DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for December, 2014

Support from Strangers

SUPPORT FROM STRANGERS

As an entrepreneur I have found that strangers are much more supportive of my endeavors than most of my family and friends. I have been blogging for almost 3 years and have been an Avon Independent Sales Rep for more than 10, yet, I have gotten more support from you, my virtual friends (strangers), than from my own flesh and blood.

strangers are friends

Are you paddling in the same boat, or are your family and friends very supportive of your business or blog?  

I do have one cousin who faithfully reads my posts and then takes the time to comment. However, it always cracks me up when friends share a post or a link to another blog or video, yet had never “liked”, “retweeted” or shared any of mine.

When I host giveaways or do sponsored promotions, not one family member ever enters or shares the link…still trying to understand that one.  
support from strangers
Is it just me or do you encounter the same?  Sunday at the B.O.S.S. Brunch Tour, this subject came up and and thanks to Pastor Joyce, she reminded us of this Bible scripture:

When Jesus finished these parables, he departed. When he came to his hometown, he taught the people in their synagogue. They were surprised and said, “Where did he get this wisdom? Where did he get the power to work miracles? Isn’t he the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother named Mary? Aren’t James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas his brothers? And his sisters, aren’t they here with us? Where did this man get all this?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are honored everywhere except in their own hometowns and in their own households.” He was unable to do many miracles there because of their disbelief.http://bible.com/37/mat.13.53-58.ceb

people in the streets

Perhaps things will change in 2015, I can only hope that they do, but even if they don’t, I want to thank you for all of your kindness and support in 2014 and

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

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New Year, New You and a New Resolution

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc.
and its advertiser.  All opinions are 100%
my own. #HappyNewMe #CollectiveBias

 

We’ve all made New Year’s resolutions, some we keep others we forget about well before the first signs of Spring.  Over the years I’ve resolved to quit smoking, lose weight, exercise more and work less…unfortunately I’ve only managed to keep one, but fortunately it was the one to quit smoking (yay me). This year I’m adding another resolution to my list, and that’s staying in touch more with our family’s oldest living elder.

Staying in touch with my aunt

 

Aunt Chuggy My aunt “Chuggy” lives in Virginia Beach and she has always been very supportive of me and all my endeavors.  She is now 80 years old, so in 2015, I am resolving to call her at least once every week.  I signed up with the lowest priced unlimited plan with Walmart Family Mobile so I will also be saving money.  The starter kit is $25.00 but there is no contract to sign nor a long term agreement to maintain. #winning

Walmart Family Mobile

Hubby and I drove to Walmart SuperCenter to check out their Family Mobile Plan and the ZTE ZMAX Phablet which is a cross between a smart phone and a tablet, and it’s currently on sale for $179.00.  The plan is only $34.88/month for Unlimited Talk, Text, & Web ($29.88 for the second line) and it comes with 5GB of 3G Data, the plan can be cancelled at any time with no penalty.  The higher speed allows me to do even more including sending text messages, photos and even videos which I am sure Aunt Chuggy will love getting.  

Where to find lowest prices at Walmart

The ZTE ZMAX Phablet has a perfect sized screen so I can read the menus and see the apps without my glasses which is another plus.  Checking email on the go and taking selfies will be also be a breeze!

No glasses needed

I started using the some of the other apps including Evernote which helps with my blog schedules and posts so the ZTE ZMAX Phablet is definitely a welcomed addition to my family and saving money with the Walmart Family Mobile Plan is just icing on the cake!

Using Evernote on ZTE Phablet

I know, I know, no cake in the new year because once again I’ll try to lose some weight however, right now my first resolution is to stay in touch with Aunt Chuggy.

Have you made your New Year’s resolution yet?

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Cranberry & Orange Bread {Repost}

Best Buy Co, Inc.

Now that the holiday season is in full swing and cranberries are plentiful, I wanted to repost this recipe for Cranberry & Orange Bread.

Cranberry and Orange Bread avi

Cranberries are good for almost everything! They are great for people watching their carbs because they’re full of nutrition, fiber, and flavor without many carbohydrates. Half a cup of whole cranberries has 4 grams of effective carbohydrate, plus 2 grams of fiber, 1/3 of which is soluble.

Antioxidants: In study after study, cranberries are near or at the top of the antioxidant heap. They are rich in polyphenols, and have a lot of other helpful phytochemicals as well.

This Superfood has other health benefits including:

  • Prevention and treatment of urinary tract infections

  • In the GI tract, they help prevent bacteria from causing food-borne illness.

  • May help prevent tooth decay by discouraging bacteria and preventing them from “sticking”.

  • Prevention of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which may help prevent atherosclerosis.

  • Improves blood vessel function in people with atherosclerosis.

  • Some studies show that cranberries can either raise HDL cholesterol or lower LDL cholesterol.

  • Cranberries may also have anti-cancer properties.

 This week’s Superfood Friday Feature is

  1. Cranberry Bread

 

Cranberry and Orange Bread

I added sweetened dried cranberries and orange zest to a box of Pillsbury Quick Bread mix for more nutrients and flavoring.  (check the link below for money saving coupons)

added dried cranberries and orange zest to box mix

I’m really happy that the holiday season is here because fresh cranberries are now plentiful.  

Do you have recipes for cooking with cranberries, and no, not the one that calls for opening a can of jellied cranberry sauce and eating it with a spoon…I know you’ve done that!  

cranberry bread

 Speaking of the holidays, check out my DIY Napkin Rings article that was published in Parade Magazine!

DIY Napkin Rings avi

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!


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College Students & Chores – Home for the Holidays

College Students & Chores – Home for the Holidays

Our sons started doing chores around the house beginning about the age of 10. They cleaned their rooms, vacuumed, unloaded the dishwasher, did their own laundry and took out the trash.  Later on they were each assigned to clean a bathroom every weekend.

Tayair's chores Malik's chore

Now they are both in college, one is away living on campus and the other is at home commuting to campus. Tayair is home, therefore, it is expected that he continues doing his weekly chores, even doing some that were previously assigned to his brother. 

With the winter break, Malik is home for the holidays and my expectation is for him to pick up where he left off, doing his weekly chores.  I am sure he is balking and probably speaking things “under his breath” but we all know that doesn’t mean diddly squat!

What do you think, should a college student returning home for the holidays be expected to do their previously assigned chores?  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Winter Wash with Purex

Winter Wash with Purex #Cartwheel #Coupon

What are some of your New Year’s Eve traditions?  Mine include cooking black eye peas, collard greens and frying chicken wings.  I also watch the Twilight Zone marathon, trying not to fall asleep during the wee hours because that’s when the best episodes air.  Kneeling in prayer with hubby and sons then having one of them enter the front door with money in their pocket is another tradition.  

I also make sure that there aren’t any dirty clothes in the house so I have to start washing early in the day.  In addition to washing clothes, I also take down curtains and clean the sofa throws.  It’s like doing a mini Spring clean so it’s important that I have enough detergent on hand.

Cartwheel pics 004

 

Purex is one of my favorite brands of detergents and thanks to Target’s #Cartwheel #coupon, I was able to save 25% and you know I am all about saving!  Sharing is caring, so here’s a gift to you; from now through December 27th, you can use this coupon to get the same 25% off any Purex detergent at Target, hurry and download the #coupon today, then share this post with a friend.

Cartwheel app for Purex

 MERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A CLEAN NEW YEAR!!!

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What a way to start the New Year, this post garnered me

“BLOG OF THE WEEK”

 

Blog of the Week Feature


7 Stocking Stuffers for Sons

 

Best Buy Co, Inc. 7 Stocking Stuffers for Sons

7 Stocking Stuffers for a son

Hello friends, the Christmas countdown is on and if you haven’t finished all of your shopping you still have a few more days, but you’ll need to hurry. I only picked up a few things for my sons because all they really wanted or needed was money. I did however, buy them a few stocking stuffers and if you need some last minute ideas, check these out.

Socks Stocking Stuffer - Socks

Neither one of my sons like to wear bedroom slippers so ankle socks are great for wearing around the house. Also, because we don’t wear shoes in the house they are great to slip on when the temperature drops.

Body Wash/Deodorant

December 2014 342 Stocking Stuffer - Personal Hygiene My sons have always liked using body washes as opposed to bar soaps, and as an Avon Rep I like to give them a few different scents.  Deodorants and Anti-antiperspirants are also good choices because this is definitely one hygiene product that they should never be without!

Bath Sponges

Bath Sponges make great stocking stuffers Bath Sponges are much better to use in the shower with a liquid body wash. It seems as though bath sponges or loofahs have become more popular with men as opposed to a wash cloth, I know my husband loves them.

Toothbrush & Toothpaste

toothbrush and toothpaste are great stocking stuffers A toothbrush and toothpaste are traditional stocking stuffers and you can never have too many. This set comes in a plastic pouch which is great for travel or for keeping in a dorm room.

Candy Canes

candy is a great stocking stuffer Whether filled with M&Ms, Skittles or Sweet Tarts, these plastic canes are another stocking stuffer favorite.

Pez Dispenser

traditional Pez Dispenser Just like watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “Christmas Story”, Christmas morning wouldn’t be the same without a Pez Dispenser in a stocking.  

What are some of your favorite stocking stuffers?

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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GiftedLiving - Live Happy!


In the Raw MommyParty with Family, Friends & Fudge

In The Raw Disclosure

‘Tis the season for spending time with family and friends and if you throw in some homemade fudge it’s even better.  It seems as though we are all running around a mile a minute so it’s nice to slow down, take a breather and have fun with our loved ones.  

Getting together last Friday night with friends was a cause for celebration, we laughed, played games, decorated the tree and ate some delicious fudge that I

had made with Monk Fruit in the Raw.

Fudge made with Monk Fruit in the Raw

Eating fudge brings back so many wonderful childhood memories and by using Monk Fruit in the Raw, a zero calorie sweetener, it made for a great adult indulgence.

fudge made with Monk Fruit In The Raw

Ingredients for this sweet treat:

2 1/2 cups of Monk Fruit in the Raw

1/4 cup butter

1 small can evaporated milk

1 jar Mamarshmallow fluff

3/4 tsp salt

3/4 tsp vanilla

1 package semi-sweet chocolate

Mix the first five ingredients, stirring over low heat until blended

Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring slowly

Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and chocolate until melted.

Pour into a buttered 9×9″ pan and cool

Cut into bite size pieces or roll into balls and sprinkle with confectioners sugar

Family and Friends having fun on a Friday night

Sitting around laughing and playing games was a great way to kick off a holiday weekend.  We even sweeten the tree with a few boxes of Monk Fruit in the Raw!

Decorating the tree   

What sweet treat brings back childhood memories for you?  

Family Fun Night

It was nice having Kayla home from college for the holidays!  Friday night turned into a family fun game night

Taking a break from trimming the tree

We took a break from decorating

Mom Select - Bringing Companies and Moms Together

Friday night is fun with shared with friends

Friday night spent with family, friends and fudge made with Monk Fruit in the Raw, what more could you ask for?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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7 Days ‘Til Christmas: Save those holiday cards! #DIY

(via Flickr Kathryn)

Do you hate to throw pretty Christmas Cards into the recyclable bin after the holidays? Why not recycle them to decorate a great DIY mini-Christmas tree? 

Using inexpensive items sold at most Dollar Stores you can brighten up someone’s day or even your own home, with this quick and super easy DIY. Read More…

 


B.O.S.S. Brunch Tour

 

BOSS Full Page I am proud and honored to have been invited to participate in the WOMENS WEALTH program being held December 28th in Dover, DE.  The #WomensWealth program helps women build wealth personally, professionally, emotionally, spiritually and financially, was founded by Tarra Jackson, known as Madam Money. #WomensWealth produces several online shows, Twitter chats and events nationally that focus on Wealth Building Strategies for Women Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Professionals.

#WOMENSWEALTH presents THE B.O.S.S. BRUNCH TOUR and it is not your normal networking event. The B.O.S.S. Brunch brings a diverse audience of women together to connect, collaborate, educate and elevate one another while sharing Business Owner Success Strategies for 2015.

#WOMENSWEALTH B.O.S.S. BRUNCH will host its kick off on Sunday, December 28, 2014, from 11am-2pm EST at Dover Downs, located at 1131 N DuPont Hwy, Dover, DE 19901. Tickets are on sale for $45 and can be purchased at http://www.madammoney.com/BOSS-Brunch-Tour (http://www.madammoney.com/BOSS-Brunch-Tour).

This event will include a delicious brunch at 11am and a Powerhouse Panel Discussion will follow. The discussion panel will feature Pastor Joyce Lott (FreshBread Christian Center), Temeka Easter (Sallie Mae Social Media Director), Antionette Blake (DEDivahDeals.com Blogger), Raquel Hinkson (Author, Credit Expert and DE BOSS Brunch Host), along with some of the city’s successful women business owners, entrepreneurs and professionals discussing Business Owner Success Strategies and giving specific tips on how to a B.O.S.S. in 2015. The Powerhouse Panel discussion will begin at 12:30pm!

The B.O.S.S. Brunch Tour is an opportunity for women to meet, mix, mingle, make strategic connections, ask questions, access helpful resources and above all enhance their Net Worth by increasing their Network! Each guest will receive a complimentary B.O.S.S. Gift Bag with gifts from event sponsors and vendors.

Sponsorship and Vendor opportunities are available at the following B.O.S.S. Brunch Tour locations: Dover, DE (December 28, 2014), Washington, DC (January 11, 2015), New York, NY (March 15, 2015), and Raleigh, NC (May 10, 2015).

 

About Madam Money

tarra jackson Tarra Jackson, known as Madam Money, is a seasoned personal finance expert with over 20 years’ experience in the personal finance sector as a corporate trainer, loan officer and executive at several major financial institutions. Tarra is the author of the best-selling book “Financial Fornication” as well as a nationally acclaimed speaker, commentator, consultant, author, and syndicated blogger. Tarra is the producer of #WomensWealth Google Hangout and host of one of the top five ranked personal finance Twitter Chats, called #CashChat Fridays at 12PM EST.

 

For inquiries regarding press, PR, event sponsorship, please email them to info@tarrajackson.com.

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Media Contact
Kristi Howard
6782358116
***@tarrajackson.com