Glass, a dessert inspired by Modern Christian Homemaker from last week’s #WWDParty.

Slow Cooked Valentine's Day Dinner

 I hope you are enjoying your Valentine’s Day, perhaps you received Roses at work and are the envy of all your cubicle mates, or maybe were awaken to an early morning DELIGHT followed up by a bountiful breakfast, no matter what it was, I hope you left some room for a little dessert!  

This week’s Slow Cooked meal is Chicken Cacciatore, another easy breezy Crock Pot Meal.

Ingredients:

  • 4 bone in chicken thighs – skin removed

  • 4 chicken drum sticks – skin removed

  • 1 can of Italian Style diced tomatoes or sauce

  • 1 Package of Mushrooms or jar of whole mushrooms drained

  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning or oregano leaves

  • 1 package of frozen onion and peppers (fresh if prefer)

  • 1 tsp of minced garlic

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

  • Linguine or fettuccine or spaghetti pasta

Ingredients for Slow Cooked Chicken Cacciatore

Remove the skin from the thighs and drumsticks which is the worse part of this recipe, next time I will buy skinless chicken!  If using fresh mushrooms, wash to remove excess dirt.

Remove skin from the chicken, and wash mushrooms thorougly

Spray Crock Pot with Cooking Spray for easier clean up then put chicken, veggies, tomatoes, garlic and seasoning into the pot.

Place chicken, veggies, tomatoes, garlic and seasoning into Crock Pot

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours depending on Crock Pot model

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours

About 15 mins before serving, prepare pasta according to box directions and remove chicken and veggies from Crock Pot.  Place in a serving bowl and cover to keep warm.

15 mins before serving remove chicken and veggies from Crock Pot and place in covered dish to stay warm Mix flour and water in a small bowl, then add to the liquid in Crock Pot and let cooks for 5 to 10 minutes so it can thicken, then pour over chicken and veggies.

Mix water and flour then add to liquid in Crock Pot

Mix flour and water and add to liquid in Crock Pot and cook for an add'l 5-10 mins

Chicken Cacciatore

Now on to the best part of dinner – Dessert!

Strawberry Shortcake in a Glass

Ingredients:

  • Fresh Strawberries
  • Dessert Shells
  • Chocolate Pudding
  • Whipped Cream

Wash and Slice Strawberries

Break up a dessert cake putting a few pieces into the bottom of the glass, add some strawberries, a few more pieces of the dessert cake, 1 container of chocolate pudding and top with whipped cream … WhaLaa – Dessert is Done!

Place strawberries, broken pieces of cake, pudding and whipped creams - dessert is done

Enjoy your dinner and dessert!

Enjoy your dinner and dessert!

PS – if you are not too tired or busy later, come back at 6:00 to join the #WWDParty for more Valentine’s Day Sweet Treats!

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

Happy Valentine's Day from DeDivahDeals.com

 

 

 

 


Liebster Award Nomination

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday

I was recently nominated for a Liebster Award by lovely C-Ray of Sunlight Beauty, and for that I am thankful.

Liebster Blog Award

C-Ray loves sharing her fashion and beauty finds as well as providing great everyday tips, so take a few minutes to check out her blog and show some bloggy love.

The Rules of Acceptance:

After you have been nominated and you have accepted it, you have to write a blog post yourself doing the following:
1. Thank the person who has nominated you and link back to their blog (by posting a link on yours).
2. Copy and display the award in your blogpost (save the image and upload it to your own post).
3. Answer the 11 questions about yourself, which are given to you by the person who nominated you.
4. Write 11 random facts about yourself.
5. Nominate 5 – 11 blogs/bloggers that you feel deserve the award. They need to have less than 1000 followers.
6. Think of 11 new questions for the bloggers you have nominated and write them in your post.
8. Inform the selected bloggers that they have been nominated for the Liebster award and link back to your own post so that they can learn about it (if they’ve never heard about it) and so that they know what questions to answer!

The 11 Questions

1. Why did you start blogging?

To fill the void left by the death of my grandmother, my thrify shopping partner

2. What is your favorite nail polish?

Avon – I am a Rep (www.youravon.com/ablake48)

3. What is your favorite lipstick?

Avon’s Ultra Color Rich Pink

4. Who is your beauty icon?

Iman

5. Who is your favorite makeup/beauty youtuber?

No one – not a big YouTube viewer

6. What makes a beauty blog great (in your opinion)?

Options, listing both Drug Store to high end products

7. What do you like most about your blog?

Leaving a legacy for my children and grandchildren

8.  If you could live anywhere where would you live?

A tropical Island – looking to retire in Belize

9. Would you choose, love or money?

Love

10.  What is your favorite healthy snack?

Apples and cheese

11. What is your favorite word?

Blessed

 

11 Random Facts About Myself:

  1. I’m 52 years young

  2. I am a positive person

  3. I have two sons, ages 21 and 18

  4. I’ve been married for 23 years

  5. I’m an adult orphan

  6. Love all foods spicy

  7. Love to photograph sunsets

  8. my new favorite song is “Because I’m Happy” by Pharrell Wiliams – I dare you not to love it as well

  9. I drink too much wine

  10. I find it hard to relax

  11. I don’t like entering Giveaways with more than 3 tasks to complete!

My Nominees Are:

Images by Dashfield 

SandpaperKisses 

Kirsten Womack

ColorBlind 

Living Mommywood 

Free Ur Closet

 

Now ladies, if you choose to accept this nomination I’ll need you to answer the following “love themed” questions – and keep it Rated PG – lol

  1. What Was Your Favorite Valentine’s Day Gift

  2. What is Your Fantasy Valentine’s Day Gift

  3. What Was Your Most Romantic Gift

  4. What Was Your Least Romantic Gift

  5. When did you get your first real kiss

  6. What Would love to do everyday with your significant other

  7. Where is your Fantasy Vacation Spot

  8. Love or Lust

  9. Who is Your Fantasy Man

  10. What is Your Favorite Fruit

  11. #1 Bucket List Item

 

Happy Valentine's Day

 Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

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I Got It @Goodwill

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!

 

Tonight is the night…is the night…is the night…for another major SNOWSTORM – gotta love it right – NOPE!  I don’t think the Robin’s in our neighborhood believes it either because they have been flying around enjoying the sun-filled days.  I truly feel in my heart of hearts that this will be the last big winter snow storm of the season, what do you think?

One good thing about this month is every Sunday all adult winter clothing is just $2.00 and children’s clothing only $1.00 at Goodwill stores in Delaware and Delaware County.  Last Sunday I had to meet up with one of the Runway models, so I took advantage of the day to stock up on more sweaters, seems like I’ll get a chance to wear them all in this never ending cold winter weather.

I Got It @Goodwill !

 

This Merona from Target colorblock sweater wasn’t part of the sale because it was new with tags, but when I saw it I grabbed it.   I knew it would compliment a skirt that was previously thrifted and each piece cost only $3.75.  What do you think?

attention fron Kmart

 

Yes, I am wearing peep-toe booties in the snow!  They are attention brand by Kmart, purchased a few years ago and no my toes are not cold (Miss Terri).

Heart Neckace from SamsBeauty.com

I couldn’t pass up this $2.00 Elizabeth Arden tote because it was the perfect size to carry to work.  It’s roomy enough to hold my camera case and lunch bag as well as anything else I might need for the day AND the color – perfectly matches the outfit!!  #winning

Elizabeth Arden Tote

I don’t know about you, but I simply love finding these thrifted treasures and each week I’ll feature a different sweater as long as the weather holds out so that might be until June!

Gotta love a good thrifted haul

 Today, I’m linking up with 3 of my favorite thriftinistas, Whitney Nic JamesColorBlind and DC Goodwill Fashionista.  If you haven’t checked out these ladies, may I suggest you do as they too feature some awesome thrifted finds.

Oh, and if you are looking to jazz up your winter wardrobe by adding a pop of color, check out the flash sale over at  * Hannah Jane’s Boutique.  15 colorful skinny belts originally $12.99 are on sale for only $5.99 with FREE shipping by using the code BELT50 at checkout.  Deal runs through Friday, February 14, click link on the sidebar for more information.

Stay warm and safe during the storm and we’ll chat tomorrow.

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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* This is an affiliate link – see disclosure statement for more information


Before and After The Storm

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday

Here we are 7 days out from last week’s snow and ice storm yet the damages are still very much evident.  This storm caused major headaches and heartaches for many Pennsylvanians due to the loss of power, initially affecting more than 500K people.  Wawa on 202 North almost ran out of coffee and did run out of bagels Wednesday morning.

The day started out cold and dry but  it didn’t take long for that to change. Thankfully, in Delaware we didn’t get the brunt of the storm but we all know there’s another one not too far behind.  Oops just heard the forecast, they are calling for 6-8 inches of snow beginning Wednesday night – Old Man Winter is not giving up without a fight!

 

before the storm

 

Vest | Old Navy // Skirt | GW Boutique

Before the Storm

 In this bright neon vest, I would never get lost in a snowstorm!

 

Morning BEFORE the storm

Morning BEFORE the storm

 It was a bright, crisp morning in Delaware

 

The morning before the storm

 

After the snow it was beautiful….but

February 2014 091

Winter Wonderland in West Chester, PA

 

Winter Wonderland in West Chester, PA

 

…then came the rain, and unfortunately the trees couldn’t handle the weight of the ice and that’s when the damage began.

Deadly winter wonderland

Power lines were downed causing many in Chester County to lose power for almost a week and some are still without!

ice laden trees

 

See the other pics in this gallery

 

 

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Have you been severely affected by these latest storms?

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

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