DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for July, 2014

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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You Choose The Shoes | Week 15

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

Welcome to Week 15 of You Choose The Shoes, I am glad that so many of you look forward to this weekly feature just as much as I enjoy posting it.

Last week’s contenders were fun and the votes for each were coming in fast and furious but I think the red belt helped to push the winner over the top.

WINNER OF WEEK 14

 

Now, this week’s contenders are a pair of newbies versus a pair of veterans.  The newbies have been in my closet for years yet never saw the light of day and the vets are a pair that have been around and are definitely well worn.

You Choose the Shoes

Believe it or not, the newbies are the denim cut-outs with studs…I know right!  Nope I’ve never worn them nor do I remember where I purchased them from, all I do know is that I was never going to get rid of them.

The wooden wedges are a summer favorite and I believe were purchased at either Ross or Rugged Wearhouse.

You Choose the Shoes

The denim dress was thrifted from Goodwill, bracelet and ring from Old Navy on clearance for $1.99 each!  I got 6 different color bracelets and 3 rings, you know I couldn’t pass up that deal.

You Choose the Shoes

The chain necklace and earring set was purchased at the Rainbow Shops.

Now back to the shoes, which pair goes better with this denim maxi dress?


You Choose the Shoes You Choose the Shoes

Have you made a decision yet?  Do you think denim on denim is too much?  Let’s take another look at them with the dress and see.

You Choose the Shoes

You Choose the Shoes

What do you think?

You Choose the Shoes

 Wood Wedge Sandals

OR

review weekend 095

Denim cut-out heels – YOU CHOOSE NOW

(gotta love my expression!)

While you make a decision and leave a comment I’m going to run over to see Living in Mommywood and Whitney Nic James, then I’ll be back to respond.  See ya later!

BTW, we are going to pick up Malik from Bowie this evening – I can’t wait!!!

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Are You Ready For Fall Fashions? | Covered Perfectly Review & Giveaway #spon

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

Are you ready for the latest fall fashions?  If you are anything like me you have more than enough clothes in your closet so the last thing you need to do is spend money on seasonal fads.

I mean let’s be real, I love to shop but there are just certain styles that are timeless, ones that will never go out of style no matter what the latest is in a given season.

Houndstooth Classic Fall Fashion

For me, it’s anything with a black and white combination or anything with a Houndstooth print, so with this top I have the best of both worlds. When given the opportunity to choose two items to review from Covered Perfectly, after the Cascading Vest this was definitely my second choice.

Not only do I love the classic Houndstooth print but the top with it’s 3/4 sleeves fits my body perfectly, is true to size and washes well. The Simple Comfort Patterned top also comes in two other animal prints in sizes small to extra large.

Houndstooth Classic Fall Fashion For this outfit, I chose to wear it with a simple black pencil skirt, but I can also wear it with a pair of jeans on the weekend or with my red skirt later on in the year.

Classic Fall Fashion

Don’t forget the Covered Perfectly Rafflecopter Giveaway is open until August 2nd, so if you haven’t yet entered for a chance to win a $50 Gift Certificate, click here to do so.  You can also take advantage of getting a 20% discount on your total order when you use the code “DD20”.

Houndstooth Classic Fall Fashion

So what fall fashion trend are you most looking forward to, or are you sticking with the classics?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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This is a sponsored post, for more information please read my Disclosure Statement located in the top tab.

 


Moody Blue Monday | OOTD

Shop for Natural, Colorful Dresses at Shecloth

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

Yesterday hubby and I dropped Malik off at Bowie State University for a 3-day Freshmen Orientation, needless to say, I am now feeling a little blue.  #seperationanxiety

Moms with little ones, please be patient and enjoy these crazy toddler times because soon and very soon, they too will be leaving the nest all too soon.

A few weeks ago hubby and I were supposed to attend a wedding, however, at the last minute I decided not to go…another moody blue day but this is what I was going to wear.

Moody Blue Monday

This was a thrifted (new) Phillip Lim for Target dress from Goodwill.

Moody Blue Monday

 

These gorgeous sandals were purchased from Payless and went perfectly with the dress, I would have looked ‘fly’ right?

Moody Blue Monday

 

This beaded evening purse has been in my closet since forever, as a matter of fact I took it to my High School prom!!

Class of '79

 

Finding this button in the purse reminding me that I started college in 1979 brought on more tears.  Wow, my youngest is starting college in 2014, and me it was 35 years ago – my how time flies!

Moody Blue Monday

Moody Blue Monday

Okay, I am going to stop being depressed that my “baby bird” has left the nest, instead I will be glad and thankful to know that he is growing into manhood and pray that God watches over him.

Moody Blue Monday

Hanging out today at Whitney Nic James Personal Style Linkup.

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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IMAGE: Set of 3 Studs Earrings for $7.95 & FREE SHIPPING with the Code SUMMERSTUD


Colon Cleanse with Cilantro

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

Today, I am not featuring a recipe for food, instead an easy and inexpensive recipe to cleanse our kidneys.

The kidneys filters the blood by removing salt, poison and any unwanted toxins that have entered our body.  However, over time, the salt and toxins build up and we need a colon cleansing treatment.

colon cleanse with cilantro boil cilantro for 10 mins

  1. Cut a bunch of cilantro into smaller pieces.

  2. Boil the cilantro in a pot of water for 10 minutes.

  3. Let it cool down and then sieve/strain and discard the cilantro.

  4. Pour the filtered water into bottles or any container and keep in fridge.

  5. Drink one glass of this water daily and you will notice the changes to your urine.  Parsley may also be used.

cleanse with cilantro

 

Check back next week for this Duncan Hines cupcake feature!

review weekend 202

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Weekend Wind-Down Party #27

Hello friends and welcome to the Weekend Wind-Down Party, I hope you all had a wonderful week!

WWDPARTY BUTTON

 

Can you believe that this is the last weekend in July, where in the world is the summer going?  Sunday we are taking our youngest to Bowie State University where he will spend 3 days for Freshman Orientation and placement testing.  I vow to stay strong and not cry, as I am storing up my tears for August!

Well let’s get this party started with Congratulations to this week’s Featured Bloggers!  Please feel free to copy and paste this button onto your blog and check our Pinterest page as you are also featured there.

I WAS FEATURED #WWDPARTY

congratulations

love pasta toolbelt

love pasta toolbelt

The Inspired Wren

The Inspired Wren

Living the Gourmet

Living the Gourmet

It's Always Ruetten

Please don’t link and run, stick around to read a few other blog posts including those of your hosts and make sure you are following us on at least one Social Media Network.

Meet-the-Hosts-693x1040

Simple Home

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest

DeDivah Deals

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest

 Snippets of Inspiration Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+

 A Living Sacrifice

Blog/Facebook/Pinterest/Etsy

Mustard Seed MommyBlog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+

Moms Who Save 

Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+

Have a wonderful weekend!  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

 

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Stella & Dot Summer Sale

Stella &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp; Dot Sale

**This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links

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

Can you believe that this is the last Friday in July?  Summer is flying by quickly but before the season officially ends you can celebrate it with some eye-catching hues and sunlit sparkle new arrivals from Stella & Dot.

The cerulean blues of the seaside, the nautical navy, red and white of the harbors, the burst of tangerines and fuchsia of the flower fields… all captured in this new selection of treats from Stella & Dot.   And, as requested, they have released a line of engravables! Available in silver and gold, you can make beautiful keepsakes with signature engravable necklaces, id tags and cuff links.

These new arrivals have so much to offer this summer, so go take a peek! 
Also, in honor of the summertime flea markets and fashion bazaars, Stella & Dot has put together their Free-for-all sale, with up to 50% off of new markdowns!  Browse their selection of popular pieces that are now listed at discounted prices. This is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a little summertime guilt-free twinkle!  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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

 


Thankful Thursday | VIB Award

IMAGE: Fashion Friday- 7/18/14- Kid's Collection 60% off & FREE SHIPPING with Code RADKIDS

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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Save 30% off on Maxi Dresses at Shecloth.com!  Enter code MAXI717 at checkout.


You Choose The Shoes | Week 14

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

How did you do with last week’s selection?  It’s so funny because sometimes I get immediate comments on a particular pair and other times not so much, I guess it all depends on the outfit.

A few of you stepped outside of the box with the white wedges from Urbanog, I guess because of the colorful and sassy skirt, but the winner of last week’s You Choose the Shoes were both pair – yes, ladies and gentlemen it was a tie!!!

it was a tie

 

There’s a first time for everything and I want to thank you all for the vote.

Now on to this week’s contenders, which are both fun and funky, so I’m thinking this may too may end in a tie but we’ll see.

 

You Choose the Shoes

The red ones are a previous purchase from Rugged Wearhouse and the Black and Beige are a recent purchase from The Shoe Dept.

You Choose the Shoes You Choose the Shoes

Okay, now I know you may say, the red because of the belt, but look how great the colors match up in the dress with the black and beige pair.

You Choose the Shoes

 

The dress is from Ross and take a look at the side zippers, they are brass which is also the same metal in the rivets on the shoes.

You Choose the Shoes

I chose to wear brass accessories as well, ring and watch are both from Avon and I can’t remember where I got the bracelet.


You Choose the Shoes

Are you ready to make a choice?

You Choose the Shoes

Will is be the red sandals?

You Choose the Shoes OR

will it be the black and beige sandals?

You Choose the Shoes

One last look!

You Choose the Shoes You Choose the Shoes

Leave your comments below.  I am heading over to read some posts at the Bloggy Mom’s June Blog Hop and when I get back, I’ll respond.

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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When Did I Teach My Sons How To Peel a Potato?

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

Sometimes I used to wish that there was a manual with chapters that could answer questions about raising my sons, questions like when was it a good time to teach them the basics.  When do we teach them how to cook and clean or manage a household? When do we teach them how to write a check or pay a bill?  Do we teach our daughters differently than our sons?

So many questions ran through my mind and now with them starting college in a few weeks, and the youngest leaving home for the first time, a strange question popped into my head, does my son know how to peel a potato?

When did you teach your sons how to sew?

Does your son know how to sew?

When did you teach them how to cook?

my son knows how to cook

When did you teach your sons how to wash their clothes, fold and then put them away?

Son folding and putting away his laundry

When did you teach your sons how to clean a toilet, scrub a tub or wash a mirror?

son cleaning the tub son cleaning the toilet

When did you teach them how to sweep, mop or vacuum a floor?

son sweeping the floor

When did you teach your sons how to iron their clothes?

son ironing

When did you teach them how to make their bed?

son cleaned his room/made his bed

When did you teach your sons how to wash dishes or load the dishwasher?

son loading the dishwasher

When did you teach them how to dust?

my son knows how to dust furniture

 

When did I teach my son how to peel a potato?

Does your son know how to peel a potato

 

I don’t remember when I taught them any of this, but I’m glad that I did!

When did you teach your son or daughter how to peel a potato?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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