DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘holidays’

10 Tips to Help You De-Stress During the Holidays

Get on your Mark, Get Ready, Get Set Go > this is the week that it all begins!

Thanksgiving preparations, Christmas shopping, then New Year’s Eve celebrations.  There may be a nip in the air here in the MidAtlantic Area, but there are also some heated emotions and high anxiety brewing the closer we get to the holidays. 

holiday stress

Before you begin to get yourself too stressed, check out these 10 Tips to help you de-stress during the holidays.  Leave a few of your own in the comments section as we can all benefit from having a happy and stress-free holiday season.

 

10 Tips to Help You De-Stress During the Holidays

 

HOT BATH

how to reduce stress during the holidays

 

Take a bath, add some Epsom salts to help ease aches and pains and to soothe your mind and body.  Try using a lavender scent salt which will provide a calming aroma.

 

SLEEP

Sleep is the most important stress reducer to keep us healthy and relaxed.  Don’t let your To-Do list cause you to lose sleep, stay in bed a bit later or go to bed a bit earlier then rise and shine rested and less stressed.

sleep recharges the body and soul

ENJOY THE MOMENT

Slow down and enjoy the little moments around you.  Enjoy and appreciate God’s Gifts; a sunrise, a sunset, trees blowing in the wind or snow flakes falling, slow down and enjoy the moment.

enjoy a beautiful sunset

SAY NO

Learn to say, “no” and don’t try to attend every meeting or event invite that pops into your email box or on your Facebook timeline.

3 signs saying no

DECLUTTER

Clear your mind by clearing the clutter from your closet, desk or dresser drawers.  Pull out a drawer and sit on the sofa or bed to remove and discard old papers, socks or items that you no longer use.  You will feel better the next time you open that drawer and are able to find exactly what you need without digging through the mess.

messy kitchen drawer

 

MEDITATION/DEEP BREATHING

Make and take some time alone to re-center yourself.  Sit in a quiet dark corner of your home or apartment or even on the floor of your walk-in closet to pray, mediate and breath deeply.

release stress with mediation

DANCE

Put on your favorite music then dance or jog in place or run around the house or up and down the steps.  Dance like no one is looking to boost your endorphins.

Fresh Prince of BelAir

LAUGH

Laughter is a great way to reduce stress hormone levels, leaving you recharged and refocused.  Turn on the television, your computer or Tablet and watch re-runs of old shows like “Everyone Loves Raymond”, “I Love Lucy” or “Everybody Hates Chris”

laughter is the best medicine

READING

Unplug and give your mind a rest from electronic and digital media then pick up a book or a magazine.  Curl up and relax with a good story or a “rag mag” that is for “entertainment purposes only” and enjoy the stress-free read.

reading in bed

SERVE UP FAMILY, FOOD AND FUN

Buffet and Potluck meals are more fun and social than traditional sit-down meals.  Ask family and friends to bring a dish and purchase pre-made items to cut down on your time in the kitchen.  Let everyone relax and eat as they please then tell some jokes, play games or just catnap the rest of the day away.

How do you reduce stress during the holidays?

 

Cut down on time and stress in the kitchen with a Jennie-O frozen, No Thaw Turkey.  It goes from freezer to oven to perfect on your table!

Disclosure: I am a member of the Jennie-O Switch Circle.  All opinions are my own.

  Switch to Turkey with Jennie-O

 


5 Ways To Relax Before The Holidays

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Hello friends, 

For some the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, yet for others it can be the most stressful time of the year.   The non-stop swirl of activities associated with getting together with family and friends; finding just the right gift for the In-laws or kids; and the dread of blowing the budget can unnerve the best of us.

So before the shopping, cooking, parties and festivities begin, take a little time to relax and rejuvenate, it’s not only good for the body, it’s also good for the soul.

You can create a mini spa at home with just a few items, here are a few of my favorite things that help me to relax and unwind, what are some of yours?

Lodge – Lighted Birch Candle Lighted Canvas Art – 12 x 12 – Ohio Wholesale

Lodge - Lighted Birch Candle Lighted Canvas Art - 12 x 12 - Ohio Wholesale
Sitting quietly in meditation or listening to soothing music, a
s Teddy Pendergrass would say, “turn out the lights and light a candle.”

 

HoMedics – Homedic therapist select Shiatsu Pillow with Heat SP-10H, Black

HoMedics - Homedic therapist select Shiatsu Pillow with Heat SP-10H, Black
A gentle neck and shoulder massage provides relief from the tension of being in the car during those long hours of commuting back and forth to work

 

Interactive Media – Sleep Easy – Guided Meditation, Yoga Nidra Relaxation and Breathing Exercise With Kanta Barrios

Interactive Media - Sleep Easy - Guided Meditation, Yoga Nidra Relaxation and Breathing Exercise With Kanta Barrios
Listening to a meditation tape aids in falling and staying asleep naturally.  

As you know, the lack of a good night’s sleep is a major stressor that can cause mishaps not only on the road but also in the home and at work

Interactive Media – Sleep Easy – Guided Meditation, Yoga Nidra Relaxation and Breathing Exercise With Kanta Barrios – $14.99, 3.98 shipping – Available at Amazon.com

 

Reckitt Benckiser – AIR WICK FRESHMATIC COMPACT i motion Automatic Spray Refill: Relaxation Lavender & Chamomile

Reckitt Benckiser - AIR WICK FRESHMATIC COMPACT i motion Automatic Spray Refill: Relaxation Lavender & Chamomile
This calming compact air freshener is great to keep on the night stand.   

Lavender has long been a scent of relaxation

Reckitt Benckiser – AIR WICK FRESHMATIC COMPACT i motion Automatic Spray Refill: Relaxation Lavender & Chamomile – $17.99, 5.09 shipping – Available at Amazon.com Marketplace

 

Yogi Tea – Kava Stress Relief Tea 16 Teabags

Yogi Tea - Kava Stress Relief Tea 16 Teabags
Curling up on the sofa with a cup of hot tea sometimes is all that I need to relieve the stress of the day!

Yogi Tea – Kava Stress Relief Tea 16 Teabags – $4.46, 6.37 shipping – Available at iHerb

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.


Win A 4-Pack of Purex’s Crystals | #spon

Hello Friends, I hope you are having a Sensational Saturday!

With Malik headed off to college in the Fall, it’s not too early to start thinking about some of the things that he’ll need, with laundry supplies top of the list.  

You may not be thinking about college shopping but instead Spring cleaning for the holiday, so why not enter for a chance to win a 4-Pack of Purex Crystals.

Enter this Pin It to Win It Giveaway by clicking the picture below, then come back to tell me your favorite Spring scent.  

Good Luck and have a wonderful weekend!

Enter to Win Purex Crystals


Are you Serious ~ The Holidays Are Over Already?

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday

Can you believe that it was just a week ago today when we were preparing for New Year’s festivities and the week before that Christmas – are you serious – the holidays are over already?

Holidays 2013

As I sit writing this post the snow is falling with a vengeance for what is to be the first major snow storm of 2014, and it’s name is Hercules.

I changed the calendar, #2 son and hubby returned to school, I returned to work but it seemed too soon – the holidays are over!  No more shopping, wrapping or singing Christmas Carols.  I already miss the TV specials, Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s A Wonderful Life and the Twilight Zone Marathon…are you serious the holidays are over already?

Purse | Avon ~ Animal Print Booties | Deb Shops

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Ring | Avon

OOTD 1 2 14 054 Slacks | Boscov’s ~ Top | Goodwill ~ Suit Jacket | Value City

 What will you miss most about the holidays?  

Are you styling and profiling today?  If so, come show it off at Style Sessions Fashion Link Up.

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Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in the New Year!

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Avon Passion Eau de Parfum Giveaway

Hello Friends and Happy

thankful thursday 2

This week I am thankful for:

having a conversation with my son that really opened and brought tears to my eyes – blessed

my #2 son applied for a job for the new Westown Movie Theatre coming soon (say a prayer)

girlfriend’s support at the “Dressing for Less” class

invitation to be a stylist for the 2014 Goodwill Fashion Show

my family, friends and of course my faith

AND

as a way to “Thank You” for being my Bloggy friend I am hosting a giveaway for a bottle of Avon’s Passion Eau de Parfum.

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The allure of Power… Avon Passion
Express your inner passion with this bold statement of sparkling starfruit, sensual jasmine and alluring vanilla bourbon. This opulent fragrance contains Jasmine Sambac Absolute, a very precious ingredient that gives an intense feeling of femininity while creating a rich, long-lasting trail.

1.7 fl ounce ~ $36.00 value

Rafflecopter Giveaway is just in time for the gift-giving season so please spread the word.

Ends on the most Thankful Day of the Year

11/28/13 at midnight

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Liberty Creek Wines Supports Operation Gratitude

Liberty Creek is one of my favorite wines so I am honored to work with them in sharing this information with you!

Liberty Creek® Vineyards Supports Operation Gratitude in Holiday Drive to Bring Music to Troops Overseas

tunes for troops


Liberty Creek Vineyards is teaming up with Operation Gratitude to provide holiday cheer through the power of music to US military members serving overseas. Compilation CDs featuring holiday classics sung by top country crooners will serve to lift spirits, boost morale and provide comfort to service members far from home during the holiday season as part of the “Tunes for Troops” program. A Liberty Creek donation will enable Operation Gratitude to include the CDs in the care packages they send to troops around the world, for whom “home for the holidays” is not an option. Liberty Creek’s holiday drive began October 1st and will run through the end of the year.

Consumers can contribute to the holiday drive by visiting LibertyCreekWine.com and entering the unique code found on specially tagged bottles of Liberty Creek Wine. In exchange for the support, Liberty Creek will donate $1.00 per code to Operation Gratitude, up to $10,000. Operation Gratitude will use this donation to provide the specially created holiday music compilation CDs.

“At Liberty Creek Vineyards, we view the holiday season as a time to cherish what we have and give back to those who are in need of a boost during this time,” says Michael Shastid, Brand Marketing Specialist, Liberty Creek Vineyards. “We are honored to be joining Operation Gratitude in giving back to the US troops who give so much of themselves for us every day.”

Operation Gratitude sends care packages and letters personally addressed to U.S. Service Members and wounded warriors, and believes music makes the packages even more meaningful.

tunes for troops 2
“’Tunes for Troops’ is such an important part of our efforts, as music has the power to soothe, comfort and lift spirits among our troops, especially during the most difficult times to be away from loved ones,” says Carolyn Blashek, Founder of Operation Gratitude. “Liberty Creek’s continued support facilitates our ability to support US military members and to show our appreciation for the sacrifices they make.”
For more information about Liberty Creek Wine and their program to support Operation Gratitude, please visit www.LibertyCreekWine.com.

Liberty Creek offers nine great-tasting and affordable wines in a vibrant fruit-flavored portfolio:  Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, White Zinfandel, Sweet Red, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir and New Moscato and Pink Moscato.  It’s an affordable option to keep in mind when stocking up for holiday parties and hostess gifts, with an added bonus of supporting “Tunes for Troops”.

 

liberty creek wines


America Goes Red Challenge!

If you have plans to participate in any of the  “America Goes Red Challenges”, check out Dollar Tree for decorations.  Obviously they are stocked for Valentine’s Day but I will be using the heart garland for my cubicle wall and use as a back drop for a few pictures.  I do hope you will be joining me in the “Pin Red for Women” Campaign.

red1 red2 red3

Heading out to find a pair of red shoes and will be back this afternoon with today’s outfit of the day – Smooches!


Clearance Shoe Haul from Target

I have a LOVE-HATE relationship with Tar’jay – I love their clothing and shoes and of course their awesome clearance sales but I hate that I can’t resist leaving without making a major purchase.  I drive past Target on Route 202 everyday and have been patiently waiting for their Cap Toe shoes to go on sale.  They were the “must haves” for the holidays with many bloggers Instagraming pictures, but I refused to pay full price.  I wanted a pair in red so last night I finally decided to stop…OMG!!!

Shoe Haul Image Image

Unfortunately, I was unable to find a pair of red, Cap Toes in my size but I did get these jewel-toned, embellished and zebra print loafers for $7.48 pair!

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I checked the accessories and found a tote in Cognac which is a very neutral color that works well with most outfits.

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I also purchased two pencil skirts and 2 tops but if you are looking for colored skinny jeans they have a large assortment of colors and patterns most  priced below $20.00.

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Don’t forget to bring in your own reusable bag for an additional 5 cents off per bag. Check your local Target for more amazing clearance deals – Happy Shopping!

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