DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for October, 2014

Home for the Weekend or Home for the Holidays

Last Friday when Malik came home from college for the weekend he also brought a friend.  I really didn’t mind having an extra mouth to feed but having just the right amount of snacks was definitely important. 

Earlier in the week he sent me a text message stating that he was bringing home 3 friends so I stopped at the grocery store after work.  I wanted to pick up some chicken wings, cheese and crackers which are all his favorites, but I also needed to include some healthy items so I also bought fruits and veggies.

Whether entertaining friends for the holiday or my son and his buddies for the weekend, having just the right kitchen tools is always essential. 

I recently received these KitchenwarePlus Bamboo Cutting Boards from Digital Awol and can honestly say that they are by far the best I’ve ever owned.  These top quality boards are sturdy, and extra thick made from Bamboo and the large one measures 18” x 13”, the medium board is 13” x 8.5”.

Bamboo Cutting Board Review

As you can see, they were the perfect size for “cutting the cheese” and serving snacks to my son. The boards are available via Amazon.com, so if you order a set today you will receive them before your holiday entertaining begins.

Bamboo Cutting Board Review

What are your kid’s favorite snacks?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


Pumping in Plastic – My Gas Station Germ Phobia

Wellness Wednesday

Hello Friends, I hope all is well in your world.

I bet if you asked the question “where is the “Happiest Place on Earth”,  most people would respond Florida, right? But how about if you asked this question, “where is the germiest place on Earth”

I don’t know about you, but for me it’s at the gas station, but it’s not the gas station’s bathrooms, it’s the gas station’s gas pumps! With a 100 mile daily commute I am at a gas station at least twice a week filling up, just follow me on Swarm/Foursquare to get an idea.  And it’s because I’m there so often I sometimes wonder about the person who used the tank handle before me and if the gas station attendants regularly clean the handles. pumping with plastic

 

Just the thought of touching all those germs from the millions of hands grosses me out to the max!  That is why I keep plastic gloves in my glove box, after all, that’s where gloves are supposed to be kept – right?  I also have a box of gloves hanging by the back door at home so I can grab a few if I run out of the ones in the car.

pumping gas in plastic gloves

I know people have stared at me at the pumps, but I don’t care and I feel better knowing that I am not getting or spreading germs at these pumps.  Afterall, with all these viruses and diseases being spread around it’s better to be safe than sorry.

What say you, do you have a germ phobia?  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask

When my sons were toddlers they would cry like crazy every time their father would cut their hair.  Thankfully, those days are gone forever, and now they are more than eager to either have him cut it or they’ll do it themselves.  Despite the tears, it did help us save a lot of money because we never had to take them to a Barbershop.

Now that they are older and can cut their own hair, they do know that grooming involves more than just cutting, washing and drying it.  To maintain a healthy head of hair and keep it looking good, they need to use a a good moisturizer.  InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask is a product they both have used several times a week.

Argan Oil Hair Mask

The InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask is a deep conditioning treatment that helps to keep their hair moisturized and healthy.  InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask has a pleasant smell because it contains Argan Oil, Coconut Oil, Amino Acid Complex, Shea Butter and Vitamin B5, all ingredients that work together to nourish and moisturize the hair. 

Argan Oil Hair Mask

Tayair likes to put just a little of the InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask on his hair before showering.  First he rubs it through his hair, massaging it into his scalp, then waits 10 minutes before showering to rinse it  out.  However, it can also be used as a daily conditioner and as you can see, it gives his hair a nice shine without any heavy residue.

Hair Care Product

If InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask is a hair care product that you or someone in the family might like,  it can be ordered and quick shipped directly from Amazon.com.  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


From Purses to Portfolios – The Money School of Delaware

Two years ago I attended my first From Purses to Portfolios Conference at the Chase Center on the Riverfront sponsored by The Money School of Delaware. I was so totally impressed with this free event that when I got home I immediately sat down and wrote a blog post (click here). Ronni Cohen, Executive Director of DFLI, read that post and contacted me asking if I would consider blogging other events for The Money School.

That post also lead to me teaching blogging classes at local libraries and then last Saturday not only did I attend the 10th Anniversary From Purses to Portfolios conference, but I also presented “From Passion to Profit with a Personal Blog” and was the recipient of the “2014 Sandra A. Varano Golden Purse Award’. God is good and I am truly thankful for being afforded these wonderful opportunities.

From Purses to Portfolios

 

Purses to Portfolios is Delaware’s premier money conference and this year’s sessions included “Zero Debt” presented by award winning author and The Money Coach, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox; “Handling College Costs”, presented by CCCS of MD & DE, where I sat front row center because you know that I need all the information I can get with two sons in college.

Handling College Costs

The other sessions included: “Never Too Early; Never Too Late”, “Carpe Diem-Brewing Up Your Business”, “Passport to Prosperity”, “A Man is Not a Financial Plan”, “Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye”, “Not Your Grandmother’s Library”, “Credit Crackdown” and my session “From Passion to Profit”.

The doors opened at 8:30 a.m. and at registration everyone received a free personalized tote bag, pen and a large glossy program.  A light breakfast was available and there were exhibitor displays throughout the Riverfront Ballroom. In addition to the speaker sessions there were also breakout areas for the Delaware Library and a Credit Clinic, sponsored by TD Bank. The program was emceed by Tina Betz and both U.S. Senator Chris Coons and Governor Jack Markell spoke briefly welcoming us all to the 10th Anniversary of Purses to Portfolios.

Purses to Portfolios 10th Anniversary pics Purses to Portfolios 10th Anniversary pics Purses to Portfolios 10th Anniversary pics

A mid-day break gave participants an opportunity to grab a free bag lunch, gather information or make purchases from the exhibibtors, visit the Money Club House and meet the WIFE.ORG founders, Candice Bahr and Ginita Wall.

Purses to Portfolios 10th Anniversary pics Purses to Portfolios 10th Anniversary pics Purses to Portfolios 10th Anniversary pics

The day ended with a closing session, award presentations and fantastic Door Prizes which were donated by several sponsors including Barnes and Noble, Men’s Wearhouse, Target and Wawa.

PURSE TO PORTFOLIOS

Purses to Portfolios 10th Anniversary pics Purses to Portfolios 10th Anniversary pics

 

For me this was by far the most exciting and well attended Purses to Portfolios Conference and next year look for a name change: Passport to Prosperity: Design you own financial journey, I hope to see you there!

Purses to Portfolios 10th Anniversary pics

 FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THIS EVENT AND OTHER FREE FINANCIAL CLASSES OFFERED BY THE MONEY SCHOOL, PLEASE VISIT THEM @www.dfli.org

dfli banner

A Green Tie Event is the fundraiser that precedes the From Purses to Portfolios conference, it too was held at the Chase Center on the 16th. Hubby and I both attended and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

The Welcome Greetings were presented by Ronni and Cher Przeomski, DFLI Board member; a testimonial by Tyreese Green, GTech Commercial & Construction Cleaning Services and awards were the highlights of the evening.  A light dinner, a Silent Auction and entertainment provided by Atiba Music made for a very relaxing evening.

Green Tie Event at the Chase Center Green Tie Event at the Chase Center Green Tie Event at the Chase Center

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Stylin Sunday Roundup

Sunday Stylin Roundup

Hello friends and welcome to another episode of Stylin Sunday Roundup! It’s funny because I always think about a rodeo when I type the title of this post.

The weather ’round here parts has been unpredictable which is evidenced by these three outfits.  The temps have been up and down with damp and dry conditions in between and soon I’ll have to put on some tights.

This first outfit is titled Stripes and Such

Stripes and Such

Stripes and Such is a mix of patterns with the leopard print booties that were purchased from the Deb Shop in the Exton Mall a few years back.  The grey skirt has black side panels so I chose this thrifted top as a complimentary accent.

What do you think? 

I do love my cardigan sweaters especially those that fall below my hips.

Polka Dots and Beads

This is my Polka Dot and Beads outfit.  The sweater is a recent purchase from Burlington Coat Factory, the House of Dereon purse was also purchased from BCF but that was several years ago.  My favorite “Betty Boop” polka dot shoes, beaded necklace and silver accessories completes the look.

Goodwill Goodie

This last outfit is entitled “Goodwill Goodie” and not because of the outfit but because of the leather bag which I purchased for my son for $8.00. He wanted his father’s leather bag but we had donated it to Goodwill last year, so I was on the hunt for another one and this was perfect.

I love thrifting at the Goodwill in Smyrna, DE.  Speaking of Goodwill, I will once again be a Stylist for the 2015 Goodwill Runway Show and I am looking forward to working with the group again.

On this “no-work day casual Friday” I’m wearing leggings under a leopard print dress and leopard print flats from Citi Trends.   You may remember that I wore this same outfit 2 years ago on Thanksgiving, it’s one of my casual favs.  Brass earrings and bangle with a black band watch from Avon completes the look.

Avon sale

So which outfit did you like best?

I hope you had a wonderful weekend and will also have a fantabulous week ahead.

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Wellness Wednesday ~ Hibernating at Home

Wellness Wednesday

Hello friends and welcome to Wellness Wednesday.  

As the daylight hours get shorter and the temps a little chillier your mood may begin to mellow. Gone are the long sunny days spent outdoors and you may feel like hibernating at home.

Now is the perfect time to indulge the senses with affordable yet comfortable items that will enhance our mood and not break the bank.

Concepts – Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw

Concepts - Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw
Sofa Shawl

Sofa Shawl

Having a sofa shawl or blanket is a must-have to grab on a crisp Autumn evening while watching tv or reading. Toss it into the dryer with a sheet of fabric softener for an added indulgence for the senses.

Concepts – Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw – $21.99 (72% off), Free shipping – Available at 6pm.com

 

Kennedy Mfg – Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix – No Sugar Added 30/Box

Kennedy Mfg - Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix - No Sugar Added 30/Box
Nestle Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love to indulge with a cup of hot chocolate, especially after a long day of shopping or shoveling snow.  Yes, I said the “S” word and unfortunately it will be here before you know it.  

I will sometimes add marshmallows or a shot of Brandy to make my own little hot toddy #drinkresponsibly  

What is your favorite hot beverage?

Kennedy Mfg – Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix – No Sugar Added 30/Box – $8.79, See Site shipping – Available at WEBstaurant Store

 

Woodstock Chimes – Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime – DCW17 WS492

Woodstock Chimes - Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime - DCW17 WS492
Woodstock Wind Chimes

Wind Chimes

I used to think that wind chimes were just for the summer but now I keep them out all year long.  I love the serene sounds that they make and unless there’s a howling winter storm it does have a calming effect.

I have several types, bamboo, glass and metal, which I change from season to season.

Woodstock Chimes – Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime – DCW17 WS492 – $15.00, 5.37 shipping – Available at Target.com

 

Corning – Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid – Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim

Corning - Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid - Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim
Corelle Electric Potpourri Warmer

Potpourri Warmer

Do you remember the DIY article that I wrote for Parade Magazine?  I love the scent of of warming Potpourri so if you don’t have a pot, put some in a jar with mini lights.

Now is also the perfect time to stock up on the summer fragrances to use next year.

Corning – Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid – Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim – $19.99, 8.99 shipping – Available at Replacements

 

Crock-Pot – SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware)

Crock-Pot - SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware)
Stainless Steel Crock Pot

Crock Pot

Last but certainly not least is a Crock Pot.  I have several, but when we do break away from the house and travel I like taking a tasty treat.  This year before leaving to visit relatives for the holiday, I’ll make a Slow Cooked Apple Pie, then leave the Crock Pot as a gift to them.

What is your favorite Crock Pot Meal?

Crock-Pot – SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware) – $39.00, Free shipping – Available at Amazon.com

 How do you like to Hibernate at Home?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.


Purex Crystals Aromatherapy Review

PurexCrystalsDisclosure

Hello friends,

Let me ask you this question, “can doing laundry change your mood?”  My answer is “YES IT CAN”, and it can be changed for the better.  In our house, Saturday is laundry day which is also my favorite weekend chore.  No, it’s not that I love washing, drying and folding clothes, it’s because of the fresh scent of the new Purex Crystals Aromatheraphy.  These new Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in-wash scent boosters are blended with essential oils that turn a bore chore into so much more!

PurexCrystalsAromatheraphy.jpg

The Purex Crystals Aromatherapy come in three long lasting fragrant scents, Energy, Well Being and Serenity, all mood enhancing aromas.  The citrus scent of Energy is so fragrant that I’ve decided to use them in other rooms as a deodorizer and in sachets for my dresser drawers, check out this YouTube Video review to find out where else I’ll be using them.

Purex Crystals Aromatherapy Review and Giveaway

As much as I would love to give you all a FREE full size container of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy so that you can experience the bliss and spirit of these soothing aromas, only two will be chosen to receive a coupon for a FREE full size container.

PurexCrystalsAromatherapyEnergy  *Hurry and enter today for a chance to win a coupon in this Rafflecopter Giveaway, just leave your answer to this question:

“What is your favorite weekend chore?” 

Good luck, now go back and check out my video!

*open to US residents only

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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a Rafflecopter giveaway


12 Tips to Avoid Fraud – ‘Tis the Season to Be Cautious

MONEY MONDAY Hello friends and Welcome to Money Monday

Remember last month when I told you that hubby couldn’t buy me a gift for my birthday? Well after checking his bank statement a few days earlier, he realized that there had been some fraudulent charges made against his account. Luckily, they weren’t excessive, but after contacting the bank his debit card was immediately suspended, oh by the way, there’s a charge for a replacement, which I think is unfair but that’s another story for another Money Monday.

Anywho, I’m glad that he had finally heeded my warning in making sure to check his statements as well as any credit card or medical bills that were received in the mail. There are so many ways for scammers to get you and it doesn’t just happen during the busy holiday season.

Scammers and fraudsters are ever vigilant, therefore, as wise consumers we must be the same, so here is a list of 12 tips to help you avoid fraud and keep the scammers at bay! fraud stoppers

 

  1. Install a lockable mailbox to reduce mail theft.
  2. Limit the number of credit cards you have.

  3. Reconcile your check and credit card statements as soon as possible, and immediately challenge any purchases that you did not make.

  1. Scrutinize your utility and subscription bills to make sure the charges are yours.

  1. Keep a list of all your credit and bank accounts in a secure place so you can quickly call the issuers to inform them about missing or stolen cards. Or make a copy front and back of your cards with the numbers to customer service and fraud departments.

  1. Do not toss pre-approved credit offers in your trash or recycling bin without first tearing them into small pieces or shredding them. Dumpster divers can use these offers to order credit cards in your name and mail them to their address.  Always do the same with other sensitive information, such as credit card receipts and phone bills.

  1. Avoid credit repair scams. If you are tempted to contact a credit repair company for help, use considerable caution. The FTC and a number of state attorney generals have sued credit repair companies for false promises to remove bad information from credit reports. Only inaccurate information may be removed from your credit report; negative information that is accurate (such as a bankruptcy filing or a defaulted loan) will stay on your credit report as long as governing laws allow. running with money

  2. Never give any credit card, bank or Social Security information to anyone by telephone unless you can positively verify that the call is legitimate.
  3. Minimize exposure of your Social Security and credit card numbers. If the numbers are requested for check-cashing purposes, ask if the business has alternative options, such as a check-cashing card.
  4. Do not have your bank send your new checks to your home address. Tell the bank that you prefer to pick them up.
  5. Destroy all checks immediately after you close a checking account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any courtesy checks that your bank or credit card company sends to you.
  6. Do not allow your financial institution to print your Social Security Number on your personal checks. I remember when your social security numbers were not only printed on your checks but also on your driver’s license as well. Times sure have changed!

Have you ever been a victim of a scammer, whether online, via the telephone or mail, if so, then you know how difficult, time consuming and sometime costly it can be to get things back on track. AARP logo

Check www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork if you are concerned about an organization that doesn’t sound legitimate and call 877-908-3360 which is the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Center.

Better Safe than Sorry!  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Sunday Stylin Roundup

sunday stylin roundup

Hello friends and welcome to Sunday Stylin Roundup.  I trust you all had a wonderful weekend.  We are now into full Autumn attire and I finally got all my closets cleaned – yay me!  I didn’t get an opportunity to wear all of my summer dresses but next week I am going to repost a DIY in which I cut the bodice off a dress to make it a maxi skirt.  I’ll be doing a few more of them as some of the dresses are cut too low to wear without a cover-up.

Here are last week’s outfits.

2 fer 1

These two outfits one I wore at the end of September and the other was early October which is still warm enough to wear peep toes and pencil skirts.

Pencil skirts are by far my favorite types of skirts and the color grey with the classic black and white works equally well with green and beige.  The red necklace is from Rainbow Shops and the beige beads are from Walmart, they have a really nice $5 and $10 Statement necklace assortment #stockingstuffer.

Back to Basics

I call this outfit “Back to Basics“, because the white cotton shirt and tie are reminiscent of my early corporate days at IBM.  Believe it or not, I still have several of the clip on ties that I wore back in the early 80’s!  The skirt is from Walmart and the purse is from Avon as is the bracelets and watch.  I participated in iamfabellis #fabwerkwear Instagram roundup, so if you get a minute go check out the other lovely ladies in classic white work shirts.

Wild n Out

Breaking out the infinity scarves which I have draped around a body-form in the guest bedroom, most of which were on clearance from Burlington Coat Factory, but Walmart also has a large selection as well, starting at $4.97.

Two of my favorite consigned pieces, the Jessica Simpson leopard print peep-toes shoes and this leopard print vintage purse.  A simple top from Boscov’s and brown thrifted skirt made this outfit a mid-week special.

ootd 10 8 14 collage

Another infinity scarf breaks of the basic blue skirt from JCPenney and green scoop top thrifted from Goodwill.  I had forgotten about these Unlisted shoes from the Shoe Dept, but seemed to work well with the tote from Target as well as the thrifted pink clutch.

Poncho and Pencil

I ended the work week in a “Poncho and Pencil” skirt and pointy toe shoes from DSW.  The pencil skirt and thrifted sleeveless tank were covered in a printed poncho from Boscov’s.  I didn’t need to change up my purse as the tote from Target worked well. The accessories I chose were a wooden beaded necklace, a Flea Market find, and wood earrings from Claire’s.

So which outfit did you like the best?

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Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!


Gordesi Launch Experience

Hello friends,

On Sunday I was part of the paparazzi on the Red Carpet for the Gordesi Launch Experience at the World Cafe Live in Wilmington.  Flash bulbs lit up the sky on this warm Autumn evening as Curtis Hutson was greeted and congratulated by many supporters, family members and friends.  As I listened to them being interviewed by Connie Romano for Ambi’ance Magazine, I picked up on one common theme from each, #blessings.

Gordesi Launch Expereince

Gordesi Launch Experience

You see, Curtis was not always a fashion designer, as a matter of fact in 1995, he found himself alone and desperate in a jail house cell. At the age of 30, he was incarcerated and had battled addictions to both drugs and alcohol. One day after falling to his knees in prayer he saw the word G.O.D. spelled out in toothpaste on his cell wall, he believed that was the key to his new life.

Unfortunately, five years later his life hit rock bottom so this time he prayed for God to end his life, but he had other plans.  After being clean for twelve years, Curtis listened to God’s hints and started Gordesi: God’s Original Designs.

The Gordesi Launch Experience was much more than just a fashion show, there was entertainment by vocalist Sarah Kane,  Aniya Jazz, Roderick, Lex Kelly and Grateful Dread, and the MC for the evening was Richard F Blackwell.

Gordesi Launch

DeeJay007 had the audience up on their feet during the various intermissions even taking it back to old skool R&B and Hip Hop. You can hear a few snippets from the evening’s performances on my Instagram page.

Gordesi Launch audience

However, the highlight of the evening were the models on the runway featuring the 2015 Spring/Summer Gordesi Fashion Line. Gordesi by CLH is the first and only urban lifestyle brand that dedicates 7% of its profits to charitable organizations locally, nationally and globally. The profits from this event were being donated to The Arthur J. Turner, Jr. Scholarship Foundation.

Gordesi Launch Models Gordesi Launch Models

The World Cafe Live @ The Queen was the perfect venue for the Gordesi Launch Experience and their staff is to be applauded for the professional and courteous service provided throughout the evening. Unfortunately I was unable to stay the entire time so I missed the performance by Algebra Blessett which included a birthday celebration for Curtis, which I am sure was fantastic!

Gordesi Launch at The World Cafe Live

Congratulations Curtis, I wish you continued success in this and all your future endeavors.

Gordesi God's Original Designs

A special thanks to Demia Avery, Co-CEO/Publicist of Avery Sisters Entertainment for inviting me to cover this wonderful fashion launch and also for bringing yet another high class event to the state of Delaware.

Gordesi Launch Press Kit

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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