DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Archive for the ‘Family Activities’ Category

Mid Winter Vacation

 

As you ring in the New Year you may also begin to think about making plans for a mid-winter vacation.  And if these plans include somewhere warm and sunny, please check out A-Destination Management Company FL  (A-DMC FL).  

A-DMC FL is a multi-faceted destination management service company based out of Hollywood, Florida.

sunset   

A-Destination Management Company FL provides area expertise to clients looking for customized services for all your family’s needs and lifestyle. You can rely on them to assist in flawlessly executing your next travel plans!

floating resort

A-DMC FL offers the following services;

Hotel Accommodations

Restaurants Reservations

Activities for Families

Exciting Excursions

Conference Venues

Themed Events

Gala Dinners

Logistics

Pool Party aboard a cruise ship


Resort World Bimini Superfast

Resort World Bimini Superfast

 lux_cabin

So as you begin to think about your new year vacation, why not start with A-DMC FL for all of your travel needs!

ADMC BC Layout.indd

A Destination Management Company FL (ADMC-FL)
PO Box 222152, Hollywood, FL 33020
Office: 754-816-2074, Fax: 954-404-6219
Email: info@a-dmcfl.org /

Website: admcfl.inteletravel.com


Thanksgiving Weekend Wrap Up – Movie with my Men

Thanksgiving Weekend Wrap Up

This year our Turkey Day was low key, but that’s exactly how we needed it to be. Hubby has two more Chemo treatments, the last one will be 12/23 and we are looking forward to entering 2016 Cancer FREE!

colon cancer

Malik arrived home from Bowie State University on Saturday evening. Thankfully, his aunt drove him home so I didn’t need to make that trip down and it was wonderful to see him when I got home. I couldn’t believe how much my ‘baby’ had grown since August…just look at those “guns”

muscle man arms

no words…

It was a leisurely Turkey Day which started by watching the Macy’s Day Parade, cooking the Jennie-O Turkey which was delicious and then relaxing with Tayair while he and his father watched football and the Eagles lost again!

Jennie O Turkey Avi

This is a great turkey!

Philadelphia Eagles lost again

Philadelphia Eagles lost again!

I am not one who ventures out on Black Friday, so no bargains were had for us, instead we all watched movies together in the family room and munched on Thanksgiving dinner leftovers.  It was a lazy two days!

Lazy day

selfie with the sons

Saturday the mini men and I headed to a matinee at Westown Movies to see “Creed” and it was definitely a good movie. I loved the storyline, the actors but best of all, hanging with my sons.  

The last movie we saw together was Polar Express and the last time I was at Westown was to cover their Grand Opening, remember this post?

Our neighbor, Kyla works at the theatre and she was glad to see the guys as they are now all at different colleges.

at Westown Movie Theatre

they all grew up together

Creed at Westown Movies

Creed at Westown Movies in Middletown

After the movie we went to Ruby Tuesday for dinner and had a great meal, the Apple Cider Spritzer was very refreshing, I actually drank two glasses!

I ordered the Asiago Sirloin and Fried Shrimp, something that I haven’t done in over a decade. I don’t normally eat red meat and never fried shrimp, but it was the holiday so I splurged a little and it was worth it!  

Tayair’s meal was plated better than mine so I took a picture of his.

Dinner at Ruby Tuesdays

We popped over to Walmart, Marshalls and Kohl’s before heading home for the evening. Walmart had several of their Statement necklaces on clearance for $2.00 and a few Frank’s Red Hot sauce gift ideas on display as well as over at Kohl’s.

Statement Necklaces at Walmart

Frank's RedHot Gift Set

Frank’s RedHot Gift Set

Frank's RedHot Recipe Book

Frank’s RedHot Recipe Book

It was definitely a great Saturday night to be out and about hanging with my mini men.

What I wore on the weekend

What I wore to the movies

It’s tough getting both of them together to pose with me, but hubby and I were able to capture a few shots before I drove Malik back to school and the very last one he “allowed” me to take was when I dropped him off on campus.  

soda and a smile

a soda and a smile made my day

hard to get a group shot

me and my mini men

the loves of my life

my sons, the loves of my life

Bowie State University

see ya later son!

Well that was my Weekend Wrap Up, how was your Thanksgiving Holiday?


4 Totally Awesome Themes for Your End of Summer Party

4 Totally Awesome Themes for Your End of Summer Party

Author: Whitney Hollingshead

Have you planned an end of summer party yet? If not, you really should start planning soon. Summer is the perfect time to throw a party for any reason and you still have a small window of time to enjoy what’s left of the summer season. Whether you want to put together a last minute party for your family, a group of friends, or the entire neighborhood, these themes and accompanying ideas will help you plan and execute a party that’s bound to be one of the highlights of your entire summer.

Ice Cream Sundae. Classic hot fudge sundae.

Ice Cream Sundae. Classic hot fudge sundae.

1. SUNDAE SUNDAY

This fun and yet low key party can be thrown together in a single day if necessary. Send out invitations to your guests. You can use cards, flyers, text messages, email, a Facebook notification, or word of mouth depending on your own personal style. Plan the party for an upcoming Sunday afternoon or evening.

The Basics: Purchase large containers of ice cream (enough for all of your guests). You can choose any combination of flavors, but plain vanilla will probably work the best. Ask each guest to bring two ice cream sundae toppings with them to the party. Set up a sundae building station. (Indoors may work best so that you can keep the ice cream frozen nearby until a new container is needed. However, you can guide guests outside to blankets or chairs on the grass once they have made their own sundaes.)

Take it to the Next Level: Have warm freshly baked cookies available for your guests to top with ice cream and toppings.

Other Considerations: If you’d like this party to be more than a simple social gathering, you can play music and encourage guests to dance. Or you can set up a game of volleyball, break out Twister, or play games like tic-tac-toe or hangman on the driveway with sidewalk chalk.

2. BLOCK PARTY

An end of summer block party is the perfect way to get to know your neighbors better.Just remember to focus your guest list on all of your nearby neighbors.

The Basics: Choose a central location in your neighborhood (even a cul-de-sac or quiet street may work) and notify all of your neighbors of the location, date, and time. Make the event a potluck meal and ask each neighbor to bring two potluck items to share. You can also encourage each household to bring their own plates, cups, and utensils, if desired. Spend the evening chatting with the adults and set up some simple games for the kids.

Take it to the Next Level: Assign a theme to your potluck meal. For example, make the potluck an appetizer night and ask each household to bring two different appetizers to share.

Other Considerations: You can also ask each household to bring their own lawn chairs or camp chairs so that everyone has a place to sit (other than on the sidewalk or grass).

3. POOL MOVIE

If you have access to a swimming pool, you have probably spent a fair amount of time at the pool already this summer. Instead of throwing a basic pool party, mix things up by planning an outdoor movie at the pool.

The Basics: In order to execute a pool movie party, you will need to think about the technical requirements, ideal timing, seating arrangements, pool friendly food, and the best movie to show. You can learn what’s needed for all of these logistics by checking out the great tips listed here.

Take it to the Next Level: Plan food that goes along with the movie. For example, if you are showing Napoleon Dynamite, you can serve cartons of milk and tater tots.

Other Considerations: If children will be attending your party, have a plan for extra safety measures. Showing a movie may distract a lot of your guests and children should always be closely supervised near water.

Friends having garden party at summer time

Friends having garden party at summer time

4. KICKBALL

Baseball is an American pastime, but kickball tends to be more conducive to a party as it works well for a spectrum of abilities and ages and requires only one piece of equipment to play. Here’s how you can turn a pickup game of kickball into a party:

The Basics: Head to the nearest baseball or softball diamond. If possible, reserve one in advance. Divide your guests into teams and quickly go over the general rules of kickball. Determine a set number of innings ahead of time and let the game commence. Bring drinks and treats that are easy to transport for everyone to enjoy after the game. For example, toss some juice pouches in a cooler with ice and bring s’mores treats. (Make rice krispie treats using Golden Grahams instead of rice cereal and melt half a bag of chocolate chips with the marshmallows.)

Take it to the Next Level: Divide up the teams in advance and assign team colors. Encourage each guest to arrive dressed in their team color.

Other Considerations: Mix things up by adding a new requirement every inning for running the bases. For example, in the first inning all players must sing the Star Spangled Banner while running from bases to base. If they forget to sing, they’re out. In the second inning, all players must run with their hands on top of their heads, and so on.

You can use any of the ideas above or use this article for inspiration to formulate your own perfect theme. The end of summer is fast approaching so start planning your end of summer party today!

Guest Post Disclaimer


Wellness Wednesday ~ Hibernating at Home

Wellness Wednesday

Hello friends and welcome to Wellness Wednesday.  

As the daylight hours get shorter and the temps a little chillier your mood may begin to mellow. Gone are the long sunny days spent outdoors and you may feel like hibernating at home.

Now is the perfect time to indulge the senses with affordable yet comfortable items that will enhance our mood and not break the bank.

Concepts – Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw

Concepts - Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw
Sofa Shawl

Sofa Shawl

Having a sofa shawl or blanket is a must-have to grab on a crisp Autumn evening while watching tv or reading. Toss it into the dryer with a sheet of fabric softener for an added indulgence for the senses.

Concepts – Winslow Collection Ambrosia Decorative Throw – $21.99 (72% off), Free shipping – Available at 6pm.com

 

Kennedy Mfg – Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix – No Sugar Added 30/Box

Kennedy Mfg - Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix - No Sugar Added 30/Box
Nestle Hot Chocolate

Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love to indulge with a cup of hot chocolate, especially after a long day of shopping or shoveling snow.  Yes, I said the “S” word and unfortunately it will be here before you know it.  

I will sometimes add marshmallows or a shot of Brandy to make my own little hot toddy #drinkresponsibly  

What is your favorite hot beverage?

Kennedy Mfg – Nestle Instant Hot Chocolate / Cocoa Mix – No Sugar Added 30/Box – $8.79, See Site shipping – Available at WEBstaurant Store

 

Woodstock Chimes – Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime – DCW17 WS492

Woodstock Chimes - Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime - DCW17 WS492
Woodstock Wind Chimes

Wind Chimes

I used to think that wind chimes were just for the summer but now I keep them out all year long.  I love the serene sounds that they make and unless there’s a howling winter storm it does have a calming effect.

I have several types, bamboo, glass and metal, which I change from season to season.

Woodstock Chimes – Woodstock Wind Chimes of Mars Silver/White Wash Wind Chime – DCW17 WS492 – $15.00, 5.37 shipping – Available at Target.com

 

Corning – Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid – Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim

Corning - Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid - Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim
Corelle Electric Potpourri Warmer

Potpourri Warmer

Do you remember the DIY article that I wrote for Parade Magazine?  I love the scent of of warming Potpourri so if you don’t have a pot, put some in a jar with mini lights.

Now is also the perfect time to stock up on the summer fragrances to use next year.

Corning – Blue Hearts Electric Potpourri Warmer with Lid – Corelle, Blue Hearts, Blue Sponge Rim – $19.99, 8.99 shipping – Available at Replacements

 

Crock-Pot – SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware)

Crock-Pot - SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware)
Stainless Steel Crock Pot

Crock Pot

Last but certainly not least is a Crock Pot.  I have several, but when we do break away from the house and travel I like taking a tasty treat.  This year before leaving to visit relatives for the holiday, I’ll make a Slow Cooked Apple Pie, then leave the Crock Pot as a gift to them.

What is your favorite Crock Pot Meal?

Crock-Pot – SCCPCTS605-S Stainless Steel Cook & Carry Travel Digital Programmable Slow Cooker (6-Quart, Heat Saver Stoneware) – $39.00, Free shipping – Available at Amazon.com

 How do you like to Hibernate at Home?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.


Purex & Family Fun Magazine | #spon promo

Summer is right around the corner and if you have little ones or are entertaining the grands this year, sometimes coming up with fun activities can be a challenge and the last thing you want to hear is, “I’M BORED“!

Purex has teamed up with Family Fun Magazine with a chance for 15,000 Grand Prize winners to receive a FREE subscription to their magazine.

Enter to Win a FREE subscription to Family Fun Magazine

I remember when my sons were young, Family Fun Magazine was my go-to for cool tips on outdoor games and activities, DIY’s, recipes and vacation planning.  So be ready for when the kids are out of school and you need a few ideas for some family fun, enter to win today by clicking here.

GOOD LUCK!


Middletown Old Tyme Peach Festival

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday

Hubby and I are enroute to New Rochelle, NY to attend the wedding of my cousin Kyton and his fiance’ Shivon…hey guys we are on our way!

 

Unfortunately, we will be missing Middletown’s Annual Old Tyme Peach Festival which is a major event for our little town. I know this year it will be bigger and better than last with perfect weather!

Here is my review from last year’s Middletown Peach Festival 2012

peach festival

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you on Monday with some exciting news!

dedivahdeals-signature

PicMonkey Collage (3) (3)


Olde Tyme Peach Festival in Middletown, DE

One of the best family events in Middletown, DE is the Olde Tyme Peach Festival held the 3rd Saturday in August. When we first moved to Middletown in 1993, we didn’t attend regularly because it was small and somewhat boring with a few vendors, a short parade and intense heat. However, for the past several years we have gone on a regular, and in my opinion, yesterday’s festival was by far the best with the largest attendance, the most vendors and to top it off, incredible weather!

I had been looking forward to going all week but the forecast had me a bit concerned even though the festival is held rain or shine. Thankfully the rain ended early Saturday morning and the sun beamed brightly for the remainder of the day. The heat wasn’t an intense mid-August melt and considering the recent heat wave, we were truly blessed to have had a perfect day.

Usually our day begins watching the parade with a beverage from The Java House Cafe and ends with taking home fried fish sandwiches made by members of Dale United Methodist Church. Hubby had an early morning event so we missed the parade, but got there before noon and spent several hours walking and enjoying our little town’s festival. The Square was filled with people, young and old, families with kids, pets, live music, dancers, vendors, politicians, food, games, giveaways and genuine small-town fun. The local stores were advertising Peach Festival sales, and we stopped in at Off The Kuffs to check out the mens wear. Walking with my fam, sipping iced Green Tea brought back memories of being in New York during their annual street festivals.

The Peach Festival is presented by the Middletown Historical Society and they should be commended on making this event an annual success. In years to come they may need to close off more streets as I can certainly see it becoming even larger with the time extended beyond 4:00.

As we walked hubby and I were on the look out for Dale’s spot, in search of their infamous fried fish sandwiches, soaked in hot sauce between two pieces of white bread! Up and down every street, looking, sniffing, searching….all we found was the vacant space where the Church normally sets up…not sure what happened but pray it wasn’t anything serious. We also missed out on buying a Peach Pie from MOT Senior Center but was glad they moved them onto vendor’s row.

Disappointed and hungry we walked back to The Java House Cafe and ordered Jerk Chicken Panini’s and Mango Smoothies. The sandwiches were perfect, just the right amount of Caribbean spice to satisfy my taste buds and more than enough to make me forget about the fish sandwiches…at least until next year!

Annual Peach Festival

20120819-201521.jpg

20120819-201618.jpg

20120819-202414.jpg

20120819-202455.jpg

20120819-202514.jpg

See ya next year!

20120819-204631.jpg