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Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for July, 2016

2017 Kia Sportage Review

Thank you Drive Shop USA and Kia for giving me an opportunity to review the 2017 Sportage SX FWD.

2017 Kia Sportage

A few weeks before the sweltering summer heat hit the Delaware Valley, hubby and I spent a beautiful Saturday afternoon walking through Battery Park in Old New Castle.  If you remember this post, I stated that I wanted to return to the park with my husband as it had such a nice walking trail. 

Also, if you follow me on Instagram you would have seen the pictures we took at the 1/4 mile marker.  Hubby is still working on getting his energy level back up after those 6 months of chemo for small intestinal cancer. 

The day started out being very beautiful however, we got some well needed rain towards the end of our walk, so we left earlier than we wanted.  Both of our sons are working this summer so it was nice spending some quality time alone as an “old married couple”.

2017 Kia Sportage Review

We both loved the 2017 Kia Sportage as it was a smooth ride with comfortable leather front seats and best of all, it was equipped with a Dual-Zone Auto Climate controls.  I don’t know how it is in your house, but in ours, my husband and I often disagree on the temperature so we are in constant duel over the controls.  Although the seats were leather, it wasn’t an uncomfortable sitting situation if you know what I mean!

The 2017 Kia Sportage comes with many standard features including Dual Front Airbags, Front Seat Mounted Airbags, and side Curtain Airbags which are great safety features.  All of the other features on this model were standard and a few of them are listed below.  The MSRP of this vehicle is $33,395.00 and the fuel economy is listed as 23 MPG, 21 city, 26 highway which makes it a negative for me.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

4.2” Color Infotainment Center LCD with Navigation

Sirius/XM Satellite Radio w/free 3-mo subscription

Leather Seat Trim

Push button start with Smart Key

Rear Camera Display

Blind Spot Detection

Lane Departure Warning

Front/Rear Parking Assist System

10 year/100,000 mile limited Powertrain warranty

5 year/60,000 mile roadside assistance

 

The fuel economy may be a negative on this vehicle, but here are my Top Five Favs:

  1. Smart Hands-Free Power Liftgate and large storage capacity

  2. Adjustable lumbar seat support controls

  3. Power Folding Heated Side View Mirrors with LED Turn Signals

  4. Lighted Door Handle

  5. Panoramic Sunroof

2017 Kia Sportage Review 2017 Kia Sportage Review 2017 Kia Sportage Review 2017 Kia Sportage Review 2017 Kia Sportage SX

 

The 2017 Kia Sportage did have a jerky acceleration on the back roads however, was smooth as silk on the highway at higher speeds.  Also, as you can see the rear seat comfort is one of concern especially for adults as there isn’t much leg room in the back. 

2017 Kia Sportage

Overall, I would say that this is a great vehicle for someone who unlike me doesn’t have a 100 mile daily commute as the fuel economy is low, however, the seat controls with lumbar support made the commute a lot less uncomfortable.

The color of this 2017 Kia Sportage is Burnished Copper and it was so gorgeous, it actually complimented my maxi dress – what do you think?

2017 Kia Sportage

The Blind Spot Detection and Lane Departure warnings are also great features for long distance travel and the rear trunk is a definitely a great size for loading it with shopping bags, luggage or dorm room supplies when taking a kid back to college which is what we will be doing in a few weeks – where did the summer go??

2017 Kia Sportage Review  

Check out the following YouTube video to get a better view of the inside and outside of the 2017 Kia Sportage then leave a comment below as to which feature you liked best.


Boho Chic – WIWW – Fashion After Fifty

Hello friends and happy Hump Day Wednesday.  This week’s Fashion after Fifty OOTD is another closet staple and my version of “Boho Chic” 

 

These palazzo pants were purchased several years ago from TJMaxx and they were an extra, extra large, but because I loved them so much, I bought them anyway and tacked them on the sides.

What I Wore Wednesday

As some of you know, we, the boomers of the 60s weren’t overly concerned with “what went with what or what didn’t go” with a certain style, which is why I mixed the accessories in this outfit. 

Mixing silver, gold, resin, and brass bracelets, rings and necklaces made this such a fun and funky way to dress up a plain white tank top from Walmart.

fashions that never go out of style

The sandals also have Goldtone rhinestones in them so once again the mixing and maxing of accessories added to the fun of this Boho Chic yet casual Friday outfit. 

I can’t remember where I purchased the leather purse but it must have been an an Afrocentric Boutique as evidenced by the continent of Africa emblem.

Afrocentric Boutique

Everything old is new again which is why this like the tie dye maxi dress from last week’s post will remain in my closet for several more years.  This is another classic outfit that will never go out of style.

closet staples fashion after fifty

 

Do you have a favorite “throw back” or classic closet staple?

palazzo pants Boho Chic


Tips on Staying Safe in the Summer Heat

Hello friends, I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  Mine started out great as I presented a Basic Blogging Workshop at the Elsmere Library.  It was a very interactive class and fortunately the library was air conditioned so it was very cool and comfy indoors. 

However, by the time the workshop ended the temps outside had risen to cause a statewide excessive heat warning.

Delaware Blogger teaching basic blogging

 

If you are in an area affected with this excessive heat, here are a few tips from the Office of Emergency Management to help you keep cool and safe during a summer scorcher.

 

Basic Tips

114995279 Staying Safe In The Summer Heat

(Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

  • Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible.
  • If you do go outside, stay in the shade.
  • If your home is not air-conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air-conditioned mall, library or other public place.
  • Wear sunscreen outside along with loose-fitting, light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
  • Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty. Limit alcohol and sugary drinks which speeds dehydration.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in the car.
  • Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • Make sure to leave plenty of water for your pets.
  • Be a good neighbor, check on elderly and people with disabilities in your community who may need assistance keeping cool.
  • Additionally, residents should contact their local and/or county offices of emergency management regarding any open air-conditioned senior centers or cooling stations.
  • Encourage them to use their AC or help them get to a cool place.
  • Make sure they are drinking enough water.
  • During heat emergencies, NYC Cooling Centers are open.
  • For locations and hours, call 311 or visit www.nyc.gov/oem
Heat Stroke

summer safety heat stroke Staying Safe In The Summer Heat

(Credit: Thinkstock)

What Is It and How Do I Get It? Heat Stroke results from having an abnormally elevated body temperature. Whenever our body works out, it naturally generates heat, which usually escapes through the skin or through the evaporation of sweat. However, when you work out in extreme heat or humidity (or when you work out at a high intensity outside and do not hydrate yourself), the heat your body produces may not be able to dissipate well enough and your body temperature rises, sometimes up to 106°F or higher.

Infants, the elderly, athletes and those who work outside and physically exert themselves under the sun for a living are those at highest risk for heat strokes.

How Do I Know It’s Heat Stroke? Heat stroke symptoms can sometimes mimic those of a heart attack or other conditions. Often, an individual will experience signs of heat exhaustion before the condition escalates to heat stroke. Heat exhaustion symptoms include nausea, fatigue, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, weakness and vomiting.

Heat stroke symptoms include a high body temperature, the absence of sweating, red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, hallucinations, disorientation, agitation, seizure and/or coma.

Prevention: Avoid working out in high-temperature or humidity environments. If you cannot avoid physical exertion in these environments, be sure to frequently hydrate yourself to help keep your body temperature down and take breaks as often as possible. Also, avoid drinking caffeine, alcohol or tea, as this may lead to dehydration.

Treatment: Heat stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to brain or organ damage and even death. If you or someone around you is exhibiting symptoms of a heat stroke, immediately call 911.

• While you’re waiting for emergency medical services, get the victim to a shady area, remove clothing, apply cool or warm water to the skin, fan the victim to promote sweating, and place ice packs under the armpits and groin.
• Further treatment must be administered by a trained medical professional.

Sunburn

Anyone who’s spent a long day out in the summer sun is more than likely familiar with sunburn.

How Do I Get It? Sunburn is literally a burn to the skin caused by the sun’s ultraviolet rays and anyone can get it from being out in the sun.

summersafety sunburn Staying Safe In The Summer Heat

(Credit: Thinkstock)

How Do I Know It’s Sunburn? Sunburn is recognized by red or reddish skin in areas that have recently been exposed to the sun. The skin is hot to the touch and often painful. Other symptoms include peeling skin or blisters where the burn was most severe. Individuals with fair or light-colored skin are at a greater risk of sunburn injury.

Prevention: If you’re going to be out in the sun, the best way to protect yourself is to apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before heading outside.

For the most complete protection, apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that has both UVA and UVB protection to shield your skin from both the sun’s burning rays (UVB rays) and it’s aging rays (UVA rays) that are connected to melanoma skin cancers. If you plan to be active or go in the pool, make sure you use a sweatproof/waterproof sunscreen.

For best application, use about a tablespoon of sunscreen to cover your entire face and ears, and use about a shot glass full to cover each of the other exposed parts of your body. Reapply every three hours.

Treatment:

• Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and aspirin are helpful in reducing pain, especially when taken early on.
• Aloe vera gel helps to cool and calm the skin as well as reduce pain and promote healing. The gel forms a protective layer on the skin that seals in valuable moisture, preventing dehydration and promoting faster healing.
• For mild sunburn, cool compresses with equal parts milk and water calm the skin. Apply to the sunburned area for 15-20 minutes at a time.
• Avoid scrubbing or shaving the skin.
• Of course, stay out of the sun while you’re sunburned.

For severe burns, see your doctor.

How are you and the family keeping cool this summer?

ABlake Enterprises Postcard without words

 


Wilmington High School Class of ’74 White Party

Last Saturday night, hubby and I attended the Wilmington High School Class of ‘74 White Party held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.  My husband actually graduated in 1975, but it was a 1974 Scholarship Fundraiser attended by many of the graduates including those from the classes of 1974 and beyond.

Wilmington High School Class of 1974

Needless to say, we had a great time and because it was an all white party I was able to purchase a new dress, which most of you would have seen if you follow me on Instagram.  Hubby and I had gone shopping a few weeks prior where I found this cute dress at Boscov’s

White Party with Kim

The shoes are closet staples but the purse was also a recent purchase from Steinmart, a store that I hadn’t shopped before.   However, it won’t be the last time I shop there, because I also purchased a white lace dress for another #whiteparty which we will be attending in August.

lovely ladies in white

Hubby custom designed his white suit from the World of Alfa, which is an online designer of men’s clothing created by the actor Boris Kudjoe.

Hubby in his custom made suit friends and football players from high school

 The World of Alfa offers high styles at low cost and I must admit that we looked GOOD! 

  hubby and I at all white party

Not only did we look good but everyone in attendance was also looking good and feeling fabulous especially out there on the dance floor where we jammed to “blasts from the past”.  The songs were spun by DJ Touch Tone and hyped by Lady B of Old School 100.3. 

Please check out my Facebook page to see a few short videos.

  DJ Touch Tone and Lady B from 100.3

We had a great time and had almost made it to the bewitching hour of 2:00 am which was the time the party was to end, but we left around 1:00 am, which was still a late night for us both. 

  having a great tine at the white party

There was a cash bar and finger foods, also a few vendors and photo booths but I found the “charging station” to be an added bonus so that I could keep my phone’s battery from dying and losing out on some great pics.

hanging with college friends hubby and his friend at the white party had a great time at the white party

Driving home hubby and I talked and laughed about the good time we had and we are looking forward to next month’s event in Townsend, Delaware which is being sponsored by hubby’s fraternity, Omega Psi Phi. 

  men of Omega Psi Phi

So how was your weekend?


WIWW – OOTD Maxi Dress

Staying Cool in a Maxi Dress – WIWW

&

Top of the World Link Up Party

 

The heat is on and I need to stay cool so my go to style for these hot and humid days are maxi dresses with this one being one my favorites.  I like that the upper portion is solid red with the lower portion being a multi-color tie dye print.

Tie Dye Maxi 3.JPG6536

Tie Dye prints are another one of those classic fashion combinations as referenced in last week’s post.  The multi-color patterns created in tie dyed clothing is what makes and keeps them popular. 

what to wear in the summer

As a boomer who grew up in the 60’s, I am glad that this style is something that hasn’t gone out of style or died away like vinyl records, cassette tapes and 8-tracks – do you remembers those?

8-TrackTape

Speaking of 8-tracks tapes, I still have a box of them in the garage which once belonged to my uncle, and please don’t ask me why I am still holding onto them!

The red purse was purchased from Avon and the orange sandals I believe are from Old Navy.  The necklace and bracelet set is also from Avon.

I am enjoying the heat and humidity of the summer because I know that in less than 90-days we will be preparing for the winter of 2016!

keeping cool in a maxi dress

How are you keeping cool this summer?  

Head over to the TOP OF THE WORLD LINK UP PARTY and share your pics!

top of the world link up


Stop the Violence!

Here we go again, the beginning of yet another stressful week with the senseless deaths of three police officers in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Innocent men…fathers…sons…husbands who will never go home again.

Violence  – Hatred – Crime – We Have to Stop the Violence!

stop the violence

Citizens are crying out for justice and peace yet it seems that it may be falling on deaf ears.

This has got to stop and we must once again have peace in our communities, cities and states.

The level of anger and anxiety seems to be increasing and I fear for the future, however, I do not believe that we cannot turn the tide.

It will however, take time and honestly, ladies and gentlemen that is something we all have in common – time!

Let’s pray for the families of these brave officers taken too early

Montrell Jackson, Matthew Gerald and Brad Garafola

3 officers shot in baton rouge

May God Bless Their Souls As They Rest In Peace!

 

 

Hudson ID Visor

 

 Hutson ID Visor™ is specifically designed to take the angst out of traffic stops. It is one solution that will bridge the gap between police officers and civilians during these tense moments. Hutson ID Visor ™ is designed with your loved ones in mind.


Good Day Philadelphia Drives To Wilmington

Good Day Philadelphia Drives to Wilmington

Last Friday, the morning crew of Good Day Philadelphia were in Wilmington as part of the Good Day Drives You Mazda Campaign. The event was held at the H.B. Dupont Plaza on 11th and Delaware Avenues and it was a steamy 81 degrees by 8:00 a.m.

Fox 29 rides into Wilmington

Before heading out I turned to Fox29 Philadelphia to watch a few of the early morning interviews including one with Mayor Dennis Williams and his reaction to the Dallas shootings at the #BlackLivesMatter peaceful protest.

Although it was a hot and humid morning, the smiles and positive vibes kept us all cool, at least until noon at which time I had to head out for work. I was there in support of The Women’s Business Center which was just one of the local businesses being featured on live TV.

Women in Business in Wilmington

Jessica Gibson, Program Director of The Women’s Business Center at First State Community Loan Fund was interviewed along with two of their small business success stories, Lolah Soul Jewelry and Evangelina’s Vegan Desserts.

I’ve been working with The Women’s Business Center for several months now and have received wonderful assistance, guidance and excellent business counseling as ABlake Enterprises has gotten off the ground.

The Women's Business Center

I along with several other women business owners have forged a bond of strong support and sisterhood so it was only natural for us to come together in support of Jessica and have a few minutes of fame on live TV.

met sue Serio from Fox 29 Philly

as seen on Fox29

There were several other businesses along the perimeter of the park and a few of those who were also being featured included The Brunch Box and Kapow Food Trucks, The Delaware 87ers, Drop Squad Kitchen, Bright Spot Urban Garden and most appropriately My Cooling Store.com.

Fox 29 Philly in Wilmington

Please click on the following link to see each of the individual videos then check my Instagram page for more pics and a Flipgram video.

Fox 29 Philly in Wilmington Fox 29 Philly in Wilmington Fox 29 Philly in Wilmington

 

It was definitely a fun filled day of camaraderie and happiness if only for a few hours on what could have been a dismal start to a depressing weekend given the recent violence around the world.

Fox 29 Philly was in Wilmington Dunkin Donuts gave away samples Fox 29 in Wilmington Fox 29 in Wilmington Fox 29 was in Wilmington Fox 29 in Wilmington, Delaware Wilmington Blue Rocks Mascot Fox 29 Philly vendors in Wilmington vendors in Wilmington cooling off with Rita's Water Ice WBC in Wilmington

Fox 29 Philly in Wilmington

 

Stay safe and stay blessed my friends.

ABlake5x7PC-Front-proof


WIWW OOTD Black and White Zebra Print

There are several basic, yet classic combinations that will never go out of style and today I am featuring just one of them – Black and White – if only black and white people could get along so well…

This week I feel that blogging about fashion after fifty and food is trivial especially with what’s going on in today’s world.  However, if we allow the negativity to over shadow and overtake creativity and positivity then we have given it more power than it deserves.

 Praying that positivity always rises to the top!

black and white zebra print

“What is Black and White and Read All Over”

“A Newspaper”

Remember that childhood joke?

“What is Black and White and Read All Over”

“This OOTD on my Blog”

Not a joke!

Read it then share it with your friends and followers!

classic black and white combination

This top and shoes are both closet summer staples which work well even if they are matchy-matchy, but hey, I’m a kid of the 60’s so I’ll match if I wanna!

Zebra print shoes

The shoes were purchased from Urbanog.com and I also have them in a Tiger print which will be featured before the end of the season.

The black and white purse is from Avon and if you noticed the bracelets, they are also a Zebra print which were ordered from an online store few years ago.  (forgot the name)

The black jeggings are from Walmart and the silver watch is also from Avon.

Zebra print for the summer

Now it’s time for you to chime in: other than black and white, what are some of your favorite classic color combinations?  

Oh and more importantly, what did you buy on Amazon Prime Day???

black and white ootd

Stay safe and stay blessed my friends!

ABlake5x7PC-Front-proof


Tips For Reducing Food Waste

Today’s post was written by my guest blogger, Ella Andrews

No matter what kind of monthly rubbish clearance routine you have and regardless of the junk removal you do every week, if you’re not taking care of food waste properly, you are doing a disservice to this planet.

Food waste is a huge issue with millions of tons of food being thrown out every year in homes across the globe. With a few smart tricks and savvy tips, you can utilize leftovers, dispose of food scraps efficiently, recycle and reuse what you already have. Save money, eat better and be eco-friendly by reducing food wastage.

smoothies

Here are some tips that might help you handle your waste recycling better. Waste disposal is not the answer to everything, sometimes you do need to make an effort and use any method to help the planet.

1. Do your food shopping after meals.

If you shop on a full stomach, chances are you’ll buy less and buy only those items that you need. This is also effective in preventing impulse buying sprees. The fact is, everything seems much more tempting when you have an empty stomach. So you stock up on foods that are either unhealthy or unnecessary as you probably won’t consume them for ages and they’ll gather dust in your pantry.

2. Go for bulk buying.

Bulk buying comes in handy in many ways. You get a steep discount and you save money. Plus you end up with less packaging for your waste disposal system; reducing your carbon footprint too. Just remember to check expiry dates and buy only what you need. fresh fruit from market

3. Recycling food at home by reusing leftovers

Don’t throw away leftovers – there are many delicious recipes that you could whip up in minutes with leftovers from previous meals. You could make smoothies with leftover fruits, sandwiches with fillings and so many other items. Search online for cool ideas.

4. Share your food with everyone.

If you’ve too many apples at home, make smoothies and invite your friends and family over. Or if you like to bake, make apple cobblers or pies and pass them to neighbors and colleagues at work. Everyone will adore you for the scrumptious food and you get rid of the food without wasting it – win-win!

Incorporate these waste recycling tips and see how better your waste clearance will be without all the actual wasting. You merely need to put in a small effort and instead of treating food leftovers like junk collections waiting to be disposed, think of them as something you can still use, even if simply for composting. There is always something you can do – simply think a bit and see what that something is.

Reduce Your Food Wastage with These Handy Tips

Bio: Ella Andrews is dedicated writer and blogger, who has great flair for home improving and home maintenance projects. She is constantly searching for new sources of inspiration. Her present article is focused on reducing food wastage. For more helpful household related tips visit: wasteremovalilford.co.uk

guest post disclaimer


Quick and Easy Summer Snack

I love the warmer and longer days of Summer because we spend more time outdoors on the deck or around the pool and less time in the kitchen.  Last weekend I went grocery shopping to pick up the ingredients to make a Shrimp Boil which was absolutely delicious so I will definitely be making it again.  The next time I will document how it was made and also put it in a blog post or video. 

It was the 4th of July holiday weekend so we also had to have a few snacks which included no-salt chips and spinach dip, and I also picked up a container of Palmetto Cheese Spread.

 

 

quick and easy summer snacks

As a kid growing up in New Rochelle, NY, Pimento Cheese Spread which came in a small glass jar was a special treat, a treat that we couldn’t always afford.  My grandmother would buy a jar during the holidays to spread it onto celery sticks and serve to “company”.  I can still remember sneaking a few pieces from the tray to take into my bedroom where I would take my time to enjoy every bite of that pimento cheese spread on a crunchy celery stick, savoring every bite as if it were my last meal.

Now that I can afford pimento cheese spread, instead of simply spreading it onto celery sticks, I decided to copy the pictures from a box of Triscuit crackers and top the Palmetto Cheese Spread with diced cucumbers, sliced tomatoes and Kalamata Pitted Olives. 

This quick and easy snack was delicious and has now become one of my favorite summer snacks, there is no need to wait until the holidays!

Summer Snacks made with Palmetto Cheese Spread

Palmetto Cheese Spread which is tagged “The Pimento Cheese with Soul” has a kick to it thanks to the diced Jalapeno peppers and it is also Gluten Free if you need that as part of your diet.  Palmetto Cheese Spread is one of my favorite summer snacks which I will carry over to the holidays, but of course it will be spread onto celery sticks for “company”. #childhoodmemories

 

How about you, what is your favorite summer snack?