Archive for April, 2016
Last Saturday morning I got up early and drove down to Milford, Delaware to attend the Total Woman’s Conference : Empowering the Wise & Well Woman #wiseandwell
This free conference was sponsored by The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC) and Women of Wellness, LLC , and some of the other sponsors included the Milford Lions Club, DelawareBlack.com, Highmark Delaware and Jazzercise.
Despite the cold and rainy weather there were well over 50 women in attendance at the Milford Library, all who came with a common goal and purpose – to learn more about breast health and wellness.
Nationally, African American Women have the highest death rates from breast cancer of all of the racial groups, and are 40% more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. Medical research indicates that comorbidities, such as having diabetes in addition to breast cancer, increase the risk of dying from the disease. Studies also show that Black women have a higher incidence of diabetes and other comorbidities such as hypertension that reduce
Proper exercise, healthy nutrition habits, and stress management could substantially decrease a woman’s chance of developing comorbidities, including reducing a woman’s chance of developing breast cancer. However, studies show that many women experience a barrier to engaging in stress management and a healthy lifestyle because they do not understand what those terms mean and how to integrate them into their current lives.
The conference kicked off with a survivor’s story, followed by a mini Jazzercise class conducted by Glenenise Parks some of which can be see on my Facebook feed.
Prior to the Breakout Sessions we listened to presentation on diet and nutrition and the takeaway for me was, “it’s not what you eat, but how much and how often” which is something my grandmother always believed in.
There were three breakout sessions of which you could attend, I chose to listen in on the Stress Management session, the other two were Breast Health and Financial Fitness.
After a wonderful lunch, Lisa Blount Rochester, Democrat for Congress gave a keynote speech filled with inspiration and aspiration. The takeaway from her speech for me was, “find your Glenda with a support system” – a reference to The Wizard of Oz.
There were several raffle giveaways including autograph copies of Lisa’s book, Thrive. There was also time afterwards to visit the various exhibitors, get health screenings and take pictures.
I learned about this event from the DelawareBlack.com website and encourage my Delaware followers to sign up to receive their weekly email blasts for more exciting happenings in and around the state of Delaware.
Have you ever attended a Breast Health Care Conference?
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Most of you know that I have a daily 3 hour round trip commute to work. So sitting in a car, gripping the steering wheel for an extended period of time over a 5 year span has really damaged my body.
That coupled with the fact that I was the caregiver to my grandmother for over a year prior to her death in 2009 is why I was desperately seeking relief from a Chiropractor.
It was during the 2016 Annual MACCDE Spring Expo that I signed up to receive a free evaluation at Middletown Chiropractic with Dr. Trevor Ennis and his wife and partner, Dr. Becky Keeley.
The office is located on Main Street in Middletown not far from home and is on a convenient route to work, plus the morning and evening hours fit perfectly into my schedule.
My first appointment was at 8:00 am and walking into the brightly lit office I was warmly greeted by the receptionists and felt completely at ease. After completing the paperwork which included extensive medical history questions which would assist “the doc” – which is what I like to call him, determine my immediate needs. Although this was a “FREE” exam, I didn’t feel slighted nor rushed and the x-rays were also included.
Using an inclinometer to measure the range of motion while bending forward, backwards and side to side neck rotations along with the results of the x-rays would determine the plan of action. Needless to say, my range of motion wasn’t as it should have been and the pain in my shoulders, upper arms and neck was quickly determined to be caused by the long car commute.
I have been feeling older than my 54 years and I would love to be able to get up in the morning without feeling the shoulder and neck pain so I signed up as a patient.
Having seen the doc for 4 visits since then, I must admit that I feel a difference and enjoy the “pops” of my neck, the loosening up in my shoulder and spine. But most of all I love the feel of the 4 warm electrodes that releases tension and relaxes my muscles, they actually feels like tiny caterpillars massaging my neck.
I have my “pillow wedge” to use at home for 5 minutes a day to help relieve the tension of having the weight of my head which is tilted too far forward.
Middletown Chiropractic care includes Spinal Decompression, Medical Acupuncture, the Graston Technique, Medical Massages and a good Keurig Cup selection!
If you are suffering from ailments such as headaches, migraines, pain, joint stiffness, weakness, or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, I suggest you seek out a Chiropractor as it should make you feel much better…don’t wait until it’s too late like I almost did!
BTW – this is a non-medical – non-sponsored post, I just wanted to share my experience with The Doc!
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NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT
I DON’T THINK OF YOU AND YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE….
NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT
I DON’T MISS YOUR VOICE OR THAT TWINKLE IN YOUR EYE…
NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT
I BELIEVE THAT YOU ARE ON JUST ON VACATION…
NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT
I KNOW ONE DAY WE WILL BE REUNITED…
WITH NO EARTHLY TIES TO BIND US…YET I FEEL YOUR PRESENCE NEAR…
NOT A DAY GOES BY THAT
I DON’T THINK OF YOU AS I FIGHT BACK THE TEARS…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN LIL SIS….
IN MEMORY OF GLORIA CROSS, JR
4/10/63 ~ 9/14/92
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The temps are still kind of cool here in Delaware but at least the sun is out longer making you want to linger outdoors longer. So in keeping with the theme of spending less time in the kitchen this Spring, I made another quick chick, easy breezy, in-and- out of the kitchen in a jiffy recipe using only 3 ingredients!
Ingredients:
2 – Chicken Breasts flattened with a mallet
1 – 16 oz package of frozen spinach
1 – cup shredded Parmesan and Romano Cheese
Seasoning of choice – I used Sylvia’s Secret Seasoning
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line a baking dish with Parchment paper or coat with a Cooking Spray.
Tear off two pieces of wax paper and place them onto a cutting board then put one of the chicken breasts on top. Cover with 2 more pieces of wax paper and use the flat end of a mallet to beat the chicken breast until flatten but not too thin – this is good for relieving some stress as well!
Be careful to ensure the chicken is always covered with the wax paper, reposition it when it starts to tear.
Allow the spinach to thaw before mixing it with the Parmesan and Romano cheese. After you have flattened the second breast, add a few spoonful’s of the spinach and cheese mixture, fold the breasts in half, sprinkle with seasoning and secure with toothpicks.
Place the chicken breasts in the preheated oven for approximately 35 minutes or until the chicken is no longer pink and has an internal temp of 165.
I put the remaining spinach and cheese mixture in a sauce pan and added a few teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar, Olive Oil and minced garlic and cooked on low for 10 minutes.
Remove chicken breasts from the oven, allow them to sit for 5 minutes then serve with rice or couscous and enjoy!
See wasn’t that a quick chick, easy breezy, in-and- out of the kitchen in a jiffy recipe?
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Hello friends, I trust you have been enjoying these beautifully longer days and the nice warmer evenings. I am so glad to be able to put away the tights and boots in exchange for the bare legs and sandals, so this week’s outfit was perfect for these two contenders.
(Note at the time of this writing it was warm, however, Sunday there was a blast of cold and strong winter-like winds!)
If you have followed my advice and checked out a recent Avon Catalog then you would know that this dress and beige sandals are both Avon products – look out for an upcoming Avon Spring Fragrance Giveway coming soon!
I love the look of this outfit and am wearing it just as advertised in the Avon Catalog, hubby said it was too short to wear without the leggings but I am not sure if I totally agree.
However, there’s nothing worse than trying to sit in a too short dress or skirt and having to pull it down to keep the thighs covered. I have watched Wendy Williams try and fail at her many attempts.
The necklace and matching bracelet are also from Avon – they have some of the nicest accessories and being a Rep keeps my profits low but my jewelry box full.
The Black Sandals are Christian Siriano for Payless and are also cute and comfy. #dontsleeponPayless
The White House Black Market purse was thrifted from Goodwill and can be worn as a clutch or as a Crossbody bag which I prefer when heading to work.
Oh by the way, the leggings were also thrifted new from Goodwill.
Thank you all for your comments and compliments on last month’s You Choose the Shoes episode, I am glad that you have enjoyed the series. Speaking of which, the most popular shoe were the blue ones, even though it was almost a tie.
Okay, now, which pair would you have worn with this Casual Friday outfit?
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I never thought that one day I would say, “Bring Back the Blue Laws” in Delaware. However, with all the anger, anxiety and angst in the world today, I sometimes wish the Blue Laws were still in effect, well not all of them, but at least the one about shopping on Sundays.
In 1976, my uncle Ernest (deceased), was an Air Force Master Sergeant stationed at Dover Air Force Base, in Dover, Delaware. He wanted to relocate his mother, my grandmother from The Projects in New Rochelle, NY to a home in Dover.
When we moved to Dover, there were more Amish Horse and Buggys on the road than there were cars, there were even hitching posts at the local ACME.
Spirits could not be sold but I was too young to drink, so not being able to purchase alcohol from a “package store” wasn’t a big deal. I do, however, remember that after attending Sunday Service, we would go home to change clothes, have dinner and then just chillax (chill and relax).
We would kick back and read, watch television or walk around the neighborhood. After dinner we would have a family meeting, which my sister and I hated but it did start the week off right.
Sunday, was a day that we looked forward to of not doing anything major and if any chores were required, like ironing it couldn’t be done before 6:00 p.m.
Life wasn’t exactly “Little House on the Prairie” but as a Boomer who longs for a little of that life, it was a time of rest, relaxation and reflection…something that we can all benefit from today.
I am not naive and do understand that in today’s world it wouldn’t be economically feasible for retail stores to close their doors. Employees can ill afford to lose a day’s pay especially with the cost of everything being so high; but wouldn’t it be nice if we all could just unplug and unwind to reconnect with our family and friends just one day every week?
Chime in, what are your thoughts?
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If Tears Could Build A Stairway
If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane.
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say “Goodbye”.
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.
My heart still aches with sadness,
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to love you –
No one can ever know.
But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
To remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.
Since you’ll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today~
A hollowed place within my heart
is where you’ll always stay.
Author: Unknown
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Last Friday, I along with a few other women business owners attended a Fundamentals of Word 2016 workshop. We each had signed up to learn more about the key features and functions of Microsoft Word 2016 as well as network with one another.
This 60 minute workshop was held inside the Microsoft Store at the Christiana Mall. We were seated in an area of the store where we were also able to snack on an array of sandwiches, salads, and giant cookies from Panera Bread.
The Fundamentals of Word 2016 workshop was conducted by Microsoft employees, Eric and Errol both of which were very knowledgeable. With each of us seated at a table using a loaner Microsoft Surface Pro we were able to follow along as they provided information and instruction geared towards all levels.
Whether you were a novice or an advanced user of Microsoft Office software, there was new and exciting productivity tools that could be incorporated into each of our individual businesses.
The Workshop was a Women’s Network Mixer sponsored by the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce in celebration of National Women’s History Month.
Not only did we walk away with valuable information to be more collaborative and productive but, we also had a chance to mix in a little laughter and levity as well.
I definitely learned a lot about the key features of Word 2016, and some of the newest features on how to create, format and personalize a document which will be very useful when it comes to creating new posts for my blog.
Thank you Microsoft and Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce, it was a very productive and informative workshop and it was also a great way to end the work week.
Are you using Microsoft Word 2016?
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