Archive for August, 2014
This review & giveaway was made possible by Double Duty Divas and YesVideo. I received the featured service free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.
Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world.
For me, the countdown is on with Malik leaving for Bowie State University on Wednesday, and the pit in my stomach steadily growing. Where did those 18 years go? It seems like it was just yesterday when we brought him home from the hospital, a newborn, dependent on me for everything. Those memories are so very important which is why I recently had 3 videos transferred from VHS to DVD by YesVideo.
As you can see I have a lot of 8mm tapes as well as a bunch of VHS tapes in the basement so choosing only 3 proved to be bit of a challenge. Naturally, after celebrating our 24th Anniversary last week I wanted to transfer the Wedding Video because this tape brings back so many happy memories as well as tears.
My sister Gloria, who was my Maid of Honor and Ed, hubby’s Best Man are now both deceased, as are many other relatives including my grandmother and his mother so I definitely wanted to preserve that tape.
The other two tapes that I chose included Malik’s first few days home from the hospital and Tayair’s reaction to him which is hilarious. Seeing Tayair play with his father and watching my grandmother play with the boys is heart warming.
Birthday parties for them as well as for my grandmother, their great-grandmother, were truly some special times. Opening presents on Christmas morning before Santa was unmasked had some laugh-out-loud moments and now we get to watch them not only on a DVD but also online.
These memories can also be shared with other family members and friends via a link attached in an email or to a Facebook page. You know who will be getting a link in their email while away at Bowie!
One thing that really surprised me while viewing the videos online was the quality of the original VHS tapes. YesVideo did a great job with the transfer and they even included a bonus feature of music video clips, but the quality of the originals were really bad.
You don’t realize that after 18-24 years of storing what was once modern technology appeared to be as old as an episode of “I Love Lucy!” Therefore, I will definitely be ordering more VHS to DVD transfers. We had a wonderful time sitting together as a family laughing AND crying while watching these priceless family moments.
The DVDs are divided into chapters with mini pictures on the cover so that we can easily choose what “episode” that we want to see or share.
Thanks to YesVideo, I am excited to announce a Giveaway for a $50 YesVideo Gift Card so that one of you guys can also have a VHS tape transferred to a DVD. The giveaway is running for one week only, and will end at midnight on 8/28/14, so hurry and enter today, then spread the word.
What priceless memories would you want to preserve?
Check out the episode of Malik playing videographer…I am really going to miss this guy!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Hello friends,
Welcome to week 18 of “You Choose the Shoes”. I am happy to report that the denim shoes finally won NOT! Believe it or not, it was almost a tie but Ms. Elle squeaked ahead at the last minute.
Thank you all for voting and especially for making me feel good with those “you looked so young comments”!
It seems like denim just can’t win em! I know these heels were nice but must agree that they were a bit much with the denim maxi dress. I did however, get suggestions on what to wear with them…so here is one way, what do you think?
Now onto this week’s contenders who are vying to be the chosen one for this colorful maxi dress.
Both lend a little Island flare for the end of the summer. First choice are the Montego Bay slides from Payless versus Charlotte Russe slides or as I like to call them “lady in red”.
I love wearing slides with maxi dresses, because they are so comfy to slip on and easy to kick off under my desk or while driving the car.
Do you think the Montego Bay stripes are a bit too much and clash with all the colors in the dress?
How about the red Charlotte Russe? Is it just enough of one color to pull in the red from the top as not to be overpowered by the other colors in the dress – what do you think?
which will it be, the lady in red?
OR
Montego Bay Stripes
Before you choose, take a look at them solo:
Okay, after leaving a comment below hop over to see Karen aka MrsLookingGood because she has some awesome Up Close and Personal features!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends,
last week I was almost attacked by an avalanche of shoes so I knew it was time to starting clearing out my closet. If you are a regular follower of DeDivahDeals, then you know about the weekly “You Choose the Shoes” feature on Wednesdays.
I have plenty of shoes but I can’t say the same for boots so this fall I will be on the hunt for the perfect pair of Cowboy Boots. I have been trying to find a thrifted pair but that’s like finding a needle in a haystack, so I am going online to Boot Daddy to find a pair.
A city slicker such as myself is only looking at the fashion of the boot, but there is a lot of history behind the original Cowboy boots, check out this infographic.
If you come looking for me, I’ll be deep inside my closet making room for my fall shoes as well as making room for a new pair of Cowboy Boots!
I might even have to take a quick trip to Texas and look up my friend Laurie from Pride in Photos. She is a fantastic photographer who also has a great eye for Cowboy boots!
How about you, is there a pair of Cowboy Boots somewhere in your closet?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
12 Comments
Hello friends,
Can you believe that summer is almost over? It is definitely true when they say, “time flys when you’re having fun!” Outdoor fun in the sun may be coming to an end but don’t pack away all of your SPF facial products. Skin protection in the fall is just as important as it is in the summer.
I recently had an opportunity to review a few facial products from Mia Mariu, a company that carries a full line of beauty products for all skin types. Their products are made in the USA, are not tested on animals and the moisturizer contains SPF30+..
For this review, I received a 4.0 oz bottle of Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser a product that is Sulfate free, irritant free and made with several natural ingredients. The package also contained a sample packet of their RestauraCel-C Microdermabrasion Refinisher Cream, Microdermabrasion Activator and Hydrating Moisturizer SPF 30+.
Following the instructions after cleansing my face it felt smoother and looked a bit brighter. Mia Mariu’s Refreshing Foaming Cleanser is an anti-inflammatory formula with 8 natural botanicals! Aloe, marigold, sea kelp, sea lettuce, plus nourishing essential oils: orange peel, lemon, lime and grapefruit.
Mia Mariu is a company that carries a full line of health and beauty products for all women. High quality botanical skin care, mineral cosmetics and nature’s nutrients. They have also offered to give away one 4 oz bottle of the Refreshing Foaming Gel Cleanser to one of my lucky readers.
Giveaway will end at midnight on *9/8/14, so enter today then spread the word!
Good Luck!
*product will be shipped on 10/15/14
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. a Rafflecopter giveaway
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The Everett Theatre in Middletown, Delaware pays tribute to
Mr.Robin Williams.
This is where many of the scenes were shot for “Dead Poet’s Society” and Mr. Williams was instrumental is helping to fund the new projection system.
Thank you Mr. Williams and may you now Rest in Peace.
2 Comments
Hello friends,
most of you know that hubby was diagnosed with small intestinal cancer for which he had surgery on March 31st. His last two appointments have shown no signs of it, but he will still need to have blood tests taken every few months.
He actually started having digestive problems at the age of 45, hence the annual colonoscopies before the cancer was detected. However, even now with the removal of it he still experiences bowel problems.
Varies laxatives, both prescribed and over the counter fill our medicine cabinet but nothing seems to work all the time. He eats plenty of fruits and veggies, very little to no red meat and is back to exercising, however, the problems still exists.
Now that I’ve the opportunity to order Green Tree Life Sciences “The Amazing Miracle Cleanse” from Amazon.com, I’m hoping it might actually be the miracle cleanse that works. This all natural detox and colon cleanse dietary supplement is supposed to provide results in 12-24 hours to those suffering from constipation, gas and bloating.
The Amazing Miracle Cleanse can be taken as needed or as a 15-day cleanse detoxification when taking 2 capsules a day for 2 weeks. I’ll check with hubby to see if he wants to give it a try, who knows, this just might be just what his colon needs. If he does and it works, I’ll come back to this post with the results.
Have you ever tried a cleanse? If not, but are interested, use the code TOMOSON5 to receive a $10 discount on your order of The Amazing Miracle Cleanse.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Share your thoughts
Happy Fri-Yay!
Welcome to the Weekend Wind-Down Link Party!
CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS WEEK’S FEATURED BLOGGERS
Check our Pinterest Page as they are also featured there.
De Divah Deals
Snippets of Inspiration
A Living Sacrifice
Mustard Seed Mommy
Moms Who Save
5 Comments
Hello friends,
are you ready for the weekend? Here it is the middle of August so raise your hand if you’ll be heading to the beach or the shore this weekend? Not me, but I will be hanging poolside, I hate traffic, I get enough of that during the week!
Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is for anyone with a super duper sweet tooth.
I made this cake in small Mason Jars but should have used a little less cake mix because they were too sweet even for Malik.
My son loves Pineapple Upside Down cake so I decided to make the dump cake using the same ingredients. Boxed cake mix, crushed pineapples, maraschino cherries and butter.
After spraying the jars with cooking spray, I layered a few spoonfuls of crushed pineapples on the bottom then topped with a few cherries.
Dump in some cake mix, but not too much which is why I think it was a tad bit too sweet or it could have been the pineapples. Top the cake mix with 3 or 4 pats of butter.
Place jars on baking sheet and put into a pre-heated oven, bake according to time listed on the box or until the tops are crispy brown.
Pour a tall glass of milk and enjoy!
What is your favorite cake recipe?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
Don’t forget to come back at 6:00 p.m. for the Weekend Wind-Down Party!
16 Comments
Hello friends and Happy Thankful Thursday.
I don’t know about you, but with each new day I feel as though I can be a blessing to someone else. It can be as simple as retweeting an inspirational message or leaving a thoughtful comment. Stopping to have a conversation with a co-worker or even a stranger, a smile or just saying, “hello”, because you never know what may be going on in their world.
Life is so precious and I think it’s in the best interest of us all to treat our fellow human beings with kindness and dignity because you never know when you may be looking for someone to do the same for you.
Now, hold on while I put away the soap box.
This Thursday, I am thankful for everyone who is reading this post and would be even more thankful if you shared it! Hey, a blogger can ask can’t she.
I am desperately trying to wear all of my summer clothes before the end of September so this is going to be a 2 fer, maxi skirts that I wore in July and August and also in 2013.
Purple maxi skirt is from Old Navy and the Merona top is from Target which I also wore on June 26th, 2013 (see here)
As you can see “Ms Elle” made an appearance twice this week.
I love having hubby as my photographer, but he doesn’t tell me when something is out of place. He said, “I thought your shirt was supposed to be this way!” Men! Good thing he is not being paid!
The watch is Avon and bracelet from Rugged Wearhouse.
This floral cowl neck tank is one of my favorites which was on clearance at JCPenney last summer. The black skirt is thrifted from Goodwill.
This perfectly sized tote if from Avon as is the wrap around bracelet and watch. I believe the other bracelets and rings were purchased at Rugged Wearhouse and the sandals are from Payless.
I am thankful that I enjoy dressing for less, otherwise I would be broke! I am also thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith.
How about you, what makes you thankful this Thursday?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
PS Here is the same purple maxi and top on 6/27/13
16 Comments
Hello friends,
welcome to Week 17 of “You Choose the Shoes“. The yellow Mossimo Pumps were definitely the #1 favorite in last week’s contest. Most of you felt it highlighted the yellow in the dress and I totally agree, thank you all for the comments.
This week we are going with a more casual look. I actually have two pairs of denim shoes, but unlike those studded cut outs these are much more comfortable. They are going up against “Ms. Elle” another very comfortable pair of summer slides or slip-ons.
Each pair are contenders to be the best match for this uber comfortable t-shirt dress from Rainbow Shops. I only wish it came in more than two colors because it was so comfy that I could wear one everyday.
Worn with these Elle slides the outfit is perfect for a weekend of afternoon shopping or outdoor dining.
The denim straps are also comfy casual and I think they bring a little more attention to the bracelets – what do you think?
So which one would you choose?
Ms. Elle – grazing in the tall grass
poolside
or
the denim straps?
But before you decide, take a look at them solo
Okay, have you made a decision?
So which pair is it going to be?
Ms. Elle or
Madame Denim?
You choose the shoes then leave a comment below. I will be back to respond after reading a few blog posts over at Bloggy Mom’s linkup party.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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