Archive for October, 2012
From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money
“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.
OOTD – After The Storm
Hello friends and Happy Tuesday. I hope and pray that anyone who was affected by Hurricane Sandy are now home safe and sound resting comfortably. We didn’t suffer any damage due to the high winds or heavy rains and for that I say, Thank You Jesus!!! We did however, lose power for an hour so my sons and I huddled around the iPad to watch Chicago Fire. As soon as the power was restored they scattered back to their video games, oh well, at least we had a little time together!
Cold weather storms are definitely diet blowers and we ate far more than we should have, so this poncho is covering the results. We had an appointment this afternoon and it was nice to get out of the house, cabin fever is no joke.
I love fall clothes that you can just throw on in dreary weather especially when they cover the results of overeating!
Linking up with Frugal Living and More – hop on over and read a new blog today
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
C.O.R.E. Connect 1-Day Training Event
On Friday I attended the C.O.R.E. Connect 1-Day Training Event for Direct Sales Professionals sponsored by LaShawanda Moore, MBA, a Professional Business Coach. The training was held at the Christiana Hilton and the day began with a continental breakfast accompanied by networking, exchange of business cards and subtle excitement. There were 13 women in attendance mostly reps for lia sophia, but there was also representation from Miche Bags, Body By Vi, Tiffany Chath Event Planner and Pure Romance. We were all there with one goal in mind, elevating success in our Home Based Business and coach LaShawanda was there to train us.
Each table was arranged with a training booklet, a note pad and a monogrammed pen and tote bag. LaShawanda’s husband was the official photographer and we were asked to sign a photo release as pictures were taken throughout the day. We began with a relaxation exercise to center our heart and mind allowing us to be in full focus and receptive to the training.
The presentation covered many topics including Overcoming Fear, Benefits of Your Offering, Needs of Your Customers, What’s Your Purpose? and Love-marking your customers. It was very interactive with ample time allowed for questions, telling of antidotes, sharing of hints and tips as well as plenty of laughter, clapping and encouragement.
The afternoon session was dedicated to recruiting success, bookings, and selling. There was plenty of role playing, game ideas and overall fun including silly group photos. I must admit that as an Avon Rep I wasn’t sure if this training was for me, but it turned out to be a great investment, it put the fire back into my belly and reminded me of why I chose to have a home based business. I highly recommend this training because it “unlocks potential in women to elevate their success”.
OOTD – Traci Lynn Thursday
Hello friends and Happy Thursday, I hope you are having a productive and stress free day. This is the eve of yet another busy 3-day weekend but I’ll get to sleep in late on Sunday even though I should go to church! I am wearing a watch that I purchased Saturday at Del State’s Homecoming from a Traci Lynn Consultant and I love it!
#31dayremix on Instagram, trying to wear as many warm weather clothes before the hawk and snowflakes make their appearance.
Skirt – Goodwill// J. Crew tank – Goodwill// Color block flats – CitiTrends//Cardigan – Ross
If you are interested in becoming an Independent Jewelry Consultant for Traci Lynn, or want to order this watch or any other pieces please contact Tanya @ www.tracilynnjewelry.net/tanyaj
Linking today with imprintalish – hop on over and read some new blogs
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
OOTD – Shifting Gears
Hello friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday. I am still playing catch up after a busy yet fun filled 3 day-weekend. I was off on Friday so after my mammogram I went to the nail salon and then to Rugged Wearhouse for gear to wear to Sunday’s Breast Cancer Awareness walk. Saturday was Homecoming at my Alma Mater Delaware State University, the classes of the ’80’s were in full force, I saw people that I hadn’t seen since graduating in 1983. The icing on the cake was the beautiful weather for the entire weekend – God is truly good!
Shift Dress – Burlington Coat Factory// Jones New York Blazer – Goodwill// Pumps – Ross
The weather has shifted, so this sleeveless shift dress is covered with a blazer
Linking up with The Pleated Poppy – hop over and read a new blog today!
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
FREE Target Beauty Bag
Yesterday I received the 3rd and from what I’ve read, the final FREE Beauty Bag from Target. This one is definitely my favorite, a 6″x 5″, vinyl SOHO Beauty Bag in leopard print, perfect for the season and can easily be wiped clean. It wasn’t until later this morning that I realized it matched my OOTD perfectly so I had a co-worker take this picture.
Inside the beauty bag were the following sample size items:
- .03 fl oz PIXI Flawless Beauty Primer
- .25 fl oz Jergens Daily Moisture
- .03 fl oz Fekkai Glossing Shampoo and Conditioner
- .28 fl oz Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy Shampoo and Conditioner
- .34 fl oz L’Oreal Ever Creme Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Masque
Included was also a booklet of coupons with an expiration date 12/31/12
$1 OFF each of the following
- Clear Scalp and Hair Therapy
- Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup
- Head & Shoulders/Herbal Essence/Pantene or Aussie Hair Care Products
- Nivea or Nivea for Men Item
- Neutrogena Facial Skin Care Item
- Jergens Skin Care Item
- L’Oreal Hair Care Item
- Aveeno Skin or Hair Care Item
- Covergirl Outlast Lipstain
- Maybelline NY Face Cosmetic Item
- $2. OFF Olay Facial Skin Item
- $3 OFF Pixi Flawless Beauty Primer
Have a fantabulous Day – Smooches!
I HATE CANCER!
Five years ago, I rushed from Delaware to New York to be late and miss my cousin’s funeral and burial – it was done on purpose…I didn’t want to see her…I didn’t want to say, “goodbye”.
She didn’t fight long but she fought hard!
Damn It – I HATE CANCER
I MISS YOU CUZ – REST IN HEAVEN UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!
In memory of Debra, I participated in the annual Making Strides to end breast cancer, 3K walk in Wilmington, DE sponsored by the American Cancer Society. I was invited by a friend who is a big supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness and our group’s name was the “Crafty Walkers”. My heart and mind was full and I truly felt Debra’s presence as we walked on a gorgeous Sunday – thank you God. The sea of pink, of men and women; toddlers and teenagers; young and old; black and white; able and disabled all walking, strolling or running for the same cause was a beautiful thing.
Rest in heaven my beautiful Angel.
Linking up this month with BLMGirlsGoPink – hop on over and meet some great bloggers – read inspirational stories as well as breast health tips.
http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=167024&type=basic
Annual Mammogram
As wives, mothers and caregivers we often take care of other’s needs before taking care of our own. I missed my annual GYN appointment by 6 months, but I didn’t forget to make an orthodontist, dental and vision appointment for my sons. I received a letter to schedule my annual mammogram in May, but didn’t make the appointment until this month.
It’s hard to forget to schedule a mammogram in October because of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the pink reminders are everywhere. In my family there are 6 cousins and an aunt who had Breast Cancer and unfortunately, one cousin and the aunt succumbed to the disease – RIP Aunt Hazel and Debra! At my job there are several Breast Cancer survivors as well as a woman currently undergoing treatment after being in remission for 10 years. She like so many other brave women remains positive, and upbeat as well as looking good in their scarves and wigs.
My 11th mammogram was this morning, I started going to Papastavros Imaging in Glasgow at the age of 40. I do not like doctor’s appointments and get nervous but I manage the stress by talking. I talk constantly, stopping only to hold my breath for the x-ray, and because of this I can honestly say that I have never felt any pain.
After entering the dressing room, and given a top gown which I never know how to tie, waiting to be called in is nerve racking and waiting for the results is even worse. There are two types of regular screenings, a “CC”, which is a straight down view and the “MLO”, a side view. If you are called back for a follow up, a Spot Paddle is used and it targets a specific area on the breast. The Spot Paddle is more painful because it pinches that targeted area. A few years ago I was called back and immediately went into a panic mode. Amy, my technician explained that a call back does not mean cancer. It can be a vein, an artery, or dense tissue seen on the x-ray, a change in your breast due to your menstrual cycle or even the technician or the machine. So don’t panic and if you have a low tolerance of pain try talking through it, you’ll be surprised how quickly it goes and the sooner you can get to your deodorant.
Mother Nature's OOTD
I am so blessed to have eyes that can see…ears that can hear…nose that can smell….feet that can walk….
soooo blessed yessssss!