Archive for the ‘’ Category
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!
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
May God Bless Their Souls As They Rest In Peace!
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stay safe and stay blessed my friends.
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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!
“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!
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!
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.
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???
Stay safe and stay blessed my friends!
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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.
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.
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.
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
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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.
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!
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?
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I have decided to get back to the foundation of my blog DeDivahDeals ~ Fashion and Fun after Fifty and will be posting more outfit’s of the day (#OOTD) These posts won’t be long in commentary so SEO will be low.
Most of the outfits featured will probably be ones that you have seen before with a little twist. However, since I have cut back on shopping and Goodwill thrifting I will only be featuring closet staples.
As women we all have preconceived notions when it comes to what’s a good fit for our body type. For example, I always felt uncomfortable about purchasing “body con” type skirts. But I fell in love with this mint green and polka dot skirt from The Rainbow Shops and took a chance on buying it.
Had I known that it didn’t look as bad on me as I had thought, I would have purchased another one in fuchsia. Unfortunately, I had waited too late in the season so when I finally went back there weren’t any left in my size.
The black peplum top was purchased from JC Penney when they had a store in the Exton Square Mall. Since they are no longer there it gives me yet another reason to stay out of the mall! #bloggers4jcpenney
This gorgeous two-tone purse is from Avon (Mark) and I love the mint accent on the side which makes it a perfect accent for the outfit.
The patent leather slides are Jessica Simpson brand from Marshalls, also purchased several years ago. The ring is Avon and the multi-color rhinestone bracelet with hints of mint was probably picked up from Burlington Coat Factory.
Believe it or not, the statement necklace is a flea market find that I colored with nail polish!
I love a good jewelry DIY especially when it involves stones and paint or in this case polish.
Is there a particular item of clothing that you feel doesn’t flatter your figure?
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This is a repost from last year when we were on vacation in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
Although I haven’t even thought about taking a trip this early in the season, I did want to resurrect this post in case you were headed out for a family vacation.
We all need a break from blogging and most of us wouldn’t dare do so on vacation…or would we?
Anywho…if you are a dedicated blogger who wants to continue blogging when you should be relaxing, here are a few tips to help you do so…grab a drink first and then we’ll begin…
1. Make sure your accommodations have a free, reliable WiFi connection
This is absolutely essential if you want to blog during your vacation. Make sure that you ask about the Internet service before you book your hotel or resort otherwise, you might be thoroughly disappointed or well relaxed without a good WiFi connection.
2. Do your work when everyone else is sleeping
Ssssh…balancing a family vacation or ones with friends can make it hard to keep your online schedule, posting, tweeting and such. So in order to stay connected with your readers, work during times when everyone is sleeping or taking a nap. You can wake up a few hours earlier, watch the sunrise, get some breakfast, and start blogging!
3. Take a mobile or lightweight computing device with you
I love working on my laptop at home but it’s heavy. When you are traveling you’ll be moving around a lot, so it’s important that you take something that is light and can easily fit into a large tote/purse, a small backpack or something similar. I have my iPad and HP Tablet, which is easy to take out of my bag when going through airport security, and carrying around while relaxing on the beach.
4. Capture those great moments and use the change of scenery to your advantage
The best thing about blogging while traveling is that you are in a completely new environment. This can enhance your blog writing because you have new sights, sensations and inspirations.
Even if you don’t blog about the personal stuff you can write blog posts featuring your niche from a different perspective. For example, if you are traveling to Mexico and you write about fashion, why not feature some of the local styles and fashions there?
5. Last but certainly not least – DON’T
Just like the other plans you made for vacation, lay out your written posts, scheduled them using a WP plugin, Hootsuite or Bufferapp, then pack up and go!
Do you have any tips to add?
This post also appeared @ www.bloggingwithblake.com
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I wanted to share these 11 Tips for a Safe 4th of July Holiday
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Be a safe swimmer. Water sports and fireworks are two of the biggest pastimes for Fourth of July celebrations, and these are both linked to numerous deaths and injuries each year. Never swim alone, and make sure that kids’ water play is adequately supervised at all times. Many children or adults drown occur when other people are nearby, so always have a designated chaperone for water play and don’t assume that others are watching the kids. Statistics show that most young children who drown in pools have been out of sight for less than five minutes. Alcohol consumption also increases the risk of accidental drowning.
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If fireworks are legal in your community and are a part of your celebration, be sure to store and use them safely. Keep the kids away from the fireworks at all times, and keep spectators at a safe distance. Attending fireworks displays organized by professionals is always safer than trying to put on your own show.
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Use alcohol responsibly. Alcohol and fireworks can be a hazardous and dangerous combination. Also, have a designated driver to bring partygoers home from the festivities. Remember also that alcohol and swimming can be as dangerous as drinking and driving.
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Lakes, waterways, and seas will be crowded with boats. Review safe boating practices, and don’t drink and drive your boat. Alcohol consumption while operating boats or other motorized water vessels is illegal, and you can be arrested for a BWI (boating under the influence!). Be sure that you have an adequate number of life preservers on hand for extra guests. Become familiar with the boating laws in your area.
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Cover food and beverages outdoors to discourage bees and wasps from attending your party. If someone is allergic to insect stings, you should have an emergency anaphylaxis kit on hand. Wearing shoes, long sleeves, and long pants outdoors and avoiding fragranced body products, bright colors, and sugary drinks can also help prevent bee stings.
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Apply sunscreen both before and during an outdoor party. Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause both premature aging and skin cancer in the long term, and a painful burn the next day. Even those with darker skin should use a sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF).
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Check prescription medications you are taking to assure you will not have a sun-sensitizing drug reaction to the medication.
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If you’ll be hiking or camping in an area where ticks are abundant, wear long-sleeved, light-colored shirts and long pants tucked into socks or boots to protect yourself from tick-borne diseases. For your skin, you can use a tick repellent with no more than 30% DEET according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Products containing DEET should not be used on children less than 2 months of age and should not be applied to the hands or face of young children. Check yourself (and your pets) for ticks at the end of the day.
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Spend adequate time indoors or in the shade and drink plenty of fluids to avoid heat illness in extremely hot climates. The risk of heat-related illness is increased when participating in strenuous activity or sports, and those with chronic medical conditions and the elderly are also at an increased risk of heat exhaustion and/or heat stroke. Alcohol consumption can also promote dehydration and increase the risk.
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Keep children away from campfires and grills. Gas leaks, blocked tubes, and overfilled propane tanks can be a cause of grill fires and explosions.
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Don’t leave the picnic spread out all day. Allowing food to sit in outdoor temperatures can invite food-borne illness. The U.S. FDA suggests never leaving food out for more than one hour when the temperature is above 90 F and not more than two hours at other times. Foods that need to be kept cold should be placed in a cooler with plenty of ice or freezing packs and held at a maximum temperature of 40 F. While mayonnaise and other egg dishes are often associated with food poisoning, any food can potentially become contaminated. Adequate hand washing and food preparation can also help prevent food poisoning.
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You Choose the Shoes – Summer Style Sneakers
Hey guys, I know it’s not a new month but it is close enough so I wanted to throw in this extra edition of “You Choose the Shoes” Summer Style Sneakers.
Summer is here and I am now a bit more casual in my attire, however, I do still wear dresses and skirts to work. To be honest I really don’t like shorts but find capri pants are a bit more flattering on me.
This was what I wore on one of my free Saturdays when I needed to hit the streets and run a few errands.
I chose to wear sneakers instead of sandals but couldn’t decide which pair looked best. Do you like the floral prints or the stripes with these comfy, casual capri pants?
There’s not much to say about the outfit other than it was perfect for the weekend and it was my favorite color – black!
The Tablet carrier is from Avon but purchased a few years ago, therefore, am not sure if it’s still available.
How about you, do you prefer lace up sneakers, slide-on sneakers or no sneakers in the summer?
I hope you and the family have a wonderful 4th of July Holiday weekend!
Eat – Drink and Be Merry – but most of all be safe!
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As most of you know, I teach Basic Blogging and Social Media Savvy Workshops for The Money School of Delaware. These workshops are usually held at the Bear Library, close to home in Middletown.
However, last week I taught a workshop at the New Castle Library in Old New Castle which is a beautiful, quaint little town about 30 minutes from my home.
The class was very interactive and I was glad that all of these “future Delaware bloggers” came out on such a beautiful day. Because it was such a beautiful Saturday, after the workshop, Beverly Powers, an attendee, author and friend of mine decided to have lunch, stroll through the town and then take a walk through Battery Park.
We decided to have lunch at Jessop’s Tavern a small Colonial Style restaurant where I ordered a delicious salad topped with shrimp and Beverly ordered the same but with salmon.
The salads were both large enough to satisfy our hunger as well as filling enough to justify the walk down to Battery Park.
We stopped along to way to take pictures as I had never been to Old New Castle during the day and after living in Delaware for over 30 years it was fun being a tourist in my own state.
Old New Castle is a beautiful place so the next time I visit, I will ask hubby if he would care to join me.
As a matter of fact, starting in July there will be free summer concerts in Battery Park on Wednesdays, so we will definitely come back for one of them.
It was a bit windy once we got to Battery Park but there were a lot of people out and about either walking, having a family picnic, reading, or just relaxing on a park bench enjoying the beautiful sunshine. We took the opportunity to take more pictures and to broadcast few Facebook Livestream videos.
As we returned to our vehicles we peeked into the windows of several stores that were closed due to the lateness of the day.
We picked up a tourist brochure which were available outside of the Mayor’s office and read about the Historic New Castle Heritage Trail with tours on Wednesday through Sunday. These audio self-guided tours are also available online at newcastlehistory.org
It was fun being a tourist in my state of Delaware and I will definitely make plans to come back when the shoppes are open.
How about you, have you ever been a tourist in your own town?
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2. Do your work when everyone else is sleeping
