DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘breast cancer awareness’

2016 KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

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. 

at the Embassy Suites

events at the Embassy Suites

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.  KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

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.

  KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

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

cancer conference at Embassy Suites

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

  workshop presenters

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

  KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

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 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

KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

cancer conference at Embassy Suites

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

KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

  KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

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 cancer conference at Embassy Suites cancer conference at Embassy Suites

  we wore white after Labor Day

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

chair massages KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

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

KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference KaleidoscopeDE Cancer Conference

vendors at the Cancer Conference the gift of friendship

13 Comments

Empowering Our Sisters : Our Journey to Wellness

Saturday I attended the 3rd Annual Health, Wellness and Empowerment Summit presented by the Wilmington Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

The Empowering Our Sisters: Our Journey to Wellness event was held at the John H. Ammon Medical Education Center at the Christiana Hospital. 

I was invited to attend and to provide social media coverage by my “Sistah in Greekdom” Porsha Hargrove of Porsha Hargrove Consulting. 

Delta and Sigma Sisters

Delta Sigma Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho

 

Arriving early Saturday morning, I followed the directional signs to the designated parking area, which was quite far from the actual venue.  However, there was a shuttle bus waiting to transport us to the front door of the Education Center.

 

Delta Wellness Summit

 

The lobby quickly began filling up with over 100 women of all ages and races.  The registration tables were set up front and each attendee was greeted graciously and presented with a name badge and a reusable bag. 

Inside the bag there were a few chatskis as well as a program folder which contained the full Summit Schedule, a Health Guide, Health Score Card, and Emergency Prepare a Kit, lined paper for notes and an Evaluation Form.

Registration Desk Deltas

Also in the lobby were Exhibitor tables with health and wellness information including FREE Health Screenings and an opportunity to get additional raffle tickets for the various prize drawings throughout the day.

Exhibitors at Summit health screeners Delta Wellness Summit

Long tables held Continental Breakfast goodies such as bagels, Belvita Biscuits and fruit, as well as WaWa Coffee which I made my way over to because you know me, my favorite flavor of WaWa coffee is Hazelnut.

lovely Deltas Continental breakfast

breakfast foods

The program began with a Welcome and Acknowledgements from Karen Bostick, Chapter President and Linda Thomas, President, followed by an Invocation by the Reverend Natalie Alford from Trinity AME Church in Middletown, DE. 

Delta Sigma Theta member Delta Sigma Theta member

Sarah Harrison, Health Summit Chair presented the purpose, objectives and an introduction of the moderator then the young ladies ages 11-17 relocated to another room outside of the auditorium. 

Delta Sigma Theta member

Their Empowerment Workshop Sessions was being presented by One Village Alliance, “Girls Can Do Anything”, and for those of us older than 18, we stayed in the main auditorium.

Delta Wellness Summit

Delta Wellness Summit

There were many wonderful speakers who spoke on various important health issues including the Top Cancers in Delaware and the Interconnectivity of Spiritual, Emotional/Mental and Physical Health and Wellness. 

Delta Health Summit

Microphones were set up on the floor giving attendees an opportunity to ask questions or respond to questions posed by the moderators. 

Delta Wellness Summit Delta's Wellness Summit presenters at the Wellness Summit

Love Congo, a Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor spoke of her journey and her inspirational message touched us all. 

breast cancer survivor testimonial

A mini break gave us an opportunity to visit the exhibitors, network, participate in the FREE health screenings or just grab another cup of coffee, water, juice or run to the restroom.

The “Prize Patrol” was on duty during the breaks and there were some really wonderful giveaways – unfortunately, I didn’t win any of them! Breast Cancer Wellness Summit Wellness Seminar Delta Wellness Summit

 

Lunch was provided by Zoup.com and it was a well prepared and delicious box lunch containing a variety of soups, sandwiches and salads. 

Zoup.com

The Keynote Speaker, Rita Choula, Senior Advisor, AARP spoke on “Empowering the Caregiver” which is a hot button topic in today’s society and Delaware is leading the charge on working with caregivers of cancer patients.

speakers at the summit

The highlight of the day was the Fashion Show, which was moderated by Cheris Lockett and Donametria Stallings, Miss DSU. 

 

The fashion show models were physicians, health care providers, survivors and young sisters all of which did their thing on the Runway, it was beautiful!

 

Fashion Show moderators

Fashion Show models Delta 33

 

I would like to thank the lovely ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Wilmington Chapter for hosting this Health, Wellness and Empowerment Summit and look forward to next year’s event.  

Please use the hashtag #DeltaWellness2016 to see even more pictures posted to my Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.

Delta love

 

Delta Sorors

Delta Summit

A special thank you to my fellow Social Media Diva, Lorena and of course my “Sistah in Greekdom”, Porsha Hargrove for inviting me!

women doing it big in Social Media

1 Comment

You Choose the Shoes ~ Season 2 ~ Week 8

Hello friends and welcome to week 8 of “You Choose the Shoes”

 

Last week I actually did try to rearrange my closet, pulling out the winter wear in exchange for the Spring and Summer shoes, but I didn’t get too far.  Hopefully, on Monday, Memorial Day I will get it all done.  

 

Before we begin, I would like to ask for your prayers as we say goodbye and prepare to bury yet another cousin on Saturday who lost her battle with breast cancer #ihatecancer   

Our cousin Renee’ was a beautiful, kind, loving and spiritual woman and I know she is looking over us all.  I am going to dedicate a separate post to her once all is said in done, because I want to honor her husband and children as well.

pinkribbon renee

This week’s contenders are Patent Leather wedges – versus- Patent Leather pumps

YCTS Week 8 avi

I remember wearing, and as a matter of fact I still have a pair of my patent leather Easter shoes from childhood.  They were the squeakiest shoes ever made but when you shined them with Vaseline…watch out world…you were as sharp as a tack!

 

This is one of my favorite dresses, I purchased it for Tayair’s High School graduation in 2010.  The purse is a recent purchase from Walmart #WearWalmart  Speaking of Walmart, did you see my spread on their website…I’m in my “big girl panties” – click the picture in the sidebar to be taken to the advertisement and video.  I am still in amazement of it all!

YCTS Week 8

YCTS Week 8

Okay, back to the shoes, the patent leather wedges were thrifted from Goodwill and the pumps are Mossimo via Target.  As you can see, hubby was at it again…

hubby takes my pics

The bracelet was purchased from a Clair’s in the mall and the necklace was a gift from hubby.

YCTS Week 8

YCTS Week 8 035

So which pair works better with this outfit?

YCTS Week 8 YCTS Week 8
Thank you all for voting last week…and the winners were….the granny booties!

WINNER WEEK 7

 

Don’t forget to check out my new blog – Blogging with Blake and Youtube channel…oh and I also have an app, so download it from Google Play for some great coupons, rewards and savings!  

I hope your day is as beautiful as you are!

Blogging with Blake Header

 

6 Comments

I HATE CANCER!

Five years ago, I rushed from Delaware to New York to be late and miss my cousin’s funeral and burial – it was done on purpose…I didn’t want to see her…I didn’t want to say, “goodbye”.

She didn’t fight long but she fought hard!

Damn It – I HATE CANCER

I MISS YOU CUZ – REST IN HEAVEN UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN!

In memory of Debra, I participated in the annual Making Strides to end breast cancer, 3K walk in Wilmington, DE sponsored by the American Cancer Society. I was invited by a friend who is a big supporter of Breast Cancer Awareness and our group’s name was the “Crafty Walkers”. My heart and mind was full and I truly felt Debra’s presence as we walked on a gorgeous Sunday – thank you God. The sea of pink, of men and women; toddlers and teenagers; young and old; black and white; able and disabled all walking, strolling or running for the same cause was a beautiful thing.

Rest in heaven my beautiful Angel.

20121022-225240.jpg

20121022-225250.jpg

20121022-225257.jpg

20121022-225304.jpg

20121022-225310.jpg

Linking up this month with BLMGirlsGoPink – hop on over and meet some great bloggers – read inspirational stories as well as breast health tips.

 

http://www.linkytools.com/wordpress_list.aspx?id=167024&type=basic

11 Comments

OOTD – Dressing Through A Flash

Put on brown, sleeveless dress thrifted from Goodwill to be worn with pink and brown paisley denim jacket also thrifted from Goodwill…

Flash starts….take off dress… throw into hamper…

Put on grey, flair skirt with black and white polka dot top thrifted from Goodwill, add black belt…

Wipe forehead…

Pull off skirt … throw onto bed…

Put on grey pencil skirt, change belt to orange one thrifted from Goodwill…try on shoes…

Turn on fan…take off shoes….start makeup…stop

Pull off polka dot top and belt…throw onto floor…

Put on cotton, grey, cowl neck purchased from Marshalls…plug in curling wand…

Look into full length mirror and see a stuffed sausage….pull off skirt and cowl neck throw on top of hamper…

Go into closet, look up, look left…pull down black maxi skirt…look right…pull down a different polka dot top thrifted from Goodwill….

Add red skinny belt from Ross…

Curl hair and finish makeup…

Kick Madden Girls shoes from Marshalls under the bed…put on open toe Rocket Dogs from The Shoe Dept and leave bathroom

45 minutes late to work!

Happy Thursday my friends, I hope your day started better than mine!!! Smooches

Linking up with Coffee & Cardigans – Hop on over and meet a new blogger today.

6 Comments

OOTD – Tuesday Then & Now

Hello friends and Happy Tuesday.  Today’s outfit is a dress that was previously worn in August, also on a Tuesday (here).  Transitioning it from summer to autumn by adding a faux leather jacket and peep toe shoes replaced with leather pumps.  The jacket was thrifted from Goodwill and the pumps are Carlos Santana, which I didn’t realize when I found them at The Salvation Army.  These pumps are classic, timeless and very comfortable.

If you follow me on Instagram (ablake48) you know that I’m participating in #pinkfor31days, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  We are wearing pink nail polish for the month of October and I started with Revlon’s Fuchsia Fever.  I’ve lost 2 cousins and an aunt to this deadly disease and have 5 cousins who are breast cancer survivors.  A co-worker is now fighting her second bout after being in remission for over 10 years!  If  you are over 40 and haven’t scheduled your annual mammogram yet, please do so today, I’m scheduled for next week.

 

Have a fantabulous day and don’t forget to schedule your mammogram appointment – Smooches!

4 Comments

OOTD – Tuesday Then & Now

Hello friends and Happy Tuesday.  Today’s outfit is a dress that was previously worn in August, also on a Tuesday (here).  Transitioning it from summer to autumn by adding a faux leather jacket and peep toe shoes replaced with leather pumps.  The jacket was thrifted from Goodwill and the pumps are Carlos Santana, which I didn’t realize when I found them at The Salvation Army.  These pumps are classic, timeless and very comfortable.

If you follow me on Instagram (ablake48) you know that I’m participating in #pinkfor31days, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  We are wearing pink nail polish for the month of October and I started with Revlon’s Fuchsia Fever.  I’ve lost 2 cousins and an aunt to this deadly disease and have 5 cousins who are breast cancer survivors.  A co-worker is now fighting her second bout after being in remission for over 10 years!  If  you are over 40 and haven’t scheduled your annual mammogram yet, please do so today, I’m scheduled for next week.

 

Have a fantabulous day and don’t forget to schedule your mammogram appointment – Smooches!

4 Comments

Flea Market Finds

One of the best things about going to a Flea Market is finding different and unique items not sold in stores.  At Flea Markets you can mostly find used household items and mass produced knickknacks, jewelry and clothing.  However, there are occasions when you come across unique and original hand made items. “Design-A-Can” is a kisok owned and operated by Lolita, a friend from high school.  In her kiosk she carries mass produced items, but she also sells hand sewn bottle and can covers.  Last week she had completely sold out the can covers and was filling the display cases with these cute bottle covers.  They are individually hand sewn dresses that are made to cover a normal size bottle of dish washing liquid.   How cute are they, there wouldn’t be a need to hide your soap under the sink with it wearing one of these dresses.

The dress covers are individual and unique sewn in fabric that would appeal to anyone including people of different political parties.   She also sells President Obama T-Shirts, sunglasses, caps and key chains; Breast Cancer Awareness items; children’s toys, and games; scarves and hair accessories, a little something for everyone.   If sports is more of your interest she has pillows and blankets with NFL, NHL, and NBA logos.   However, one of the cutest items I saw was the “Sunday Church Hat” hair clips which can also be worn as a scarf or lapel pin.  She doesn’t make these herself but they would be perfect accessories to jazz up a suit, or hat when attending church or special family gathering.

If you are planning a special event like a birthday party, a Bridal Shower, a Super Bowl or Sports party, or even Fraternity/Sorority gathering, Lolita will accept special orders and create a unique item to make it an even more memorable.  Design-A-Can kiosk is open on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, so if you are in Dover go to Spencer’s Bazaar and check her out or let me know and I’ll contact her for you.

2 Comments

Back To School Shopping At Goodwill

Last week I saw a post on the GoodwillDE Facebook page that featured items from their Kirkwood Highway store, I’ve never been to that location and wanted to check it out.  So on Friday I rode with Tayair to Newark where he  attended a picnic sponsored by The Community Connectors and then I drove to Goodwill (saving gas) to shop.  Malik returns to school on the 28th and I found him some new shirts and polos for $5.00 and $6.00 each.

On this trip I was only looking for fall and winter items because Goodwill is now selling their summer items at 50% every Tuesday.

Bill Blass Shirt

Izod Polo

haggar polo

haggar polo

100% Wool Argyle Sweater – $5.00

Short Sleeve Polo Shirts – $3.75 each

Perfect for Breast Cancer Awareness Day at school

Sweater Vest which he likes to show off his muscular arms!! – $1.88

These 2 skirts made great additions to my fall wardrobe and I will wear them with tights and boots when the weather cools. – $6.00 each

This black mock neck sweater was a bit pricey at $8.00, but I liked the silver buckles across the front, I washed it in a lingerie bag on the hand wash cycle it came out perfectly.

These animal print pants was a last minute decision and I’m not sure if I will wear them, but if I do, it will be with a long sweater and boots -$3.75

.

Finally this sleeveless top is a transitional piece that I will wear now and then under a blazer in the fall and winter – $3.75

6 Comments