2 Tone Tuesday and the Weekend WrapUp July 28, 2015

2 Tone Tuesday and the Weekend WrapUp

Hello friends, I hope all is well is your world. Today’s OOTD is entitled “2 Tone Tuesday” and it’s obvious as to why. However, not only are my shoes 2-tone but check out the necklace, albeit it’s not exactly a 2-tone necklace, there are two different necklaces.

This is something that I had never done before but had seen so many other fashionistas doing it, so I said, ‘hey, what the heck”, this is my version, so what do you think?

The Peplum top and geometric skirt are both from JC Penney and I love pairing them together, I also have the Peplum top in green which you may remember when I wore it with this skirt last season.

Did you have a nice weekend? Mine went by quickly, but I finally got the pool opened which took longer than expected. Our neighbor’s tree fell into it during a June storm and it wasn’t removed until July 11th!

You need to check out my Instagram page to see how it went from being a slimy green mess to gorgeous crystal clear, use the hashtag #poolmaintenance to view the sequence.

Unfortunately, the pressure washer didn’t work so I couldn’t clean around it. I just purchased it last year from Home Depot so you know I will be contacting them for service or a replacement!

My son and I went to the New Castle County’s Dancing in the Park event on Saturday evening and it was packed with families, fun and lots of food trucks. I took a few videos and some pics so check out my Facebook page to see some of the dancing and food vendors.

Hubby had an okay weekend, it was the first one after his chemo treatment. He is sensitive to cold and was a bit tired on Friday with muscle aches, but overall he is doing well. I am extremely proud of him and how he is dealing with his health.

My youngest and I took over the yard work chores, mowing the lawn and trimming hedges, which made me realize just how much I am not going to miss it! #Roadtrip to Retirement

Did you do anything fun this weekend?

I do hope that you enjoy the rest of your day and stay blessed…oh by the way don’t forget to check out the latest posts on Blogging With Blake

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Delaware’s Small Business Summit 2014 November 24, 2014

Hello friends, last week I had an opportunity to attend Delaware’s Small Business Summit which was held at the Dover Downs Hotel in Dover, Delaware. This free event was sponsored by the Delaware Economic Development Office (DEDO) whose mission is “to be responsible for attracting new investors and business to the State, for promoting the expansion of existing industry, for assisting small and minority-owned businesses, for promoting and developing tourism, and for creating new and improved employment opportunities for all citizens in Delaware.”

Social Media and Small Businesses goes hand in hand, which is why I was anxious to be in attendance. I wanted to meet small business owners who might be interested in learning more about Social Media and Blogging and how it can attract more consumers thereby, increasing their bottom line.

The doors to the Summit opened at 7:30 am, and on this bitterly cold day, the hot Continental Breakfast Buffet was definitely a warm and welcomed delight. At each place setting was a copy of Delaware Business Times, the agenda and a personalized Stylus Pen.

There were well over 300 attendees and the agenda was jam packed with valuable information with sets of panelist who provided insights on how small businesses can increase their profits, gain more exposure and the programs available to all regardless of disabilities, race, or gender.

After a brief introduction by Ken Anderson, Director of DEDO, and a few words from both the Mayor of Dover, Robin Christensen and Bernice Whaley, Deputy Director, the first set of panelist were seated to discuss Prospects for Delaware Small Businesses NOW and in the Future.

Ken Anderson, Director, DEDO

Bernice Whaley, Deputy Director, DEDO Robin Christensen, Mayor of Dover

Between sessions, Mr. Anderson acknowledged various members in the audience and awarded several door prizes.

The second set of panelist discussed Challenges and Opportunities-Business Ownership and Employment for Individuals with Disabilities.

Carrie Dennis-Mayer, door prize winner Dust Away Cleaning Services, Inc.

The final session of this half day program was presented by Michelle Morin, Executive Director, DE Office of Supplier Diversity. Her topic, Small Business Focus Program-Implication and Opportunities for Small Businesses of a Certain Size Regardless of Race or Gender, was very informative and sometimes entertaining.

The Summit concluded with Keynote Speaker, Governor Jack Markell who spoke about his signing of Executive Order 44 and the innovative ways in which Delaware seeks to keep the economy moving forward by providing assistance to small business owners and entrepreneurs.

This was especially evident with the many entrepreneurs in attendance who have taken part in Project Pop-Up, which provides 3 months of rent-free space in downtown Wilmington.

Governor Jack Markell Executive Order 44

The Delaware Small Business Summit was a wonderful opportunity for small business owners to network and share as well as receive vital information that will not only help them succeed but will also help keep the economy in the state of Delaware strong.

Does your state have programs for Small Business owners and entrepreneurs?

Dover Downs Hotel Lobby fully decorated for the season

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Girl’s Night Out | The Money School of Delaware May 20, 2014

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday.

Last week I had the opportunity to not only attend a Girl’s Night Out sponsored by The Money School of Delaware, but to also present a segment on frugal fashion tips. This 1st Annual FREE event was held in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of From Purses to Portfolios, the Money School’s signature event.

Girl’s Night Out the brainchild of Program Director, Shaquilla Holmes was held at the Claymont Community Center where 14 vendors including Nails by Cyn, Alvina Designs, and Pure Pleasure showcased their products and services. Food was provided by Shoprite and the wine was donated by Quadia Muhammad.

The program kicked off with a welcome and overview by Ronni Cohen, DFLI Executive Director as well as an introduction of the new Money Clubs Director Chrisi Lockwood. Dana Thurston, member of “Penney’s 2 Dollars Money Club” spoke about their club’s events and activities which was then followed by the “Guess the Pennies” and “What’s in Your Purse” games.

Ken Briscoe, Director of Communications and Cultural Affairs for the City of Wilmington provided information about the Budget Friendly Activities being held this summer in the city. My segment “Savvy Shopping for the Frugal Fashionista” and “Guess the Cost” game was sponsored by The Great Stuff Savvy Resale Shop in Wilmington.

Girls Night Out Sponsored by The Money School of DE

Ronni and I – Girl’s Night Out

The evening ended with Door Prizes and networking. It was a wonderful event and I wish to thank Shaquilla and the entire DFLI staff for all of their hard work and efforts in putting together this wonderful and successful event!

Enjoy the rest of your day and I’ll see you tomorrow!

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money October 30, 2012

“For Women, About Women, & By Women and the Men in their lives!”

From Purses to Portfolios was a free conference presented by the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute and supported by Citi Foundation. This was the 5th year of the conference which empowers women to take charge of their financial future. Several years ago hubby and I attended a free financial program sponsored by The Money School of Delaware and the presenter was Alisha Adams, from Primerica Financial Services. She later became our financial adviser and I attended other free events, however, this was the first time at the all-day conference.

The 2012 Conference was sponsored by numerous companies including Citizens Bank, The News Journal, State Farm Insurance, United Way, Wells Fargo and others. This year’s theme was FAB – FOR women ABOUT women BY women. Women of all ages, young and old, black and white as well as more than 60 Exhibitors filled the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Some of the FAB Exhibitors included AIDS Delaware; Ardyss; Bank of America; City of Wilmington; Declutter Enterprise, LLC; Delaware Hospice; Easter Seals; Dollar Build; Garages Aux Trois; Goodwill of DE; Mary Kay; SCORE Delaware; Primerica Financial Services; Senior Helpers; Stop The Violence; Wilmington Women in Business;Tastefully Simple and YWCA DE Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship.

Arriving early Saturday morning waiting outside for the 8:30 opening, I stood in line and socialized with a variety of women all there with a common goal – to become more financially literate. Upon entering we received a program, a name badge, two tickets for lunch/beverages and a cute pink leopard print tote in exchange for completing a demographics survey form. After having a cup of coffee and muffin, I walked up and down “Women’s Biz Boulevard” checking out the vendors, filling out forms, taking pictures and exchanging business cards. Later on I met up with my girlfriends and we walked, talked, and then attended the opening session with the key note speaker Mary Caraccioli, The Money Confidante. State Treasure, Chip Flowers and New Castle County President, Tom Kovach spoke for a few minutes as did Governor Jack Markell who almost didn’t make it due to state preparations for Hurricane Sandy.

There were four seminars from which to choose for the morning and afternoon sessions. We chose, Perfect Credit:7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, a personal financial expert and a NY Times bestseller talked about credit; credit repair; credit scores; rules and regulations; how credit scores affect interest rates on loans as well as insurance rates; jobs and employment. The seminar was very informative and there was ample time for audience questions.

For perfect credit follow these 7 rules:

PULL your credit report regularly
EXAMINE your credit report carefully
REDUCE debt and manage bills wisely
FIX errors to protect your credit
ENHANCE credit file regularly
CONTACT creditors and negotiate
TAKE time educate yourself and reevaluate

For more information check out her blog at @askthemoneycoach.com

Bag lunches were provided and the choices were either a Turkey Sandwich or Vegetarian Wrap, both included a packaged cookie and apple, I chose the wrap which was fresh and delicious!

After lunch we walked “Women’s Biz Boulevard” gathering information from the FAB exhibitors, stopping to test products, enter drawings and purchase raffle tickets.

The afternoon session began at 2:00, and we chose to attend “Retirement:Never Too Early, Never Too Late” sponsored by AARP, and presented by Jean Setzfand, VP of Financial Security. I learned more about retirement funds as well as Social Security benefits and of making wise financial decisions that will affect me in my golden years. I also learned that AARP uses Linkedin to identify and promote the best companies for it’s members, currently at 152. I will definitely enroll the next time I get the application in the mail – lol!

The day ended with a Recognition Ceremony, Closing Remarks and Door Prizes which included items donated by Big Fish Grill; Brew HaHa; Citi; Delaware Art Museum; Hagley Museum; Star Nails & Spa; Trader Joe’s and WAWA as well as new Michael Kors and Coach purses provided by Mrs. Carper and First Lady Markell. None of us won a door prize, however, we did win additional knowledge that will assist in making wise financial decisions and having me think twice before purchasing that next pair of shoes!

Thank you Delaware for a great “Girlfriend Day Out” and I look forward to the 2013 Conference.

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