Rise and Shine: The International Front Pages
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OOTD – Let it Snow!
Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday. The weather forecast for this afternoon and evening is high winds mixed with a dusting of snow. Instead of the dress I had prepared to wear I chose to be uber comfortable in a pair of pants and flats. These blue wing tips were purchased in the early 2000’s and are the most comfortable loafers that I’ve ever owned. Blue side zipper pants paired with a long sleeve t-shirt in honor of President Obama’s reelection makes my casual outfit for the day.
I hope the snow holds off long enough for me to get into the state of Delaware because I hate driving in bad weather especially in the dark.
Have a fantabulous afternoon – Smooches!
I VOTED TODAY
God Bless Us Everyone – Smooches!
OOTD – Suede Shoes and Skirt
Hello Friends and Happy Election Day 2012
The weekend was great and yesterday seemed to fly by so I didn’t get a chance to post Monday’s Outfit of the Day. I am still praying for those affected by Hurricane Sandy as the temps are dropping with another storm predicted for tomorrow.
Yesterday was sunny but cold so I briefly ran out onto the back deck so my son could get these shots. He starts working on the 14th so I need to learn how to use the tripod and timer on my camera – that is going to be fun.
Skirt – Goodwill// Top – Ross// Chinese Laundry Pumps – DSW
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
Phone Banking for President Obama
For months leading up to the election I had received emails requesting monetary donations, I have donated small amounts on several occasions. I’ve been asked to post to Facebook and Tweet OFA information; I have also complied. I’ve received emails containing songs and videos asking to pass them on to my contacts which I have also done. I had signed up and received emails requesting to donate my time volunteering at a phone bank or knocking on doors – which I had never done…at least not until yesterday.
I like many other supporters like to talk the talk but are hesitant when it comes to walking the walk. That all changed yesterday when I volunteered to Phone Bank for The President at the Democratic Headquarters in New Castle. I will admit that it wasn’t an email, tweet or post that convinced me; it was having a conversation and later meeting a wonderful lady, an Obama volunteer who offered her extra yard sign. When she called, I once again said I didn’t have a whole lot of time to volunteer because I lived in Delaware and worked in Pennsylvania and on weekends I had to blah…blah…blah…excuse…excuse…excuse. However, before I ended the conversation I was asked her if she knew where I could purchase an Obama 2012 Yard Sign. She told me that she had an extra and since she lived close I decided to stop by and purchase, but she gave it to me – FREE of charge.
That one simple act of kindness made me change my mind so yesterday I volunteered a few hours and made 123 calls to registered voters in Pennsylvania.
I along with 4 others sat in a room armed with a cell phone provided by the Committee, a Voter Contact Script, and List Sheets with the names and numbers of registered voters. I called and spoke to supporters or left messages thanking them for their previous support. To those that answered the phone, I asked if they had any questions, if they needed a ride to the poll and the approximate time that they would be voting.
Although we were given a written script to read and requested to keep our conversations short and polite there was the possibility of reaching someone who wanted to challenge. Fortunately I witnessed such a conversation when a fellow volunteer reached an uninformed and undecided voter. With each negative and incorrect statement she countered with the correct information in a polite, non-combative way. The conversation lasted about 10 minutes most of which I overheard and was mesmerized by his misinformation about the President and his opponent. However, her ability to counter with the correct information as well as providing him with the website to read was awesome. She was pretty much drained after that conversation but was rewarded when the next several callers she reached were overly enthusiastic, “Fired Up and Ready to Go”
The Democratic Headquarters housed volunteers for all the State’s democrats running for office or reelection. They provided us with free pizza, water, soft drinks, cookies, crackers and candy but I was filled with was a sense of accomplishment as well as meeting some great people with the same goal – to get President Barack Hussein Obama reelected – 4 more 4 44!!
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Holiday Open House
On Saturday, The Home Based Business Chamber of Commerce hosted a Holiday Open House at The Java House Cafe in Middletown, DE. In attendance were small business owners representing Gold Canyon Candles; Mary Kay; MICHE Bags; Jacfred Creation; Logan Insurance; touchpro; Girl Friday; Duct Tape Accessories; Slumber Parties and Send Out Cards. The Java House Cafe provided mini Jerk Chicken, Veggie and Turkey Panini sandwiches as customers shopped and mingled.
Delaware’s state slogan “A Small Wonder“, was fitting for this event as it was a small gathering, however, I see the potential for rapid increased growth due to the hard work and diligence of President, Jaimie Shanklin. The Chamber’s 2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza is being held Sunday, November 25th, at the Executive Banquet Center in Newark, DE. Holiday shopping and a live performance by Best Kept Soul is sure to bring out more people from throughout the state.
For more information on The Home Based Business Chamber of Commerce (Delmarva Chapter), please contact Jaimie Shanklin, 302-784-5311, or visit www.homebasedbusinesschamber.com.
OOTD – October Orange
Hello friends and Happy FRI-YAY!!! The beginning of a new month and the end of Daylight Savings Time so don’t forget to FALL back an hour when setting your clocks Saturday night, you don’t want to show up too early for church – lol. This is going to be another busy weekend starting Saturday morning at the Dutch Country Farmers Market and then to a Holiday Open House at The Java House Cafe in Middletown. Sunday morning I will again be up early to go to Chester, PA to do some phone banking for President Obama’s 2012 reelection Campaign.
The color of this shirt was perfect in October for Halloween but it does brighten up a somewhat dreary November Friday.
Top – Rugged Wearhouse// Jeans and Boots – closet staples// Shawl – Burlington Coat Factory// Necklace and Earring Set – Jewelrymax.net
Green Bird Ring – Beauty Max
HAVE A FANTABULOUS WEEKEND – SMOOCHES!
OOTD – Throw On Thursday
Hello friends and Happy Thursday, the 1st day of November 2012. Prayers still going up for all those affected by Hurricane Sandy, may God/Allah provide you with much needed strength during this time.
Speaking of time…it is now flying with less than a month until Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of the year! This transitional weather makes it’s too warm for me to wear a coat but too cold for just a sweater. This morning I threw on a shawl which is actually a large scarf that once belonged to my sister, it’s more than 20 years old yet very timeless. Every time I wrap it around me I can still feel the warmth of my sister’s embrace – RIP Gloria!
Blouse – Rugged Wearhouse from their new Corporate Casual line// Skirt – Goodwill// Bamboo Color Blocked Wedges – Rugged Wearhouse
Linking up today with Jessica at Thoughful Thursday – hop on over and read a new blog
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
OOTD – A Little Bit Country
Hello friends and Happy Hump Day and Halloween Wednesday.
I am finally back to work after being off since last Thursday and it’s all good in the neighborhood! This denim riveted skirt has been hanging in my closet for almost a year, hubby gave it to me and I love the big side pockets. I was in search of a pair of booties from Goodwill but found these at Rugged Wearhouse for $10.00 (woohoo). I am not overly impressed with the pairing of the shirt, so my next search will be of a plaid to give the outfit a more country look, right now it’s a little Gypsy!
Sequins top – Marshalls // Skirt – Eastessence.com// Booties – Rugged Wearhouse// Tights – Ross
We will not be participating in trick or treating this year – sorry kids, please don’t egg my house
but if you are, be safe and don’t take any candy from strangers – lol!!!
Linking up today with The Pleated Poppy & Marion Berry Style – hop on over and read a new blog
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money
“For Women, About Women, & By Women and the Men in their lives!”
From Purses to Portfolios was a free conference presented by the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute and supported by Citi Foundation. This was the 5th year of the conference which empowers women to take charge of their financial future. Several years ago hubby and I attended a free financial program sponsored by The Money School of Delaware and the presenter was Alisha Adams, from Primerica Financial Services. She later became our financial adviser and I attended other free events, however, this was the first time at the all-day conference.
The 2012 Conference was sponsored by numerous companies including Citizens Bank, The News Journal, State Farm Insurance, United Way, Wells Fargo and others. This year’s theme was FAB – FOR women ABOUT women BY women. Women of all ages, young and old, black and white as well as more than 60 Exhibitors filled the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Some of the FAB Exhibitors included AIDS Delaware; Ardyss; Bank of America; City of Wilmington; Declutter Enterprise, LLC; Delaware Hospice; Easter Seals; Dollar Build; Garages Aux Trois; Goodwill of DE; Mary Kay; SCORE Delaware; Primerica Financial Services; Senior Helpers; Stop The Violence; Wilmington Women in Business;Tastefully Simple and YWCA DE Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship.
Arriving early Saturday morning waiting outside for the 8:30 opening, I stood in line and socialized with a variety of women all there with a common goal – to become more financially literate. Upon entering we received a program, a name badge, two tickets for lunch/beverages and a cute pink leopard print tote in exchange for completing a demographics survey form. After having a cup of coffee and muffin, I walked up and down “Women’s Biz Boulevard” checking out the vendors, filling out forms, taking pictures and exchanging business cards. Later on I met up with my girlfriends and we walked, talked, and then attended the opening session with the key note speaker Mary Caraccioli, The Money Confidante. State Treasure, Chip Flowers and New Castle County President, Tom Kovach spoke for a few minutes as did Governor Jack Markell who almost didn’t make it due to state preparations for Hurricane Sandy.
There were four seminars from which to choose for the morning and afternoon sessions. We chose, Perfect Credit:7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, a personal financial expert and a NY Times bestseller talked about credit; credit repair; credit scores; rules and regulations; how credit scores affect interest rates on loans as well as insurance rates; jobs and employment. The seminar was very informative and there was ample time for audience questions.
For perfect credit follow these 7 rules:
PULL your credit report regularly
EXAMINE your credit report carefully
REDUCE debt and manage bills wisely
FIX errors to protect your credit
ENHANCE credit file regularly
CONTACT creditors and negotiate
TAKE time educate yourself and reevaluate
For more information check out her blog at @askthemoneycoach.com
Bag lunches were provided and the choices were either a Turkey Sandwich or Vegetarian Wrap, both included a packaged cookie and apple, I chose the wrap which was fresh and delicious!
After lunch we walked “Women’s Biz Boulevard” gathering information from the FAB exhibitors, stopping to test products, enter drawings and purchase raffle tickets.
The afternoon session began at 2:00, and we chose to attend “Retirement:Never Too Early, Never Too Late” sponsored by AARP, and presented by Jean Setzfand, VP of Financial Security. I learned more about retirement funds as well as Social Security benefits and of making wise financial decisions that will affect me in my golden years. I also learned that AARP uses Linkedin to identify and promote the best companies for it’s members, currently at 152. I will definitely enroll the next time I get the application in the mail – lol!
The day ended with a Recognition Ceremony, Closing Remarks and Door Prizes which included items donated by Big Fish Grill; Brew HaHa; Citi; Delaware Art Museum; Hagley Museum; Star Nails & Spa; Trader Joe’s and WAWA as well as new Michael Kors and Coach purses provided by Mrs. Carper and First Lady Markell. None of us won a door prize, however, we did win additional knowledge that will assist in making wise financial decisions and having me think twice before purchasing that next pair of shoes!
Thank you Delaware for a great “Girlfriend Day Out” and I look forward to the 2013 Conference.
