DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for the ‘Thankful Thursday’ Category

Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!!!

God is so good and he has truly been blessing me and my family and for that I am thankful!

I am THANKFUL for being featured on FabulousAfter40

Fabulous After 40 Feature

Bold, Ethnic Prints

Morocco and Africa, as well as all the spicy colors of lands far away are a big part of the global trend. Here’s style blogger Antoinette in a bold ethnic print shift dress that combines orange and red with purple for a look that’s pure energy.

Don’t miss Antoinette’s playful license plate. She’s one proud blogger! Be sure to stop by her site, De Divah Deals, to see Antoinette’s daily outfits and learn some of her secrets for scoring the best deals on fashion items.

Do you have a favorite outfit that makes you look and feel great? Are you a fashion blogger or do you have a favorite 40+ fashion blogger that you would like to see featured here? Feel free to share your photos with my Fabulous After 40 readers.

Please send in a good quality, full-length photo, your age, where you are from, and any details about your outfit to: myphoto@fabulousafter40.com. You’ll be featured on the Facebook page as well as in an upcoming What I Wore. I love hearing from you and cheering you on, Glam Gals!

 

I am THANKFUL that our son received an acceptance letter to Bowie State University!

Malik and his acceptance letter to Bowie

I am THANKFUL for being invited to participate in last night’s 1st Girls Night Out Event sponsored by The Money School of Delaware

Girls Night Out Sponsored by The Money School of DE

Can’t wait to post about it next week!

I am THANKFUL to be working on several product reviews which is keeping me uber busy.  It truly has been a week full of fun and activities for which I am THANKFUL.  I am also THANKFUL for you, my bloggy friends, for my family and of course my faith.

Certainly last but not least next Thursday Malik will be graduating from High School and wow, are we forever THANKFUL for that!

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

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png


Geneva’s Gratitude | Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!

 

On a Thankful Thursday two weeks ago I was invited to attend a Gratitude Celebration hosted by the fabulous photographer Geneva Fonda. The Evite came as a surprise as I had only met her once and for a short period of time when I covered the Women in Business Luncheon back in December.  She was one of the honorees so I asked to take her picture, we exchanged business cards and that was the last time I saw her.  The Evite sat in my inbox and there were several times that I was going to delete it, but changed my mind and RSVP’d, and I am glad that I did.

Gratitude Celebration

The Evite clearly stated that we weren’t expected to make a purchase but simply to come and enjoy ourselves in celebration of the 3 years of blessings for Geneva Fonda Photography.  I made my way into Wilmington after work and arrived at the Film Brothers Movie Co-Op where the event was being held.  

There were already several people in attendance, and the atmosphere was light and cheerful.  I was immediately greeted by Geneva and introduced to several other attendees.  There was a delicious hot and cold buffet provided by Sherms Catering, a beverage bar and smooth sounds being played courtesy of Geneva’s husband.

Week of April 21 14 037

Food provided by Sherms Catering

Networking, meeting and greeting with gratitude.

Networking, meeting and greeting with gratitude

Networking, meeting and greeting with gratitude

Geneva is truly a beautiful woman both inside and out whom I am thankful to have met!

Thankful Thursday

There were also several Giveaways including a full photography session as just another way of saying, “thank you for your support!

Winners of the Giveaways

Winners of the Giveaways

Week of April 21 14 057 Week of April 21 14 068 Week of April 21 14 079 Networking and Celebrating

Thank you Geneva, I am wishing you many more years of blessings and success!  

“Always a Gratitude Attitude”

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

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png


Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!

This week started off great, on Monday hubby received the best news since his cancer diagnosis and surgery – NO CHEMO!!!  I am thankful that he doesn’t have to go through that procedure although he will need to be monitored and tested every 3-4 months.  I am also thankful to all of you for your thoughts and prayers during this time!

I am thankful to have had another DIY article published in the Parade Magazine, the first one was the “Storm Survival Kit“.  If you haven’t had a chance to read it click here and I would appreciate it if you made a comment on their website as well.

Placemats to Purses

I am also thankful for winning a Giveaway sponsored by Me and My Mini Me, a JunoPower External Battery and this little guy is awesome!  A few weeks ago I attended an event after work and about an hour into the program the battery on my Samsung G4 mobile phone died!  

Don’t you feel disconnected from the rest of the world when that happens?  I wish I had had the JunoPower at the time because it would have charged my phone in less than an hour allowing me to post more pics on my Instagram page (aah the life of a blogger)!

Won Juno Power Battery

 

The Juno Power Battery has two USB ports so that it can charge two devices at the same time, and it can be either an Apple or Android product.

Juno had two USB ports Juno Power Battery

The best thing about the Juno Power is that it holds a charge so you don’t need to keep it plugged in when not in use, and if you forget to turn it off it will go into a sleep mode and power down.  It comes with a USB cord which you can plug into a charger/outlet for recharging and the LCD screen shows the percentage of battery life remaining.

HUE plus battery stays in my  purse

The Juno Power Hue Battery comes in an assortment of metallic colors, I chose pink (I wonder why), and it will stay in my purse away from my son Malik the electronics guru!

 

Thank you !

 

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

Thankful Thursday

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png

 


Thankful Thursday | Featured OWNer

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday

I am writing this post Saturday night a few days before hubby’s surgery, and deep in my heart I know that he will do well and all the cancer will be removed. #InJesusName and for that I will forever be THANKFUL.

(UPDATE – CANCEROUS TUMOR WAS REMOVED WEDNESDAY MORNING AND THERE IS NO SIGN THAT IT SPREAD!!!!!)

I am also thankful for being chosen as a Featured OWNer for the Oprah Winfrey Network, you can read the entire feature here and I would appreciate a comment as well.

I love most of the shows on the OWN Network and The Haves and Have Not is currently my favorite, I even wrote a post about it when it first debuted, remember this (click here).

 

own feature

This week as always, I  am thankful for my family, friends and faith.  I am also truly thankful for all of you and for your well wishes and prayers!  Being a blogger with followers and friends such as yourselves is truly something to be thankful for.  

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

DDD Signature with butterflies and frame


The Liebster Award | Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends, Happy Thankful Thursday AND

1st day of spring

Last month I was recognized by fellow blogger Me and My Mini Me and nominated for a Liebster Award.  This award is a way for other bloggers to say, “Hey, I like your blog” and for that I am thankful.

Bloggers Recognition

According to the rules of acceptance, I must link back to the blogger who nominated me, answer 11 questions, nominate 11 other bloggers and then ask them 11 different questions.  So without further adieu, here are the answers to my questions:

  1. What inspired your blog? Why do you blog? – After the death of my grandmother, I needed an outlet to showcase my shopping deals and neither Facebook nor Twitter seemed the appropriate venue.  I enjoy sharing and reading about other’s personal and positive lives.

  2. If you found a genie in a bottle and he could grant you three wishes, what would you wish for? – A clean bill of health for my husband, a wonderful life for my sons and all my debts to be paid in full.

  3. Favorite song. – Summer Breeze by the Isley Brothers

  4. Describe yourself in 5 words. – Positive, fun, hardworking, dedicated and friendly

  5. What would a “Me Day” look like for you? – Mani/Pedi, Super Spa and Dinner ocean side

  6. What’s your favorite show on TV? – Deion’s Family Playbook

  7. Favorite era and why? – 60’s, life is always good when you are a kid

  8. If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be? – Oprah Winfrey
  9. What’s your guilty pleasure? – Talenti Gelato – Caribbean Coconut

  10. What three things can’t you live without? – Family, Faith and Internet access

  11. What’s something no one knows about you? – Wouldn’t you like to know…

My nominees in no particular order are, and I hope you take a some time to check them out:

  1. My Kurves

  2. So What To Twenty!

  3. Whitney Nic James

  4. Pride in Photos

  5. Calm Healthy Sexy

  6. Mega Worth It

  7. Images by Dashfield

  8. Sandpaper Kisses

  9. Cindy Knoke

  10. Garay Treasures’s Blog

  11. Living in Mommywood

Now, these are my questions to each of you:

  1. If you could re-live one event in your life, what would it be and why?

  2. Cake or Cookies?

  3. Snow in the mountains or Sun on the beach?

  4. Your favorite movie?

  5. If you hit the lottery what would be your first purchase?

  6. Favorite quiet time activity?

  7. Favorite time of the day and why?

  8. What do you want your legacy to be?

  9. Flowers or Plants?

  10. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall?

  11. Dream retirement location?

You all are a special part of of my life, and for that I will always be thankful!

Thank you Me And My Mini Me for the nomination!

me and mini me

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

 


Thankful Thursday | Car Buying with AAA

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!

Thursday is the best day of the week because it gives me an opportunity to share one of my many blessings and to also read some of yours. I am not shy when it comes to talking about being blessed by the best, nor acknowledging that I know from where those blessings flow.

I do not discriminate and respect all cultures, beliefs, and religions.

thankful thursday 2

Last week as I was leaving work the TCS warning light illuminated on my dashboard, it was the 2nd time in less than 2 months.  I have had a 2005 Hyundai Sonata with over 187K miles and it’s timing belt should have been replaced at 120K miles.  I drive 100 miles per day, every day in all types of weather, and that car has gotten me safely to work in West Chester, PA every day since 2005 with no problems.

 

2005 Hyundai Sonata

2005 Hyundai Sonata

I drove the car directly to Middletown Car Care to be serviced and the next day anxiously waited for the diagnosis and repair cost.   Fortunately, the timing belt could wait but there was another more severe problem, the engine needed replacing – long story short, she wasn’t coming back home.  I must admit that the Sonata gave me more miles than expected and for that I will always be a loyal Hyundai car owner. Hyundai logo

Not anticipating the urgent need to purchase yet another vehicle on an already tight budget, I took to Twitter to ask AAA and AARP to assist me in finding car buying savings. In 2005 I used the AAA online car buying service to purchase the Sonata and once again they came through with an immediate response.  The link directed me to not only another Hyundai, but in the exact price range that we could afford and at a dealership I knew and trusted. #blessed

New Car Purchase at Carman

Less than 5 mins after completing the online contact form, I received a phone call from a friendly representative and made an appointment to see the vehicle that evening after work.  My husband and son met me at Carman Ford Lincoln in New Castle where we spoke to Doug Walton, the Sales Consultant,  and he along with the business manager, Bob made the purchase a pleasant and stress free experience.

After giving Doug the AAA Car Buying Certificate which contained the guaranteed, no hassle price, in less than 2 hours we were home with our new/used car with a payment that we could afford. #blessed

Thank you AAA and Carman Ford, it was by far the best car buying experience given the fact that we were totally unprepared to make this major purchase, no buyer’s remorse here!

Yes, I am sad that my car died, but feel truly blessed knowing that it could have been worse.  The Sonata could have died while I was on the road traveling to or from work, in a snow storm, at night or not even having the funds to replace it.

I am truly thankful and blessed by the best!

Hyundai 2005 Sonata

Bye Bye 2005 Sonata – thank you – you will be missed!

Hyundai 2010 Accent

Hello Accent – welcome to the family!

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

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

I’m a socializing this afternoon over at Katherine’s for her weekly

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

Be Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png


Thankful For Being Thrifty

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday

I recently read an article by my favorite financial advisor Michelle Singletary who is an author and Award Winning Nationally Syndicated Columnist for The Washington Post.  She wrote about the case of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and his wife, Maureen.  Seems like they got themselves into trouble for taking gifts and loans in exchange for political favors.  I know this isn’t anything new in politics but what I found to be interesting was the fact they, like so many others found themselves in dire financial straits, drowning in credit card debt trying to keep up appearances.

I am truly thankful for being thrifty and I always enjoy meeting others who are just as frugal if not more so.  Being a thriftinista isn’t just in vogue it’s what keeps most of us out of the financial fire pit called credit card debt.

It’s not that I don’t understand the McDonnell’s predicament because I too have lived beyond my means and paid dearly for it.  I’ll be the first to admit that my finances aren’t where they should be but I do know that if I want designer duds, I’ll find a consignment shop with a quickness.  I paid less for this gown than I did for a full tank of gas (sorry this is a old cell phone pic).

Purple Gown

Two of my favorite bloggers are Thrifters Anonymous and DC Goodwill Fashionista and you all know that I am a proud card-carrying Goodwill VIP!

Goodwill Fall Haul

Today in addition to being thankfully thrifty, I am thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith.  I am also thankful to be participating in today’s Social Media Workshop sponsored by The Money School of Delaware, I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

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

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdeals-signature


Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday

If you read my post yesterday you know that we were once again hit with a major snowstorm on Tuesday.  It took me over 5 1/2 hours to get home from work and I definitely didn’t want to be in the car anytime soon so I stayed home on Wednesday.  At 10:00 a.m. Governor Markell lifted the Level One State of Emergency but it was highly recommended to stay off the roads so that the snowplow operators could do their jobs with minimal interruption from cars.

So on this day, I am thankful for my family, friends and faith…for getting home safely…for having a warm home to live in…and for scrounging around to find these ingredients to make this easy peasy Crock Pot Meal!

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ingredients

  • 1 can of Kidney Beans
  • 1 can of Black Beans
  • 1 Package of Smoked Turkey Sausage
  • 1 Package Frozen Peppers and Onions
  • 1 Pack of McCormick Fajita Seasoning
  • 1/2 Cup of Water
  • Rice and Cornbread

Snow Day Slow Cook Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Spray Crock Pot with Cooking Spray for easier cleanup.  Cut Turkey Sausage into bite size pieces and add seasoning to a 1/2 cup of water.

Snow Day Slow Cook Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Put sausage into Crock Pot and pour in Fajita Seasoning mix.

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Add frozen veggies and both cans of beans, which can be drained and rinsed to remove some of the sodium.

Snow Day Slow Cook Day

 Stir, cover and cooked on high for 4 hours.

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Snow Day Slow Cooker dish was served with Jasmine Rice and skillet Cornbread.

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a perfect meal for my men after a few hours of shoveling and an all-day of television watching!  I measured the snow on the back deck so I’ll say that we unofficially got 11″ of snow….can’t wait for Spring to arrive!

Snow Day Slow Cooker Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Pool is not looking too inviting these days!

snow covered backyard pool

Snowy Street in Summit Farms (our neighborhood)

Snow Day 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are truly blessed, and I am thankful to have a warm home during this cold winter season.  I pray for those with less to be safe and removed from harm’s way.

Snow Day Slow Cook Day 024

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdeals-signature


Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday

This week there are several things for which I am thankful and of course it begins with my family, friends and faith.  I am also thankful that my youngest son is learning a few hard lessons while still at home.  Ever since we gave him a car he has tried to add options to jazz it up, some good…others not so much.  The latest was a set of rims that he received from a friend that I told him not to put on, did he listen? Nope.  Unfortunately, they were too large for his vehicle so he had to pay our mechanic to remove them! #hardhead

Early Monday morning, he slowly followed  me to Middletown Car Care to drop it off and then I had to drive him to school.  Needless to say, it was early morning and you know I am NOT a morning person!

Monday Morning at the Mechanic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skirt and Top | JCPenney // Shoes |The Shoe Dept // Necklace | TraciLynn Jewelry

I was not happy nor was he because he had to take my pictures!  Oh well, a small price to pay for the cost of having to have those dang tires taken off his car!  #teenagers

Monday at the Mechanic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am also thankful that my son understands that even though I nag him, I do it only because I have his best interests at heart.  Does your children appreciate your nagging, nope, but are you thankful for the nagging your parents did with you?

 

Monday at the Mechanic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

Stay Blessed – No Stress in the New Year!

dedivahdeals-signature


Wine 2 Water

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!

2014 is the year that I will be celebrating my 53rd birthday, and for that I am thankful.  I am also thankful for my family, my friends, my faith and my health. Thankful that I don’t have any major medical issues but I do have a few concerns which I will address this year.

Water does a body good My number one concern is the lack of drinking water…not the lack of having fresh tap or bottled water like in some countries, but the lack of me actually drinking it.

 

Why Your Body Needs Water I am smart enough to know that my body needs water, but am not smart enough to drink more than just one 16.9 oz bottle a day!

I’m dehydrated and have begun to get the sharp pains, it’s like my kidneys are kicking me in the back and saying, “hey stupid, put down that wine and drink more water!”

According to the For Dummies website, “You must have water in your diet. It is brimming with minerals and electrolytes, and you can’t live without it. Water is a solvent. It dissolves other substances and carries nutrients and other material (such as blood cells) around the body, making it possible for every organ to do its job.”   Bottled Water

The #1 reason I don’t drink more water is because I’ve always had an overactive bladder which doesn’t bode well with a long commute, I would however, make a good spokesperson for Depends.  In order to prevent me from having to stop at a restroom on the way home, I’ll only drink 1 bottle with lunch.

Once home I conveniently forget to drink more and instead will have a few glasses of Red Wine which may be good for the heart but it makes my kidneys quite jealous.

This year I have made the wise decision to drink more water and to make sure I won’t forget, I’ll put it in a wine glass and add a few lemon slices.  This should be a good motivator, what do you think?

Do you have any other suggestions that will help me drink more water?

Water is good for the body

How about you, do you drink the recommended daily amounts of water?

BTW – did you notice my new blog design?  I want to thank Katherine @ Katherine’s Corner who created it for me.  

Come over and meet her then join in today’s link up!

Thursday-Favorite-Things-blog-hop-co-hostesses-new

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in the New Year

dedivahdeals-signature2