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Archive for the ‘Thankful Thursday’ Category

Thankful Thursday ~ Blessed Birthday

Hello friends, this time last week I was thinking about my birthday and getting sad, sad not because I was turning 53, but sad that Malik wouldn’t be home to celebrate with me.   

At 2:19p.m., Friday afternoon I sent him the following text message, “Big Plans for the Weekend?”, but he never responded.  I was up late working on my blog when I heard the roar of a loud engine similar to his car, but his is parked outside. 

At 11:04 p.m. I sent him this text, “Someone has a loud engine like yours…thought it was you coming home.  Have a wonderful weekend, love and miss ya!” 

I continued working on my blog and then at 12:43 am, Malik called to wish me a Happy Birthday and asked if our neighbor, Mr. Reggie had delivered my gift.  When I told him, no, he asked me to check the front door…yes, I am crying again as I write…I opened the front door and there stood my baby…the best birthday present I’ve ever received!  I was so happy and surprised that we stayed up talking until 3:30 am, then he and his father continued the conversation until after 4:00 am.

malik is home  

I was so thankful to have him home even if was just for a little while because you know he had to go visit a few of his buddies.  Later on we all went out as a family for dinner at The Cheesecake Factory at the Christiana Mall.  It was the first time for all of us and the meal was delicious.  Malik and I shared the Asian Lettuce Wrap, then I had a Skinny Mojito, Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp and took home a slice of Oreo Dream Extreme Cheesecake – “go hard or go home!” 

Birthday Weekend with Malik Birthday Weekend with Tayair Birthday Weekend My Men Birthday Weekend with Tayair and Malik

Malik and his dad

It was nice being with all my men on my special day and that was all the gift I needed which was good because that’s the only gift I got…keep reading you’ll find out why. 

Tayair and I at The Cheesecake Factory

Have you ever had an awesome birthday surprise?  

Hubby and I got up early Sunday morning to drive him back down to Bowie State University which was once again hard to say “goodbye”, and I didn’t want to let him go, but I was thankful for his thoughtfulness in coming home for the weekend.

Malik don't leave

Bye Bye Birdie...Again Malik and his Adidas

Malik is returning to his 2nd home

Today I am thankful for seeing another year, for my sons, my husband and his diligence in checking his account because someone had compromised his bank card which is why he couldn’t get me a gift.  I am thankful they didn’t charge too much before he realized what was going on, please check your Debit/Bank cards regularly! 

Birthday Weekend The Blake Family

Now it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week?  Check out what other’s have to say over at TheSitsGirls Challenge.

backtoblogging-prompts

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Thankful Thursday – Are you Really?

thankful for you Hello friends,

today is Thankful Thursday which has me thinking, what am I truly thankful for?   I know I always end my post with, “I am thankful for my family, my friends and of course my faith” but really is that all?

How about you, what are you REALLY thankful for?

Being Thankful

Sending text messages and emails are fine, but do you have someone that you can pick up the phone and call for a friendly and fun conversation?

Be thankful for that.

Do you live in a house, apartment or condo and when you come home there is someone there to greet you or meet you later in the day?

Be thankful for that.

 Do you drive or commute to work oftentimes doing the same boring task over and over again, yet you get paid to do so?

Be thankful for that.

Do you go to the grocery store, gas station or mall, spending way too much money on items, but in your wallet there is cash, a debit or credit card to pay for it?

Be thankful for that.

Does your kids or grandkids make you laugh and sometimes cry?

Be thankful for that.

Does sunshine on your face feel good and rain on a Sunday morning lull you back to sleep?

Be thankful for that.

Does a good workout, a few pounds lost or looking good in your favorite outfit make you smile?

Be thankful for that.

Oprah's Thankful Quote

I woke up this morning in my right mind, a healthy body and a good spirit so for that I am truly thankful.

Now it’s your turn, what are you really THANKFUL for?  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Bring on the Browns | Thankful Thursday

Hello friends,

I trust you are all getting back into the swing of things after the long Labor Day weekend  – just think tomorrow is Fri-Yay!  I spent most of my weekend clearing out the basement and was able to gather a lot of items to be donated to Goodwill.

I am thankful to be blessed with an abundance, however, sometimes it can be a bit too much so donating the excess is always a good thing  – Donate Stuff Create Jobs.

Next week I will begin working on my closets so that I can create room for more stuff

Speaking of creating room in my closet, these two outfits were put together with the same skirt.  The skirt is a thrifted find from Goodwill and because brown is a great color for summer as well as fall you will probably see it again next month.

Bring on the Browns

Bring on the Browns

The top was on clearance at J.C. Penney and the purse was also a great find however, not from Goodwill but from Ross.  My accessories, the bracelets on the left and watch are from Avon, the bracelet on the right and ring are from Old Navy.

Bring on the Browns

For this look, I wore a leopard print top also thrifted from Goodwill and large Jimmy Choo inspired bag.  Necklace and earring set is from Jewelrymax.net

Bring on the Browns

 

Bring on the Browns

With each outfit I wore my favorite Jessica Simpson peep-toe pumps from Charmingly Linda’s Consignment Shop.  I am so thankful that the weather was perfect during the summer months after such a harsh winter.  Let’s pray for a gorgeous Indian Summer and Autumn.

Even though I didn’t get a chance to wear a lot of my summer clothes, as I go through my closets, anything not worn in the past two years will be donated.

How do you decide when to get rid of clothing?

Bring on the Browns

I am thankful that I am able to donate to Goodwill; I am thankful that we had a wonderful holiday; I am thankful to be attending my 1st SITS Bloggy Boot Camp in Philadelphia tomorrow and last but not least, I am thankful for my family, my friends and of course my faith.

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

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

 

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Thankful and Throwback Thursday OOTD

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Hello friends and Happy Thankful Thursday.

 

I don’t know about you, but with each new day I feel as though I can be a blessing to someone else. It can be as simple as retweeting an inspirational message or leaving a thoughtful comment.  Stopping to have a conversation with a co-worker or even a stranger, a smile or just saying, “hello”, because you never know what may be going on in their world.

 

Life is so precious and I think it’s in the best interest of us all to treat our fellow human beings with kindness and dignity because you never know when you may be looking for someone to do the same for you.  

soap box Now, hold on while I put away the soap box.

 

This Thursday, I am thankful for everyone who is reading this post and would be even more thankful if you shared it! Hey, a blogger can ask can’t she.  

I am desperately trying to wear all of my summer clothes before the end of September so this is going to be a 2 fer, maxi skirts that I wore in July and August and also in 2013.

purple maxi skirt - old navy

Purple maxi skirt is from Old Navy and the Merona top is from Target which I also wore on June 26th, 2013 (see here)

fashion after fifty outfit of the day

As you can see “Ms Elle” made an appearance twice this week.

bowie state orientation 115

I love having hubby as my photographer, but he doesn’t tell me when something is out of place.  He said, “I thought your shirt was supposed to be this way!” Men!  Good thing he is not being paid!

maxi skirt outfit of the day

 

The watch is Avon and bracelet from Rugged Wearhouse.

maxi skirt outfit of the day

This floral cowl neck tank is one of my favorites which was on clearance at JCPenney last summer.  The black skirt is thrifted from Goodwill.

tote from Avon

This perfectly sized tote if from Avon as is the wrap around bracelet and watch.  I believe the other bracelets and rings were purchased at Rugged Wearhouse and the sandals are from Payless.

fashion after fifty

I am thankful that I enjoy dressing for less, otherwise I would be broke!  I am also thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith.  

How about you, what makes you thankful this Thursday?  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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PS Here is the same purple maxi and top on 6/27/13

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Is Orange the New Black | Thankful Thursday

 

Hello friends,

lately I’ve been hearing a lot about this new cable show ‘Orange is the New Black” but have never watched it, have any of you seen it? I really don’t like shows about criminal activities especially with women in prison, so I doubt if I’ll ever watch it.  

Anywho, I only mentioned it because of today’s Thankful Thursday’s OOTD which is orange and black.

orange and black OOTD

Actually, it more peach than orange because when I think of wearing orange and black together it reminds me of Halloween. However, I am flanked by orange flowers and the necklace has orange in it, so it can be considered an orange and black outfit.

orange and black ootd

Speaking of peach, I believe next weekend is Middletown’s Annual Old Thyme Peach Festival.  The festival is something that I look forward to every year, it is one of my favorite summer events.  Last year we missed it as we were in New Rochelle, (NY) for a cousin’s wedding ~ Happy Anniversary Kyton and Shivon!

I am hoping and would be extremely thankful if my mini men would hang with me because Malik will be leaving for Bowie on the 27th.

ootd 7 22 14

Skirt | JCPenney

Shoes | The Shoe Dept

Purse & Necklace | Rainbow Shops

Bracelet | Old Navy

This has truly been a thankful week and I am looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday, doing a little shopping and sunning poolside if the weather cooperates.  

What are your plans for the weekend?

Orange & Black OOTD

So is Orange really the new Black?

 

I am always thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith.  

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

If you get a chance, head over to Katherine’s Corner for her Thursday’s Favorite Things Blog Hop.

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Freshman Orientation @ Bowie State University | Thankful Thursday

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

 

It’s time to say goodbye to July and speaking of saying goodbye, on Sunday, July 27th, we took our youngest son to Bowie State University in Maryland for his 3-day Freshman Orientation. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t miss him because I did, after all it was his first time yes, his first time away from home alone for this length of time.

Bowie State is only a 2 hour drive, the traffic wasn’t bad and he slept the entire time reminding me of his younger days when he rode in the back strapped into a car seat.

Arriving on campus around 12:30, our first impression was positive, well at least the landscaping was nice, however that quickly changed because registration was held in the old gym which definitely needed renovations. Walking “the yard” we also saw several buildings that had seen better days with considerable wear and tear including inside the dorms.

However, we were impressed with other buildings including the Library and Student Center and was informed by a student that there was a much better gymnasium which we hadn’t seen.  Bowie State is an HBCU with a legacy dating back 125 years, so there is a lot of history all over this campus.

Bowie State University entrance

We checked in before Malik’s roommate so he had an opportunity to choose which side of the room he wanted then the disinfecting began. He didn’t seem disappointed in the size of the room nor the furniture which was good considering he’s never had to share one.

After completing the dorm room checklist we left to explore more of the campus.  Me of course kept stopping to take pictures, while hubby and son walked on ahead of me, not interested in what I was doing but deeply engrossed in their conversation.

inside the dorms

In the dorm room

Campus of BSU

Beautiful View

Malik on the campus of BSU

Thurgood Marshall Library

Bowie State University

Bowie State University

Deep in conversation


bowie state orientation 040
Breaking the chains

Skinit.com :: Cases & Skins
Orientation began at 2:30 for both the parents and students, with parents sitting in the balcony of the new Fine and Performing Arts Center and the students in the lower level. Several speakers including the Provost spoke about BSU, it’s history and the importance of having a positive experience over the next several days. Reminding us parents that we must allow our sons and daughters to go through metamorphosis so they will be able to break through the cocoon and fly upward.

Fine and Performing Arts Center Ask A Nerd | Homework Help

Malik at the Fine and Performing Arts Center

Fine and Performing Arts Center

 

Parents were then escorted to another location for our orientation to discuss the Wellness Program, Public Safety and last but certainly not least Financial Aid. After that we were reunited with our sons and daughters for a final hug/kiss/pic goodbye as we were told leave by 6:00.

As you can see from the following pictures, there were some tender moments between father and son and I was even able to wrangle a few pictures with him as well (check out the arm grip).

had to hold on to keep him from running away

father and son

Looking into a mirror!

Father and Son moment

Do the right thing

We returned yesterday evening to pick him up and needless to say, he was glad to be back home to his bed, his car, his friends, and hopefully his family!

Today I am thankful to have him home for another month because the next time he leaves on August 27th, it will be for 3+ months.

loading the car

bowie state orientation 053 I am also thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith.

time to say goodbye

 

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

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Thankful Thursday | VIB Award

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

Today’s Thankful Thursday post is the acceptance of a ‘Very Inspiring Blogger” Award so graciously given to me by my bloggy friend, Robin @RobinCharmagne.com

very-inspring blogger award

When you get a chance, please check out Robin’s blog because she features some great fashions, entertaining and travel tips as well as some cool DIY’s – all things I love!

Now the rules of acceptance are as follows:

 

1.Thank and link the amazing person who nominated you – CHECK
2.List the rules and display the award – CHECK
3.Share seven facts about yourself
4.Nominate 15 other amazing blogs and comment on their posts to let them know they have been nominated.
5.Optional: Proudly display the award logo on your blog and follow the blogger who nominated you – CHECK

7 Facts About Me:

  1. I have two sons that will be attending college in the Fall #sendmoney

  2. Hubby and I will be celebrating 24 years of marriage next month

  3. Seafood and Mexican foods are my favorite

  4. I don’t get enough sleep or exercise

  5. I love shoes!

  6. I love old skool R&B just as much as well as Classical music

  7. I long to be a beach bum

 

My nominations: (in no particular order)

  1. Kirstin Womack

  2. Me and My Mini Me

  3. itssewanny

  4. Images by Dashfield

  5. Thank You Great Spirit

  6. High Latitude Style

  7. FreeUrCloset

  8. Livingmommywood

  9. SandpaperKisses

  10. Calm, Healthy Sexy

  11. Thrifting Diva

  12. MrsLookingGood

  13. The Lipstick Giraffe

  14. Crafty Sorcha

  15. Goodlooknout

 

I am thankful for all my bloggy friends, my family and of course my faith.  I hope you enjoy the rest of the week and

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!  

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

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Menopause Madness | Warm Weather Wardrobe

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natural, health

Hello ladies…sorry guys but I am just talking to the ladies today, we’ll chat later.

If you are a women of a “particular age” as Wendy Williams likes to phrase it, and you are premenopausal or in full menopause, you know how difficult it can sometimes be getting dressed when it’s hot.  I keep a fan in the bathroom because there have been days that I’ve overheated just putting on my makeup!  In May the weather was fluctuating but now that we are officially into the summer season choosing just the right outfit for work is getting a bit harder. fan blowing

Personally I like wearing sleeveless tanks and sheath dresses all year long and the panty hose and tights are gone as soon as the boots come off. Fortunately at work we can dress casually, however, it is still Corporate so there definitely will be no shorts, crop tops or flip flops.

These are just a few outfits that I’ve worn during the warm Spring weather, next week I will feature my sheath dresses for the summer sizzle.

 

Thrifted denim dress with Avon accessories

accessories from avon denim dress

demin dress

 

Thrifted blouse and skirt with flats from Marshalls 

blue monday ootd blue monday 025

 Thrifted dress and belt, shoes from Avon

warm weather dressing   warm weather dressing

 Maxi Shirts

Thrifted Maxi Sleeveless tank denim wedges from Rugged Wearhouse Maxi from Marshalls maxi skirt

 Like it loose and carefree

pattern mixing pattern mixing

Totally Thrifted

ootd 5 20 14 011 ootd in may

Weekend Wear

weekend wear weekend wear

 Let’s Chat: What are your warm weather wardrobe must-haves?  

BTW, I didn’t forget it was Thankful Thursday.  Despite the extra pounds and hot flashes, I am thankful to still be living a stress free and healthy life.  I am thankful that my son has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit and should be coming home tomorrow.  Of course I am always thankful for my family, friends and my faith.  Come on over to Katherine’s Corner and share some of your Thursday Favorite Things.

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

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Breaking Up Is Not Hard To Do | Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday.

Today I can say that I am thankfully blessed for being steadily employed in Corporate America since 1984, and even though I was laid off in 2005, I am now a contractor for that same company.  A job loss can be devastating in so many ways but today’s post is addressing the loss of a wardrobe style.

In the 80’s women were trying to get ahead in corporate America so the power suit became fashionable, and women dressed to impress in the workplace. The stand-out piece of the power suit was the jacket, often boxy and long, with big shoulder pads and worn with matching knee-length skirts.

In the 90’s, the power suit became a bit more relaxed and more colorful, the long boxy jackets got shorter and the shoulder pads smoothed down.  I remember hubby buying me expensive suits although he knew I had a thrifter’s taste, or as it likes to call me “cheap”…anywho, a lot of those suits have been donated.

With the change in Corporate attire to Corporate Casual I no longer buy or thrift power suits. However, I do have one that I kept solely because of the color, and because of the color I choose not to wear it together as a suit, I had to break them up.

breaking up a suit

 I broke them up and wore the jacket with a pencil skirt and polka dot top thrifted from Goodwill

skirt suit I broke them up and wore the skirt with a sleeveless tank thrifted from Goodwill

skirt suits

Earring and necklace set from Avon

purse

 

Color block purse was purchased at Spence’s Bazaar, a flea market in Dover

breaking up a suit

 Breaking up a suit is not hard to do and it actually gives you more wardrobe options.

What are your thoughts?

skirt suit

Color block flats are from CitiTrends

necklace from Goodwill

Necklace was new, thrifted from Goodwill

Today I am also thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith.  I am extremely thankful that this color has come back in style and the suit still fits!

Let's Chat What are you thankful for this week?

Have a great day and we’ll chat tomorrow.

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Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!


Accessorized with Avon | Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday  

This has been another blessed week, with our oldest being accepted into the CLSC Program at the University of Delaware and tonight our youngest is graduating from Appoqunimink High School!

Tayair's acceptance into CLSC Program

 

I don’t let grass grow under my feet either because in addition to working full time outside of the home I also sell Avon and have been since 2002.  Honestly, I don’t have a large customer base but enjoy selling products for a company that has been in business for over 125 years!

I use Anew products on my face and I love how Avon has changed their clothing selections to keep in line with the current trends.  Unfortunately, it eats into my profits but that’s okay because I love their accessories, the shoes, sneakers, scarves and especially the totes and purses.

Check out this comfy casual outfit that I wore at the end of April, it’s was totally thrifted from Goodwill but accessorized by Avon.

Color block scarf - Avon

Scarf – Avon | Polka Dot Top – Goodwill

Avon accessories

Polka Dot Sneakers – Avon | Skirt – Goodwill

Color Block Tote – Avon | Black Studded Pumps – The Salvation Army

Jacket – Goodwill | Ring and Bracelets – Rugged Wearhouse

If you want to see more great Avon accessories, click on the catalog below.  Look for graduation highlights after Memorial Day!

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

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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