DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for April, 2014

You Choose The Shoes| Week 3

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!

The winner of last week’s “You Choose the Shoes” was the

Fioni Pumps from Kmart!

 

I don’t know about you, but I am having such a blast with this new feature, “You Choose The Shoes“.  It’s like having a bunch of friends hang out in my closet helping to chose just the right shoes for an outfit – thank you all!

This week’s choices are either Coconut wedges from Marshall’s or Nine West wedges thrifted from Goodwill.

You Choose the Shoes Week 3 007

You Choose the Shoes!

Coconut or Nine West wedges

 

The outfit is a thrifted top from GW Boutique and a cream color ShapeFX skirt from Spiegel Outlet

Nine West thrifted from Goodwill

I think these Nine West shoes are a perfect match in their color and patent leather material for this top.  What do you think?

Necklace and Earrings from Majestical Jewelry

Necklace and Earrings are from the product review that I did for Majestical Jewelry (click here).

Cutout wedges purchased several seasons ago

 

These cutout wedges were purchased several seasons ago from Marshall’s and were quite popular.  I remember seeing them posted by several fashion bloggers.

Are you ready to choose the shoes?

Are you ready to choose the shoes?

Which pair did you choose?

Which pair did you choose?  Personally, I would prefer neither because the feeling of fresh cut grass between my toes feels much better!

You Choose the Shoes Week 3

 

 Linking up with some other FABULOUS THRIFTINISTAS – Whitney Nic James, ColorBlind and DC Goodwill Fashionista!

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png

 

 

 


Placemats to Purses | Published by Parade

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday

I had a different post scheduled for today but decided to showcase my second DIY article which was published by Parade Magazine on Monday. Thanks to their partnership with Sverve, bloggers have an opportunity to submit original content articles to be considered for publication at Parade.com.  There is no monetary compensation but the recognition and sense of accomplishment definitely makes it all well worth it.

If you have not yet signed up with Sverve, click here to do so, and after completing your profile, I would appreciate if you would follow and endorse me.  To learn more about the this sponsored opportunity as well as others including those for Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest click on the CAMPAIGN tab at the top of the page.

New companies and sponsors are continually partnering with Sverve which makes it an excellent platform for us to work with. It allows the blogger to choose the campaigns that best fits their niche and/or works well for their targeted audience.

  Placemats to Purses

Some of you may know that before I started blogging DeDivahDeals, there was “DelaDivahDesigns” where I created and sold Clutch Purses using placemats.  I have since stopped but I wanted to share the DIY with others.  To read the entire article with instructions click here

I would also appreciate it if you would sign in and leave a comment on the Parade.com website letting me know if these Placemat Purses would be something that you would be interested in making and or selling.  

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png


Patricia Dean-Escoto | Guest Post

Hello Friends and Happy Monday!

Today, I have the privilege of presenting to you a guest post written by Patricia Dean-Escoto.  In April, Patricia began a book blog tour to introduce the creation of the “My Breast Cancer Advocate”  app.  

She is also the author of The Top Ten Super Foods for Preventing Breast Cancer and has given us one of her favorite recipes to make a tasty and nutritious, green smoothie using coconut and kale!

Patricia-Dean-Escoto

Patricia-Dean-Escoto

Patricia Dean-Escoto is a certified nutrition consultant and breast cancer survivor.  She holds a master’s degree in education and has more than 20 years of experience working in both the field of education and healthcare.  In 2006, after being diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, Patricia returned to school to study nutrition and completed studies at Bauman College for her certification as a nutrition consultant.    

Recently, she hosted a year-long radio show called Pathways to Healing on the Voice America network where she interviewed experts in the field of health and wellness.  Patricia is author of The Top Ten Superfoods for Preventing Breast Cancer‘ and creator of the My Breast Cancer Advocate app which is designed to assist those who are newly diagnosed with or recovering from breast cancer. Her company, Pathways2healing, works exclusively with cancer patients in the area of nutrition and exercise.  She lectures both locally and nationally on the topic of nutrition and cancer prevention.  

The My Breast Cancer Advocate app can be downloaded using these links: 

Patricia-Dean-Escoto-Blog-Tour-Banner-404

To learn more about Patricia and her work, please feel free to contact her at via these Social Media Networks:

 

Making the Case for the Coconut

 

coconut

We have been conditioned to believe that all saturated fats raise our cholesterol. Besides butter, no other saturated fat has been more vilified than the coconut.  For decades, we were discouraged from eating it and told, that it not only contained bad fats, but that, it would make us fat.  All of this was done to promote the sale of the actual villain in our diet – margarine.

However, nothing can be further from the truth. Coconuts, in all of their forms, are one of the most beneficial, microbial and anti-fungal foods we can eat. In addition, several studies have shown that coconuts not only raise good cholesterol (HDL), but they also are instrumental in lowering glucose levels associated with diabetes.

Coconut Oil and your Heart

A study published in the Philippine Journal of Internal Medicine demonstrated that populations such as those found in Polynesia or Sri-Lanka, who consumed coconuts on a regular basis, do not have higher serum cholesterol levels nor do they have a higher incidence of heart disease. This is most likely due to the fact that the saturated fat in coconut oil is completely different from most saturated fats found in foods like animal products.  Most fats in our diet today are made up of long-chained fatty acids, which are stored in the body as fat and in the arteries in lipid forms such as cholesterol.

Unlike these types of saturated fats, coconut oil contains a unique form of fat that is composed of medium-chained triglycerides (MCT).   Due to their chemical structure, MCTs, which are smaller, actually pass through cell membranes easily and therefore are easily digested, without using extra enzymes in the process.  As a result, MCTs are sent directly to the liver, where they are immediately converted to energy instead of being stored as fat in our blood cells.

Coconut Oil and Diabetes

A study conducted at the Sydney Garver Institute of Medical Research discovered that a diet rich in coconut oil protects against insulin resistance.  Additionally, this type of diet avoids accumulation of body fat that is associated with other high-fat diets. Both of these factors are important because obesity and insulin resistance are major factors leading to the development of type2 diabetes. Furthermore, coconut oil is one of the only oils (walnut oil is the other) that retain its molecular structure when heated at high temperatures. All other oils, including olive oil, will break down, thereby releasing toxic chemicals into our foods as they are heated.

Additional Benefits

In addition to promoting heart health, coconut oil has been studied for its beneficial aid in weight loss.  It is thought that the benefits are derived, again, from its composition of MCT.  Because coconut’s medium-chain fats are easily absorbed and used as energy, it actually increases the body’s metabolic rate inducting weight loss.  One such study found that while the consumption of long-chain fatty acid metabolic conversion contributed to a weight loss of 66 calories in participants, MCT consumption translates to 120 calories burned!

Coconuts can be consumed in many forms.  One thing I like to do is to add a handful of coconuts to my morning or after workout shakes.  Additionally, instead of using milk in these shakes, I either use unsweetened coconut milk or coconut water.  You can also use coconut flour as a substitute for baking.  It adds a wonderfully nutty flavor to muffins and biscuits.

Here is my favorite morning smoothie using coconut water.  Enjoy!

green smoothie

Tropical Kale Smoothie:

Serves 2. 274 calories

Baby kale (2-cups),

Pineapple (1-cup fresh),

Orange (1-whole),

Mango (1-cup fresh),

Chia seeds (2-T),),

Unsweetened coconut water (1-cup),

Crushed ice (1-cup).

Add all ingredients in a blender in the order listed.  Blend these and gradually increase the speed to high then continue blending for 30 seconds.

 

 


TAG I’M IT | Get to Know Me!

Hello Friends and Happy Sunday!

I've Been Tagged

Thank you Louida, it was a fun way to learn a bit more about you and to share a bit more about myself.  

Cindy, Dawn, Pam and Sarah, whenever you get a chance to respond that is fine, as there is no need to rush!

Please click on the name of each lovely lady to read their blog!

Have a wonderfully blessed Sunday!

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png



Weekend Wind-Down Party | Bloggers Networking

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!

I trust you all had a wonderful week and are now gearing up for a fun filled or relaxing weekend. It was definitely a busy week for me and the fam, Malik was on Spring break so he was able to shovel 2 yards of mulch into the backyard, needless to say, he wasn’t happy but it needed to be done. Saturday, I cleaned out the garage and replaced part of the gate around the pool injuring my arm in the process – hubby couldn’t help which made the job a bit more difficult but at least it’s done! Homeowners always remember, “you never own a house, the house owns you!”

Resurrection Sunday after Sunrise Service I came home and took a nap. Later in the day I did a little yard work only to get my first dose of poison oak clearing out the garden, don’t ask me how because it always seems to find me.  I read a blog post that stated banana peels are good to stop the itch so I tried it, it worked but only temporary, so if you have a better remedy please share.

If you follow me on Instagram you know that Easter dinner was wonderful, Turkey Ham with pineapples, collard greens, sweet potatoes and a No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake for dessert – yum!

Turkey Ham with Pineapples No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

 

Welcome back to the Weekend Wind-Down Party, I don’t know about you but I am having a great time – so many great posts – thank you!

WWDPARTY BUTTON

 

Congratulations to this week’s Featured Bloggers

white-food-sugar-cubes

Gluten Free Yummy

 

Tea Time

Natasha in Oz

 

Winning and Wearing My Ariat Boots

Mrs Looking Good

 

 

Christ-Centered Easter Egg Hunt

LouLou Girls

 

HOW TO MAKE A PRETTY PAPER FLOWER CENTERPIECE

The Casual Craftlete

Redo It Yourself Inspirations

Redo It Yourself Inspirations

Please feel free to copy and paste this badge onto your blog and check our Pinterest Page as you are also featured there.

I WAS FEATURED #WWDPARTY

The rules have remained the same, please visit at least 3 other blogs and follow your hosts on at least one Social Media Network.

WWDParty Rules

Weekend Wind-Down Hosts

This Simple Home

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+

De Divah Deals

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+/LinkedIn/

Instagram

Snippets of Inspiration

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+

A Living Sacrifice

Blog/Facebook/Pinterest/Etsy/LinkedIn

Mustard Seed Mommy

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+/Instagram

Moms Who Save

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+/Instagram

 

 

Have fun and have a wonderful weekend!



Taco Salad | Friday Foodie Feature

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!

Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is dedicated to  

MY BEST FRIEND FOR LIFE, KAREN!

HAPPY 53RD BIRTHDAY KAREN!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN!

In the late 80’s, my hubby who at the time was my fiance and I went to Fort Lee, NJ, to visit her at her mother’s house.  She had just flown in from Cali with her first born son, RJ and for lunch she made a Taco Salad.  Neither one of us had ever had it and it was also the first time I had ever eaten an avocado.  I fell in love with the recipe and over the years, have made it during the warmer months.  Last week when I chose to make it for this week’s feature I didn’t realize that it would be on her Birthday!  Further proof that we were meant to be friends for life!

Taco Salad with Black Beans

 

This is such an easy-to-prepare salad and my men simply loves it, Malik was having a fit because he had to wait until I took the pictures!

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Ground Turkey – fully cooked

  • 1 package Taco Seasoning

  • 1 Can of Black Beans

  • Iceberg Lettuce – shredded

  • 1/2 Avocado – diced

  • 1 Package of Cherry Tomatoes – halved

  • 1 Cup of Mexican Blend Shredded Cheese

  • Catalina Dressing

  • Tortilla Chips

  • OPTIONS: Cilantro, Black Pepper, Hot Sauce, Sour Cream

Ingredients for Taco Salad

Thoroughly cook the Ground Turkey then add Taco Seasoning and 1/3 cup of water – preparing according to package directions.

Wash veggies, cut tomatoes in half, shred the lettuce and dice the avocado.  Drain and rinse can of black beans.

Wash all veggies and rinse and drain black beans

 

Put lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and black beans into a bowl and top with taco seasoned ground turkey.

Add veggies and black beans into a bowl

Add taco seasoned ground beef to bowl

Pour in just enough Catalina dressing to lightly coat then mix.

Serve with Tortilla Chips and top with options - sour cream and hotsauce

Serve with Tortilla Chips and top with options, sour cream and Hot Sauce.

Thank you Karen for introducing me to this salad and thank you for being my friend!

Best Friends for Life

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png

Don’t forget to come back at 6:00 p.m. for the #WWDParty!

 

 


No Sag Search | Unbelievabra.com

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post for unbelievabra.com for which I will receive compensation, all opinions are 100% my own.

You think that at my age I would have been able to find the perfect bra, after all I’ve been wearing one for over 40 years. I remember my first lacy training bra, it itched to no end, but I was happy because I was wearing a bra. After training the tata’s I moved on to the real deal, a big girl’s bra, with hooks and no itchy lace. Despite that I’ve never been able to find one that fits in all areas…the front, the back, and the sides. I want one that doesn’t pinch or poke, one that has straps that won’t slide down my arm, oh, and it has to look sexy and be easy to wash.

Am I asking for too much?

Just the other day, I looked in the mirror and could have sworn that I was looking at my grandmother! The bra I had on didn’t have any support, the fabric was frayed and I was sagging – remind you of anyone?

Maxine bra shopping

You know thrifty me, I’ve gone the cheap route when purchasing bras, but I’ve also gone the expensive route getting fitted and everything but after awhile they don’t fit right. I am now on a mission to find the perfect bra before my 53rd birthday, and I’m starting online at unbelievabra.com

I checked out the website and have chosen the Silkee Short Minimizer because it’s advertised as having a smooth design, so there will be no unsightly lines, makes you look slimmer – a definite plus AND straps that will never fall down – ding…ding…ding, ladies

Silkee Short Minimizer I think we have a winner!

What about you, do you have the perfect fitting bra?

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png

 


You Choose The Shoes | Week 2

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day!

The winner of last week’s “You Choose the Shoe” was the

Polka Dot Pumps from DSW!  

 

You Choose the Shoe

Now it’s week 2 so it’s time for you to choose this week’s shoe, and no, I haven’t gotten a pedicure yet so don’t look too hard!

Fioni Blue from Kmart

Will it be the blue Fioni Pumps from Kmart

or

Grey pump from Ross

Grey Pump from Ross Dress for Less?

You Choose the Shoe!

Both the top and skirt has been in my closet for such a long time that I can’t remember where purchased. I think the bracelet set was purchased either at Rugged Wearhouse or Burlington Coat Factory.

You choose the shoes week 2 020

Have you decided yet?

Look Down at the Shoes

Look down at the shoes…

Now look up at the outfit

…Now look up at the outfit

Which one did you choose

Okay, Which Shoes Did You Choose?

The winner will be revealed next week!

I’ll be linking up with Whitney Nic James, so come on over when you get a chance.  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png


Not Officially Named Hog Heaven Thrift Shop

Who doesn’t love a good Vintage Thrift Shop?
Everytime I see a sign for one, I immediately think of Macklemore and this song.
You all know that I am a self proclaimed Goodwill frugal fashionista and I also enjoy visiting Consignment Shops however, this was my first time at a locally owned thrift shop.  “Not officially named, Hog Heaven“, recently opened and it’s less than a mile from my job but with all the bad winter weather, I never ventured out at lunch to check it out.
That changed 2 weeks ago and I am glad that I finally ventured out.  This Thrift Shop is two floors of Estate Goods at Yard Sale prices, and it just might turn into a bi-weekly outing because they get “new” stuff in all the time.
  Thrift Shop

Not offically named Hog Heaven” which by the way is what they call it because they haven’t officially named it, is located on 510 Lancaster Avenue, Frazer PA and is open Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10-6.  The thrift shop is so new that I had to add it to my Foursquare check in.

Upon entering this cash only shop I was immediately transported back to my “Cousin Bessie’s” house in Port Chester, NY.  It’s like walking into your grandma’s or auntie’s living room and parlor.  You remember the rooms that you were not allowed to enter because of all the glass knick knacks.

As a small child you couldn’t help but be amazed as your senses were overwhelmed by the colorful candy dishes, pictures, pottery, dolls, cups with saucers and an array of bric-a’-brac displayed throughout the room

 

Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop This shop is truly a thrifter’s paradise and as we “oohed and aahed” looking at the little trinkets on display I couldn’t keep from laughing with the thought that I too have several similar pieces at home, just not enough to open my own thrift shop. (hubby might disagree).

The living room and parlor contained so many vintage items that it brought back fond memories of my childhood growing up, there was even a scrubbing board.  The lovely shopkeeper, Donna was such a pleasant person and she introduced us to Ms. Lilly Langtry, a transplant from Jersey!

Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop
 
I only purchased a few few mason jars for an upcoming DIY, but I’ll definitely be back in search of patio decorations as well as to simply enjoy a few moments of nostalgia.
Mason Jars for a DIY
Do you enjoy thrift shops, if so, what do you look for?
Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop Hog Heaven Vintage Shop
Hog Heaven Vintage Shop
Hog Heaven Vintage Shop
What were you favorite vintage pieces?