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Blogger Night at the Grub Burger Bar October 14, 2016

Thanks to a Facebook invitation from Julianne Cross, I along with several food bloggers were invited to a Private Taste Testing at the Grub Burger Bar at the Concord Mall. I drive by the Concord Mall every day on my way to work so I saw the installation of the bright red letters “grub Burger Bar” marquee go up but had never stopped to check it out once it officially opened. That definitely will change as I plan on stopping in now at least a couple times a month to pickup dinner for my men and me.

grub Burger Bar at Concord Mall

The Private Taste Testing was organized by Sara Teixido, Owner of Goddess of Vintage and food blogger of Delaware Yum. Not ever having had dinner at any restaurant at the Concord Mall I didn’t know the menus but I knew not to have a large lunch and I am thankful that I didn’t.

Not only were we given an opportunity to taste test over 6 Beef Burgers, 3 Burgers that “Don’t Moo” including Tuna and Salmon burgers, we also test tasted 4 different salads and 4 appetizers.

The Grub Burger Bar’s menu is extensive with options to suit everyone’s taste and these are the menu items that we had an opportunity to sample:

Cheese Fries topped with Monterey Jack cheese, grilled pineapple, jalapenos, Teriyaki & BBQ Sauce

Snacks: Luau Fries, Cheese Fries, Harlem Chicken Tenders, and Ahi Tuna

Chicken Tenders with Mississippi Comeback Sauce

Burgers: Jive Turkey; Swimmin’ Up Stream, Burger of the Sea, Bacon Love#9, Front Porch, Guacapotle, Lockhart Legend, VooDoo Mushroom and You’re My Boy Blue.

Grub Burger Bar

Beef Burgers Burgers with Bacon

However, if that wasn’t enough, we also sampled 3 delicious handcrafted shakes which were named the Kitchen Sink, Worms and Dirt and the ET Shake. Below are just a few of the fabulous menu offerings and if this doesn’t make you hungry, nothing will!

Pretzels, peanut butter, salt, butterscotch sauce, caramel sauce, chocolate chips, coffee grounds and potato chips

ET Shake

ET Shakes – Reeses Pieces, peanut butter and chocolate garnished with a peanut butter cookie

Crushed Oreos topped with gummy worms

milkshakes made with gummy worms

There are currently 18 Grub Burger Bar locations around including this one in Delaware and all the ingredients are freshly prepared with no artificial preservatives including in the sauces chipotle aioli; tequila lime aioli and the wasabi-teriyaki dressing.

There is a well stocked bar with Domestic and Crafted beers as well as ceiling mounted televisions for the sports enthusiasts.

Thanks to the WiFi connectivity I was able to do a Facebook Livestream which hubby watched. When I got home he was hoping that I had brought a Salmon Burger, which I didn’t, however, I did bring a “You’re My Boy Blue” burger. It was definitely one of my favorites as it also became for my son who ate it before I even had a chance too.

“You’re My Boy Blue” Burger

This burger contained crumbled Bleu Cheese, Caramelized Onions, Tomato and Arugula. My best friends from New York chimed it online because they want me to take them there the next time they visit and I assured them that it would definitely be part of our weekend lineup! If you are a burger person or even if you are not, you need to check out the Grub Burger Bar because they have an awesome array of salads including a Pesto Turkey Cobb and an Ahi Tuna which I was apprehensive at first to try but once I did, it was amazingly good!

Ahi Tuna Salad

snacks and salads at Grub Burger Bar

Thank you Julianne and Sara for inviting me to be part of this event and I will definitely be heading back to the Grub Burger Bar for not only the burgers and salad but to purchase a few Gift Certificates which will become part of a Podcast Holiday Giveaway promotion. Stay tuned for the details which will be announced soon on Social Media Sunday with the Delaware Blogger on Blog Talk Radio, Sundays at 6 pm.

Bloggers are never without their cameras

customer satisfaction at Grub Burger Bar

Thank you for awesome service at Grub Burger Bar

Private Taste Testing at Grub Burger Bar

15 Comments

Best Dressed Cowgirl Wins a Hoagie October 12, 2016

A few weeks ago I attended a networking event at the Blue Ball Barn in Wilmington which was sponsored by the Women’s Business Center. If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen several pics and a Flipgram of the highlights.

To my amazement I was chosen the winner of the Best Dressed Outfit and for that received a $25 Gift Certificate to Primo Hoagies. If you’ve ever had a Primo Hoagie then you know that they are delicious! My outfit was put together with new and old pieces which included an upcycled maxi skirt and it was ironic that the DeDivah – Fashion and Fun After Fifty won the award!

The skirt was actually a maxi dress that I cut the bodice off to refashion into a skirt which you can read about in this post. The necklace was thrifted a few years ago from Goodwill and I probably picked up the bracelet at Ross or Marshalls. The purse is a closet staple and I love it because it’s large enough to carry everything I need for networking events including my camera and selfie stick.

cowgirl outfit

The cute booties and hat were purchased from TJ Maxx and I was lucky to find the hat on clearance for only ten bucks. I immediately feel in love with the fringed booties and for only $29.99, you know I had to snatch them up for the Fall.

The Peasant Blouse and Crochet Vest were both purchased from Walmart and since they are new arrivals there were several colors of each available. If you check your local Walmart store I am sure that you will probably find a nice selection of each.

I had a great time at the Saddle Up for Business Event and I want to congratulate all the women and men who have worked hard on achieving their goals of starting a small business in Delaware. These events are always morale boosters for me as I get ABlake Enterprises off the ground and where it should be in accordance to my goals and plans.

organizers of Saddle Up for Business networking event

So what do you think, was this an award winning outfit?

6 Comments

Preparing for a Podcast October 10, 2016

You guys do know that I have a Podcast right?

What – you didn’t know…well I do and it’s live every Sunday night at 6 pm on BlogTalkRadio – here is the link to my 4th episode

http://bit.ly/2dxB3fq

Make sure to sign up to follow so you will be reminded of the show before it airs.

Hosting a Podcast had been a lifelong dream of mine so when I was asked to host a show I already had my title chosen!

This new collaboration with AAU Teen Talk TV and Radio came courtesy of Chevona Johnson, CEO and an Executive Producer along with her husband, Roger, Sr.

Chevona is also an alum of Delaware State University (College) and reached out to me because she saw a few of my social media posts and I am glad that she did.

The topic for the October 2nd episode was Social Media and Small Business with special guest Nikki Valentine.

I also video taped a few minutes of me preparing for that Podcast which was fun so check it out here:

On this Podcast I talked about Facebook and Twitter for Small Business and below is what I covered on Facebook, next week I will post the Top Ten Twitter Tips.

Facebook now has 4 million advertisers and it’s being powered by more small businesses trying to reach customers, particularly on their mobile devices.

People are spending more time on their phones, more engagement on their phones, doing more things on their phones, because phones can do more. I remember the brick my hubby gave me as an engagement gift, it weighed about 10 lbs and it was attached to the car, then came the bag phone but all it could do was make and receive calls.

Now mobile phones can do practically anything, conduct searches, give map directions, promote sales, take pictures and record live video. Businesses are beginning to understand that they need to be where people are, and that’s on their mobile device.

Setting up a Facebook Business Page is easy but you must have a personal page first, and there are many sites with instructions , I also have a Slideshare presentation that you can download.

Facebook is where you can virtually hang out with your family and friends but more importantly with your customers and/or potential clients and customers. Facebook is for entertainment so remember the 80/20 rule and don’t post “buy me” posts constantly.

Share content from others in the same niche or industry and remember that what you share is perceived to be what you believe so be very careful when posting because using a “like or share is not an endorsement” disclaimer doesn’t hold water – just don’t post it.

Top 10 Benefits of a Facebook Business Page

Everyone is on Facebook – need I say more?
Increased Exposure to Potential Customers – everyone is on Facebook right?
Gather More Leads – gather leads in the form of email addresses — so you can contact them outside of Facebook. Promotion of contests, giveaways through newsletters
Facebook business page costs you exactly $0. – but you don’t own it so start a blog!
Insights and analytics – you can see where your audience is coming from (likes, reach, page views, engagement, shares, performance, etc.)
Build Brand Loyalty – if you consistently provide valuable and entertaining content, your followers will stay loyal and share your message, product or service
Increase Your Web Traffic – social media platforms are the wheels that drive the vehicle to your website or blog and eventually to your store or service
Boost SEO – Search Engine Optimization – being found online – Google me
Be Mobile Ready – Facebook is already built to be mobile friendly, so take advantage of it.
Check in on Your Competition! – Facebook makes suggestions based on competition in my area in my same (or a similar) niche. Choose pages by clicking “Watch Page” or search for pages in the search box.

This was the 4th Podcast so make sure to check out the previous ones, Social Media Etiquette for Seniors, Social Media Etiquette for Boomers. The first episode was Social Media Etiquette for Students which didn’t turn out too well….my microphone didn’t work for the first 14 minutes…but there was music so enjoy it!

I can’t wait to read your comments – please be kind but I do value your opinions.

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Social Media and Seniors October 10, 2016

I have decided to use Sunday’s Podcasts for Monday’s blog posts and on October 2nd, the topic was Social Media and Seniors with special guest Demia Avery a new author, you can hear the interview by clicking this link.

On the Podcast I talked about how seniors can use the internet and social media to turn a passion or a lifelong dream into a reality, perhaps even a profitable one. Whether it’s vlogging, blogging or conducting online workshops and even podcasts, seniors can share their knowledge and expertise with others as a way to supplement their income, to share words of encouragement or wisdom, keep in touch or to relieve isolation and loneliness.

I started my blog DeDivahDeals in 2012, and what started out as a way to fill a void after the death of my grandmother, turned into something much more. As a matter of fact, my blog was recently nominated as one of the Top Five BEST BLOGS in Delaware and I won’t know until Friday whether or not it was chosen, but if it is I will tweet it out!

Way before starting the blog, DeDivahDeals, I would post my outfits of the day or #ootd as well as deals found in and around the state of Delaware onto Facebook. However, after a few months, I noticed that my family and friends which at the time was a small circle, wasn’t really feeling it nor was I feeling the love so I decided to head over to YouTube and check it out.

YouTube opened up a whole new world, because there were so many vloggers who also had blogs and they were sharing their daily deals and outfits. When I saw the Goodwill thriftinistas, I was in paradise!

After all, growing up in the projects in New Rochelle, NY my grandmother had us at the Salvation Army or Goodwill all the time! I used to love those big bins full of clothing and I think that is where I got hooked on thrifting and have never been ashamed of doing so even before it become popular to do so.

It was then that I decided to start and blog and have since connected with so many wonderful woman that that void was eventually filled – although I still miss my Nana everyday. She was 98 years old when she transitioned in 2009, but she stayed active and involved until she the age of 97. She read constantly, wrote excessively, went to the senior centers, church, shopping and loved talking on the phone.

She didn’t stop traveling via Amtrak to North Carolina until the age of 95 and when she did it was alone. She definitely didn’t let any grass grow under her feet and I hope to stay just as active with the help of my family, friends and social media.

My grandmother like so many other seniors have a lifetime of experience which can be shared with the younger generations to make them stronger and more knowledgeable which can only help our future generations. Believe it or not seniors have and use Ipads/tablets, computers and some even use iPhones to surf the internet, and to connect with family and friends so creating instructional videos is not a long stretch of the anybody’s imagination.

You Tube is where people search when looking for tutorials or how to videos, so seniors can create videos of their hobbies, whether it’s crocheting, bridge playing, cooking, gardening, education and training…the sky’s the limit because there is a target audience for everything – trust me. As a blogger, I have seen some niche blogs that would blow your mind.

Seniors may not be as social media savvy as their kids and grands but they can be assisted by them. If they prefer to tread lightly at first, create a family Facebook group which is private and open to only the immediate family. Invite the grandparents so they can keep up with the happenings in the family.

They can log on anytime of the day or night to share a post whether it’s a family recipe, a poem, or a simple thought or birthday wish and they can also read what other family members have posted.

Do you have an Uncle Joe that loves telling jokes at the family reunion, well the family Facebook group would give him a platform in which to tell those jokes. Perhaps Aunt Patty makes a mean Peach Pie, she can post the recipe and even a picture of the finished product and remember everything on the internet ends up in the Cloud.

There won’t be a need to keep those handwritten recipes that get lost or faded through the years, you can leave your Legacy in the Cloud which is the title of one of my posts that I wrote for my other blog, Blogging with Blake.

There will come a time when your parents and grandparents can no longer travel safely as was the case with my grandmother in her 95th year, which brings me to another great thing about Social Media and Seniors, it can eliminate isolation and loneliness by keeping them in the loop.

According to statistics loneliness and social isolation have been linked to poor health outcomes. Social Isolation among older adults or seniors who live at home rather than living in senior communities, may be as high as 43%.

Encouraging seniors to remain active in their hobbies and interests, and providing them opportunities to volunteer can help them maintain their sense of purpose and keep them from becoming isolated and lonely.

So we can help our loved ones become more social media savvy, because you know that millennials, Gen X and Y as well as Teens and Tweens don’t need to leave the house to catch up with friends, follow current events, and find out what’s going on in the world.

E-mail and websites are one way to do this, but using a social media site like Facebook makes it even easier for an older adult to feel connected, simply by being able to see what others are posting.

Facebook also offers plenty of opportunities to participate in “watercooler” discussions of current goings-on and share recommendations for books, movies, and music.

Ask yourself: Don’t you feel more motivated to get out and see a movie or visit a restaurant if your friends are talking about it? The same is true for your parent or loved one.

In prepping for this evening’s podcast I found a great post over at www.seniornet.org/blog which listed 11 benefits of social media for senior citizens that I want to share:

1. Keep in touch

Social media is a remarkable tool for keeping in touch, especially for seniors who keep in touch with kids, grandkids, and sometimes even great grandkids, but it’s more than just family. Seniors are finding their college roommates, best friends from “the block” and elementary school crushes. The social networks enable us to view videos, read blog posts, share pictures and have conversations with people who we thought we’d never see again. Grandparents are friends with college-aged grandkids and keeping up with their accomplishments. To say social media has revolutionized the way families connect is an understatement.

2. Research

Seniors use social media tools to learn more about topics that interest them. In some cases it can lead them to cultivate hobbies and business ideas, and in other cases, such as with all the inaccurate health information available, it can be a confusing mix of resources. However, the Internet is enabling the over 50 crowd to learn more about new products, work on their genecology, and learn something new.

3. Ask questions

I don’t know about you, but I get frustrated navigating the phone menu to nowhere, so do so many others. By using the online tools available, many senior citizens can reach out via Twitter, Facebook, videos, blogs and live chats. Being able to talk to representatives and have all their questions answered, without being intimidated by voices, attitudes and a phone menu that doesn’t seem to lead anywhere, gives folks more confidence in a product.

4. Entertainment

Senior citizens can watch old television shows and movies, as well as find videos from “back in the day.” They can read ebooks, articles and blog posts, find song lyrics and find out what their favorite entertainers are up to. They can play games, either by themselves or with family and friends. Shut ins or those who can’t get out and around as well as they used to no longer have to feel lonely when they’re home alone.

5. Start a new business

Being online allows folks of all ages to start a new business. Perhaps they can sell crafts or give coaching advice. Or maybe they want to get into freelance writing or some sort of consulting. Many senior citizens would love to work but companies don’t want to hire them as they feel they’re “too old.” With social media and so many online productivity and networking tools, senior citizens no longer have to be forced into retirement.

6. Grow an existing business

Seniors who are still in business need to keep up with new programs and technologies. Social media enables them to stay in the game and compete with younger businesses. Use social media tools to connect and share. Answer questions, promote events and sales and more.

7. Learn

Just because one is retired or out of school doesn’t necessarily mean one wants to stop learning. Seniors are now taking courses online and reading online books, posts, articles and more to keep their minds active. Because seniors are now better able to keep up with emerging technologies, they don’t have to be considered “old and out of touch” and can hold their own in a conversation.

8. Share

Senior citizens aren’t merely people who are older than us. They’re also people who have been in the trenches. They have amazing stories and brilliant ideas. Through social media they can share all that good stuff with others. Seniors can blog about how life was when they were growing up or how things have changed during their lifetime. They network online and offer advices and mentoring to younger people and students and they can start Facebook pages to talk to others their age.

9. Meet others

The social networks allow us to meet others, for both business and pleasure. (No, not that kind of pleasure, I’m not talking Craigslist.) From online meetings seniors can plan offline meetups and networking events with like minded people and people their age.

10. Find work

65 is no longer the age of retirement for active seniors. Many would like to continue working, if not full time with an established business, they can also consult and freelance. Various networks enable them to find opportunities, post online resumes and view and apply for job listings.

11. Take advantage of sales and online opportunities

By following their favorite businesses and brands, seniors can save money by taking advantage of promotional opportunities. Many times freebies and discounts are only available via a Facebook page or for Twitter followers.

So like many of my fans, followers and even attendees of my blogging workshops who have either started a blog or are writing and teaching memoir writing classes these are other great benefits to consider when restarting or jump starting your next phase in life.

Have you seen the commercial for Ford that comes equipped with WiFi and the grandmother in the passenger seat says to her grandson, “do you mean I can update my blog from here” and he looks at her in amazement and responds, “grandma you have a blog!”

And not only are some senior centers starting their memberships at the age of 50, there are very active seniors out there becoming Encore Entrepreneurs as I am one myself – at the age of 55, I am the owner of A.Blake Enterprises, Social Media Management and Consulting. Head over to www.ablakeenterprises.com for more information.

Do you have any tips for seniors and social media?

Share your thoughts

Lemon Chicken October 7, 2016

Last week I wanted to try something a little different because chicken is on the menu every week in our home. Using prepackaged chicken breasts and the following ingredients we had a tasty meal that was perfect for a cool Autumn weekend.

lemon chicken ingredients

Ingredients

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 package Greek Dressing & Recipe Mix
1/2 container fresh mushrooms
optional: fresh rosemary and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and grease a baking sheet or large casserole dish.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook chicken 2-3 minutes on each side just until browned. Transfer chicken to prepared baking sheet or casserole dish.
In a bowl mix together chicken broth, lemon juice, honey, garlic and Greek seasoning package
Pour sauce over chicken, add lemon rinds (optional) and mushrooms. Bake 20-30 minutes (closer to 20 for smaller chicken breasts, closer to 30 for larger) until chicken is cooked through. Every 5-10 minutes spoon the sauce from the pan over the chicken.
Garnish with fresh rosemary and lemon slices if desired and serve.

Chicken is a staple in our home, so I am looking for more recipes, do you have any to share?

12 Comments

My Birthday Suit October 5, 2016

No, I didn’t wear my birthday suit on my 55th birthday which was September 20th, but I did want to show you what I did wear during my birthday week.

This black and white stripped dress with a bit of blue is very flattering one of which I think was purchased at Ross Dress for Less. I chose to wear with my sandals from Sears, remember when I posted these on Instagram?

On Wednesday I attended a Networking Event at the Chase Center on the Riverfront and wore this black and beige dress from Avon. I had a great time posing with the cutouts of the various candidates. Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and of course our current Vice President Joe Biden.

The beige pumps are Chinese Laundry purchased from DSW and check out the beige purse on the ground – it was thrifted new from Goodwill!

On Thursday, I wore this black and white maxi skirt – do you see a pattern here – yes, I love the classic black and white combo. Thursday was also the night that we put together the Swag Bags for KalediscopeDE and I wasn’t the only one who wore a black and white skirt.

It was definitely a great birthday week and I am looking for a wonderful year. Now I can let you in on my secret which I posted about on a Facebook Livestream on Friday. I have been invited to collaborate with Chadwick’s of Boston and Metrostyle so stay tuned for the next few outfits which will feature clothing and accessories from both of these fantastic companies.

In case you missed Social Media Sunday with the Delaware Blogger broadcast on Sunday, here is the link as it was a great segment with my guest, Nikki Valentine who is a fashion designer and stylist.

Obviously sleeveless was the call of the week but now it’s sweater weather. Have you transitioned your wardrobe yet?

8 Comments

2016 KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference October 3, 2016

I had the pleasure and privilege to work with several wonderful women on this year’s KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference which was held at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Newark, DE.

The KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference was the brain child of Nicolle Surratte founder of NspiredD.com. Nicolle is also a five year cancer thriver who has been working tirelessly with many other cancer organizations in and out of the state of Delaware and she has even appeared on nationally televised commercials for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America. The purpose of the KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference was to Empower Survivors – Mind, Body and Spirit.

Raising funds for the Cancer Conference was a monumental task, we sold tickets, solicited donations from local businesses, held a Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee’s and on Friday night hosted a “Cocktails and Comedy” Show. The show featured comediennes who are all cancer survivors and you can read more about this great show on my blog by clicking here.

Grateful to the many volunteers who came out early Saturday morning to assist us with the set-up, check-ins, vendors arrangements and moderators.

Everything including the presentations made this a very successful conference and for that we are all very thankful.

Workshop presenters included:

Liz Brown, PCC, CACP, CWC, owner of Be Well Life Coaching in Centreville, DE – www.bewelllifecoaching.com

Kathy Bryan, Certified Cancer and Exercise Trainer – www.cancersurvivorfitness.com

Wendy Fulford, Certified Natural Health Professional – www.holisticeagleeye.com

Dr. John Glenn, IV, Chiropractor – www.dclouviers.com

Liz Abel, Licensed integrative functional nutritionist – www.freeandabel.com

Amy Marshall, Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach – www.creatinghealthyroots.com

Anastacia Monguelluzzo, LMT – Licensed Massage Therapist in Delaware

Dr. Susan Silberstein, PhD – Founder and Educational Director or www.BeatCancer.org

Sue Palmer, LMT, Licensed Massage Therapist

The 2016 KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference began at 8:00 am with registration, vendor exhibits and light breakfast snacks. The welcoming greeting and schedule of the day was presented by Sherani then Nicolle welcomed everyone before the the first Empowerment Session which began promptly (not quite) at 9:50 am.

cancer conference at Embassy Suites

Empowerment Session 2 started at 11:00 am and with the layout of the rooms at the Embassy Suites everyone was able to get from one session to the other with ease.

KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

There was a wonderful lunch buffet before the final Empowerment Session at 1:20 p.m. The last session ended at 2:20 and the closing included Raffle Drawings, Door Prizes and Giveaways which ranged from an Invicta and Apple Watch, to a 3-day 2 night stay at a resort in Virginia.

KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

Each attendee received a very nice Tote Bag donated by Tanger Outlet and it contained a lot of informational sheets and other goodies. Among the many vendors on hand were Alternative Therapy, BeatCancer.org, BeautyCounter, Black Nurses Association of Northern Delaware, Delaware Chiropractic at Louviers, Health Care Solutions Delaware Valley, Life Changing Hands Massage, MedExpress and Pamper Perfect Mobile Spa, iasoTea, Fusions Taster’s Choice and authors Viviane Philmon and Dr. Nat’e Guyton.

Swag Bag giveaways

It was a wonderful day and I am looking forward to working with Nicolle again next year on the 2017 KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference.

cancer conference at Embassy Suites

We have all been touched by cancer and together we are working for a cancer free world.

Will you be participating in any Cancer Awareness walks or activities this month?

KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

vendors at the Cancer Conference the gift of friendship

13 Comments

Cocktails and Comedy September 30, 2016

Last Friday night the 2016 Kaleidoscope DE Cancer Conference kicked off with a Cocktails and Comedy Show at the Embassy Suites in Newark, Delaware.

Belynda Cleare, a member of the Kaleidoscope planning committee as well as a world renown comedian was the host and she along with 6 other comediennes entertained a packed crowd in a sold out house.

Kaleidoscope DE Cancer Conference was the dream child of Nicolle Surratte and the Cocktails and Comedy show kickoff wasn’t simply a way to raise funds and awareness to women living with all types of cancer. The Cocktails and Comedy Show was a way to get your laugh on with comics who are also cancer survivors.

There were no actual alcoholic “cocktails” served at the show, however, cancer meds and chemo treatments are often referred to as “cocktails” hence the play on words. I thoroughly enjoyed the show and was glad that hubby was also able to attend as he too had a great time.

Laughter is oftentimes the best medicine and because the comedians could laugh and share their cancer stories in a humorous manner made it easier for others to do so as well.

The comics for the evening were:

Evelyn Butts

David Hiltner

Norma Nelson

Phil Porter

Comic Phil Porter

Gayle “Miss Gayle” Barren

During the evening I posted several videos on my Facebook page and a lot of pictures to my Instagram page. I highly recommend that you check out each of the comics either there or on YouTube as they are all hilarious!

The 2016 Kaleidoscope Cancer Conference is going to become an annual event in Delaware so make sure you follow along and don’t miss it in 2017.

Next week I will share some of the highlights from this year’s conference as well as the presenters who came out to educate and empower cancer survivors, mind, body and spirit.

If you would like more information, please feel free to reach out to Nicolle Surratte, CEO/Founder of NspireD who is also a 5 year cancer THRIVER – 610-812-9997 or www.nspiredbynicolle.com

Cocktails and Comedy

5 Comments

Transitioning from Summer to Autumn Attire September 28, 2016

Hello my friends, I hope you are enjoying the first week of Autumn 2016. Today’s outfit is actually one that I wore before the end of the summer and I think it will also be a good transition into winter if worn with a pair of boots or tights – what do you think?

As you know, black and white is one of my favorite classic color combinations and this was one of my favorite looks. I think hubby liked it as well which is always a good thing especially since he’s on the other side of the lens.

The red leather tote was thrifted a few years ago from Goodwill which I carried to California when I flew to Hollywood to shoot the Depend advertisement. Do you remember all the excitement and fun of that trip, if not, click here to read the post.

These peep toe booties were purchased from Payless and trust me, not only are they super cute, but they are also very comfortable.

The pencil skirt was purchased from Ross Dress for Less and the tank is a closet staple that is too old to even remember where I got it.

The necklace was also thrifted new from Goodwill and the bracelet was on clearance at Old Navy. I can’t remember where I purchased the large faux diamond ring, but it’s a fun costume piece.

Have you started transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall yet? I did get rid of a lot of summer items that I didn’t wear this year and probably won’t next so now I have a lot more room in my closet!

Have you voted DeDivahDeals as BEST BLOG in the 2016 Delaware Black Awards yet, if not, please click this link to head over to do so now, as I would love to be recognized by my readers! You can only vote once per device, so if you have multiple devices, please use each one to vote – thank you!

Have a wonderful Wednesday and I’ll see ya on Friday.

If you missed last week’s episode of Social Media Sunday with the Delaware Blogger on AAU Teen Talk Radio – click the pic to listen to the replay.

7 Comments

Smell Like Sofia Giveaway September 26, 2016

Hello friends, I trust you had a wonderful weekend, the first full one of Autumn 2016. Mine was very busy with the KaleidoscopeDE Cocktails and Comedy show on Friday night and then the Cancer Conference on Saturday. I can’t wait to tell you all about it, which I hope to have written and posted on Friday. Use the hashtag #KaleidoscopeDE on Google to learn more and see some of the highlights.

#KaleidoscopeDE Cocktails and Comedy

It’s also time for my annual Fall Fragrance Giveaway and this year it will be a 1.7 fl oz bottle of So Very Sofía Eau de Parfum Spray and 6.7 fl oz So Very Sofía Body Lotion and Shower Gel.

Avon’s passionate new scent is as vivacious as Sofía Vergara herself whom I love on Modern Family, it is an essence of the unexpected.

So Very Sofia is a playful blend of tropical passion fruit, exotic Flor de Mayo Orchid and bright golden patchouli.

So Very Sofia Perfum

You can enter for a chance to win via Rafflecopter by leaving a comment with your favorite Fall fragrance or scent. You will also need to head over to Delaware Black Awards to vote my blog as the BEST BLOG which will increase your chance to win this So Very Sofía 3 piece set.

This Giveaway contest ends on Sunday, October 2nd, so hurry and enter, then tell and friend and share this post. Oh and don’t forget to listen to my Podcasts on AAU Teen Talk Radio Sunday at 6:00.

Social Media Sunday with the Delaware Blogger

a Rafflecopter giveaway

18 Comments

Author Archive

Blogger Night at the Grub Burger Bar October 14, 2016

The Private Taste Testing was organized by Sara Teixido, Owner of Goddess of Vintage and food blogger of Delaware Yum. Not ever having had dinner at any restaurant at the Concord Mall I didn’t know the menus but I knew not to have a large lunch and I am thankful that I didn’t.

Not only were we given an opportunity to taste test over 6 Beef Burgers, 3 Burgers that “Don’t Moo” including Tuna and Salmon burgers, we also test tasted 4 different salads and 4 appetizers.

The Grub Burger Bar’s menu is extensive with options to suit everyone’s taste and these are the menu items that we had an opportunity to sample:

Snacks: Luau Fries, Cheese Fries, Harlem Chicken Tenders, and Ahi Tuna

Burgers: Jive Turkey; Swimmin’ Up Stream, Burger of the Sea, Bacon Love#9, Front Porch, Guacapotle, Lockhart Legend, VooDoo Mushroom and You’re My Boy Blue.

However, if that wasn’t enough, we also sampled 3 delicious handcrafted shakes which were named the Kitchen Sink, Worms and Dirt and the ET Shake. Below are just a few of the fabulous menu offerings and if this doesn’t make you hungry, nothing will!

There are currently 18 Grub Burger Bar locations around including this one in Delaware and all the ingredients are freshly prepared with no artificial preservatives including in the sauces chipotle aioli; tequila lime aioli and the wasabi-teriyaki dressing.

There is a well stocked bar with Domestic and Crafted beers as well as ceiling mounted televisions for the sports enthusiasts.

Best Dressed Cowgirl Wins a Hoagie October 12, 2016

A few weeks ago I attended a networking event at the Blue Ball Barn in Wilmington which was sponsored by the Women’s Business Center. If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen several pics and a Flipgram of the highlights.

The cute booties and hat were purchased from TJ Maxx and I was lucky to find the hat on clearance for only ten bucks. I immediately feel in love with the fringed booties and for only $29.99, you know I had to snatch them up for the Fall.

The Peasant Blouse and Crochet Vest were both purchased from Walmart and since they are new arrivals there were several colors of each available. If you check your local Walmart store I am sure that you will probably find a nice selection of each.

So what do you think, was this an award winning outfit?

Preparing for a Podcast October 10, 2016

You guys do know that I have a Podcast right?

What – you didn’t know…well I do and it’s live every Sunday night at 6 pm on BlogTalkRadio – here is the link to my 4th episode

http://bit.ly/2dxB3fq

Make sure to sign up to follow so you will be reminded of the show before it airs.

Hosting a Podcast had been a lifelong dream of mine so when I was asked to host a show I already had my title chosen!

This new collaboration with AAU Teen Talk TV and Radio came courtesy of Chevona Johnson, CEO and an Executive Producer along with her husband, Roger, Sr.

Chevona is also an alum of Delaware State University (College) and reached out to me because she saw a few of my social media posts and I am glad that she did.

The topic for the October 2nd episode was Social Media and Small Business with special guest Nikki Valentine.

I also video taped a few minutes of me preparing for that Podcast which was fun so check it out here:

On this Podcast I talked about Facebook and Twitter for Small Business and below is what I covered on Facebook, next week I will post the Top Ten Twitter Tips.

Facebook now has 4 million advertisers and it’s being powered by more small businesses trying to reach customers, particularly on their mobile devices.

Now mobile phones can do practically anything, conduct searches, give map directions, promote sales, take pictures and record live video. Businesses are beginning to understand that they need to be where people are, and that’s on their mobile device.

Setting up a Facebook Business Page is easy but you must have a personal page first, and there are many sites with instructions , I also have a Slideshare presentation that you can download.

Facebook is where you can virtually hang out with your family and friends but more importantly with your customers and/or potential clients and customers. Facebook is for entertainment so remember the 80/20 rule and don’t post “buy me” posts constantly.

Share content from others in the same niche or industry and remember that what you share is perceived to be what you believe so be very careful when posting because using a “like or share is not an endorsement” disclaimer doesn’t hold water – just don’t post it.

Top 10 Benefits of a Facebook Business Page

Everyone is on Facebook – need I say more?

Increased Exposure to Potential Customers – everyone is on Facebook right?

Gather More Leads – gather leads in the form of email addresses — so you can contact them outside of Facebook. Promotion of contests, giveaways through newsletters

Facebook business page costs you exactly $0. – but you don’t own it so start a blog!

Insights and analytics – you can see where your audience is coming from (likes, reach, page views, engagement, shares, performance, etc.)

Build Brand Loyalty – if you consistently provide valuable and entertaining content, your followers will stay loyal and share your message, product or service

Increase Your Web Traffic – social media platforms are the wheels that drive the vehicle to your website or blog and eventually to your store or service

Boost SEO – Search Engine Optimization – being found online – Google me

Be Mobile Ready – Facebook is already built to be mobile friendly, so take advantage of it.

Check in on Your Competition! – Facebook makes suggestions based on competition in my area in my same (or a similar) niche. Choose pages by clicking “Watch Page” or search for pages in the search box.

I can’t wait to read your comments – please be kind but I do value your opinions.

Social Media and Seniors October 10, 2016

I have decided to use Sunday’s Podcasts for Monday’s blog posts and on October 2nd, the topic was Social Media and Seniors with special guest Demia Avery a new author, you can hear the interview by clicking this link.

YouTube opened up a whole new world, because there were so many vloggers who also had blogs and they were sharing their daily deals and outfits. When I saw the Goodwill thriftinistas, I was in paradise!

She didn’t stop traveling via Amtrak to North Carolina until the age of 95 and when she did it was alone. She definitely didn’t let any grass grow under her feet and I hope to stay just as active with the help of my family, friends and social media.

They can log on anytime of the day or night to share a post whether it’s a family recipe, a poem, or a simple thought or birthday wish and they can also read what other family members have posted.

There won’t be a need to keep those handwritten recipes that get lost or faded through the years, you can leave your Legacy in the Cloud which is the title of one of my posts that I wrote for my other blog, Blogging with Blake.

There will come a time when your parents and grandparents can no longer travel safely as was the case with my grandmother in her 95th year, which brings me to another great thing about Social Media and Seniors, it can eliminate isolation and loneliness by keeping them in the loop.

According to statistics loneliness and social isolation have been linked to poor health outcomes. Social Isolation among older adults or seniors who live at home rather than living in senior communities, may be as high as 43%.

Encouraging seniors to remain active in their hobbies and interests, and providing them opportunities to volunteer can help them maintain their sense of purpose and keep them from becoming isolated and lonely.

So we can help our loved ones become more social media savvy, because you know that millennials, Gen X and Y as well as Teens and Tweens don’t need to leave the house to catch up with friends, follow current events, and find out what’s going on in the world.

E-mail and websites are one way to do this, but using a social media site like Facebook makes it even easier for an older adult to feel connected, simply by being able to see what others are posting.

Facebook also offers plenty of opportunities to participate in “watercooler” discussions of current goings-on and share recommendations for books, movies, and music.

Ask yourself: Don’t you feel more motivated to get out and see a movie or visit a restaurant if your friends are talking about it? The same is true for your parent or loved one.

In prepping for this evening’s podcast I found a great post over at www.seniornet.org/blog which listed 11 benefits of social media for senior citizens that I want to share:

1. Keep in touch

2. Research

3. Ask questions

4. Entertainment

5. Start a new business

6. Grow an existing business

Seniors who are still in business need to keep up with new programs and technologies. Social media enables them to stay in the game and compete with younger businesses. Use social media tools to connect and share. Answer questions, promote events and sales and more.

7. Learn

8. Share

9. Meet others

The social networks allow us to meet others, for both business and pleasure. (No, not that kind of pleasure, I’m not talking Craigslist.) From online meetings seniors can plan offline meetups and networking events with like minded people and people their age.

10. Find work

65 is no longer the age of retirement for active seniors. Many would like to continue working, if not full time with an established business, they can also consult and freelance. Various networks enable them to find opportunities, post online resumes and view and apply for job listings.

11. Take advantage of sales and online opportunities

By following their favorite businesses and brands, seniors can save money by taking advantage of promotional opportunities. Many times freebies and discounts are only available via a Facebook page or for Twitter followers.

So like many of my fans, followers and even attendees of my blogging workshops who have either started a blog or are writing and teaching memoir writing classes these are other great benefits to consider when restarting or jump starting your next phase in life.

Have you seen the commercial for Ford that comes equipped with WiFi and the grandmother in the passenger seat says to her grandson, “do you mean I can update my blog from here” and he looks at her in amazement and responds, “grandma you have a blog!”

Do you have any tips for seniors and social media?

Lemon Chicken October 7, 2016

Last week I wanted to try something a little different because chicken is on the menu every week in our home. Using prepackaged chicken breasts and the following ingredients we had a tasty meal that was perfect for a cool Autumn weekend.

Ingredients

6 boneless skinless chicken breasts

3 tablespoons butter