Posts Tagged ‘christmas’
This review & giveaway was made possible by Double Duty Divas and YesVideo. I received the featured service free of charge to facilitate my review, but all opinions are 100% mine.
Hello friends, I hope all is well in your world.
For me, the countdown is on with Malik leaving for Bowie State University on Wednesday, and the pit in my stomach steadily growing. Where did those 18 years go? It seems like it was just yesterday when we brought him home from the hospital, a newborn, dependent on me for everything. Those memories are so very important which is why I recently had 3 videos transferred from VHS to DVD by YesVideo.
As you can see I have a lot of 8mm tapes as well as a bunch of VHS tapes in the basement so choosing only 3 proved to be bit of a challenge. Naturally, after celebrating our 24th Anniversary last week I wanted to transfer the Wedding Video because this tape brings back so many happy memories as well as tears.
My sister Gloria, who was my Maid of Honor and Ed, hubby’s Best Man are now both deceased, as are many other relatives including my grandmother and his mother so I definitely wanted to preserve that tape.
The other two tapes that I chose included Malik’s first few days home from the hospital and Tayair’s reaction to him which is hilarious. Seeing Tayair play with his father and watching my grandmother play with the boys is heart warming.
Birthday parties for them as well as for my grandmother, their great-grandmother, were truly some special times. Opening presents on Christmas morning before Santa was unmasked had some laugh-out-loud moments and now we get to watch them not only on a DVD but also online.
These memories can also be shared with other family members and friends via a link attached in an email or to a Facebook page. You know who will be getting a link in their email while away at Bowie!
One thing that really surprised me while viewing the videos online was the quality of the original VHS tapes. YesVideo did a great job with the transfer and they even included a bonus feature of music video clips, but the quality of the originals were really bad.
You don’t realize that after 18-24 years of storing what was once modern technology appeared to be as old as an episode of “I Love Lucy!” Therefore, I will definitely be ordering more VHS to DVD transfers. We had a wonderful time sitting together as a family laughing AND crying while watching these priceless family moments.
The DVDs are divided into chapters with mini pictures on the cover so that we can easily choose what “episode” that we want to see or share.
Thanks to YesVideo, I am excited to announce a Giveaway for a $50 YesVideo Gift Card so that one of you guys can also have a VHS tape transferred to a DVD. The giveaway is running for one week only, and will end at midnight on 8/28/14, so hurry and enter today, then spread the word.
What priceless memories would you want to preserve?
Check out the episode of Malik playing videographer…I am really going to miss this guy!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday
Can you believe that it was just a week ago today when we were preparing for New Year’s festivities and the week before that Christmas – are you serious – the holidays are over already?
As I sit writing this post the snow is falling with a vengeance for what is to be the first major snow storm of 2014, and it’s name is Hercules.
I changed the calendar, #2 son and hubby returned to school, I returned to work but it seemed too soon – the holidays are over! No more shopping, wrapping or singing Christmas Carols. I already miss the TV specials, Charlie Brown Christmas, It’s A Wonderful Life and the Twilight Zone Marathon…are you serious the holidays are over already?
Purse | Avon ~ Animal Print Booties | Deb Shops
Ring | Avon
Slacks | Boscov’s ~ Top | Goodwill ~ Suit Jacket | Value City
What will you miss most about the holidays?
Are you styling and profiling today? If so, come show it off at Style Sessions Fashion Link Up.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in the New Year!
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Hello Friends and Happy Monday
I trust you all had a wonderful weekend and I know most of you are still on holiday which probably made it even better. Did you hit the stores and do a little more shopping or did you just stay home and relax?
I went back to work on Thursday but took off on Friday and it was mah-va-lous, I put on a pair of leggings, a tunic and no makeup, it was great.
Christmas 2013 was very nice, a little quieter than in previous years but never the less it was nice being together as a family. None of us got up before 10, and after opening our gifts we spent a lazy day watching “A Christmas Story“, eating and napping.
This was my husband’s first try at stocking stuffing and I had to laugh because mine looked as though it threw up a scarf! The Moscato was a gift from Pockets Discount Liquors and I will popping it open on New Year’s Eve.
A stadium chair for those hard bleachers at Malik’s wrestling matches; Philadelphia Eagles car mats for Tayair and another jewelry box to help me organize the top of my dresser.
Tayair received a US Polo Assn jacket and the Polaroid A8 Tablet that I purchased from Walgreens.
Baltimore Raven’s pajama bottoms, a US Polo Assn jacket and heavy duty car mats for al-Malik.
Socks (thrown a-la A Christmas Story), Old Spice and a Fireproof Safe
A bathrobe and a Gillette Set
Earrings, animal printer slippers and a watch from my mini-men
Warm tops and Hot Sauces
Gift Cards and Stockings full of sweets and a toothbrush!
Hubby would love for me to wear the scarf this way…but I say, “no way”!
Some things never change!
How was your Christmas?
Blog Hopping with Maria @ Monday Mingle
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Hello Friends and Happy Kwanzaa!
I trust you all had an enjoyable and peaceful Christmas and that you received everything you wanted.
Today is the first day of Kwanzaa and the first principle is Umoja or “Unity”. As you go about your day I ask that you spread a little kindness with a smile or a simple “how do you do”. This can make someone’s day brighter because we are all in this crazy mixed-up world together!
The last day of Kwanzaa is January 1st and if you have plans of going out for New Year’s Eve you’re probably in need of a new outfit.
As a stylist with the Goodwill 2014 Runway Show I’ve had the opportunity to pull together outfits for the various models. I’ve also pulled some dresses for the show that I think would be great for a New Year’s Eve event.
All of these dresses were under $20.00, most were only $5.00, so if you broke the bank at Christmas you can definitely save money for New Years.
Whether you’ll be dancing and prancing or just sitting and staring at others on the dance floor, you’ll look good doing it in a new dress or gown from Goodwill. Accessories such as new shoes, scarves, jewelry and handbags can also be found at your local Goodwill.
As you can see, several of these dresses and shoes are new with the tags still attached. There are definitely bargains to be found at Goodwill and you’ll be giving back and helping others in your community not only with your purchases but with your donations as well.
So what do you think, will it be a “Breakfast At Tiffany’s” or “Sex in the City” type of night?
Have a wonderful time and be safe!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
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Hello Friends Merry Christmas Eve!
Do you remember the days when we would decorate and trim the tree on Christmas Eve, then we started the weekend after Thanksgiving, then moved it up to Thanksgiving night,
and now it’s like what…the day after Halloween?
If you are a regular follower of mine then you know that I didn’t start decorating until Saturday….so now my tree is going to stay up until Valentine’s Day!
I recently visited my favorite liquor store, Pockets Discount Liquors…no let me stop lying because if you also follow me on Foursquare you know I’m “The Mayor” of Pockets! Although I’m mainly a wino wine drinker, I do know others who enjoy something a wee bit more intoxicating so Sanjay and I came up with these “Tree Trimming Toddies”
Ignite the Night with Rum Chata and Fireball Cinammon Whiskey
If you prefer to wait until Christmas morning, try Rum Chata with French Toast or add a little to your Hot Chocolate!
20Grand Vodka Rose with Luc Belaire Rose’

Disarrono can be mixed with Rum and Champagne
Mojito Mix with your favorite Rum served over ice.
Jack Daniels Tennessee Cider (with caramel sauce and whipped cream)
Pinnacle Salted Caramel Vodka with Baileys over ice
Pinnacle Cinnamon Roll Vodka with Rum Chata or any clear soda i.e. Ginger Ale
Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine Apple Pie
So if like me you’re still up decorating, trimming the tree, and singing Christmas Carols loudly, please enjoy the night and remember to drink responsibly.
Do not walk home or drive if you’re under the influence and be careful while decorating for the holidays!
HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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‘Twas 4 days before Christmas and all through the house not a gift was purchased…no not one…nothing even wrapped. Was I in a panic…no, not me…no mall trip to navigate no whoa is me! I jumped in the Sonata and drove down the street, parked and got out and entered the big “V”…oh I mean the “W” Walgreens.
Long gone are the days of Santa and toys, I now have mini-men, they are no longer little boys. Safety and Life Skills are things that they need, a job application and gas money will be under the tree! ‘Tis the season for a few little gifts so they’ll have something to unwrap when they finally roll out of bed….after 12 noon if that!
A Polaroid Tablet for Son #1, he can take notes in class, read a book or just have fun.
Wrestling, lifting, or just watching TV…they definitely both needed one of these!
Son #2 is up texting all night so he needs help in getting up and a Bluetooth for no talking while driving (I know it didn’t rhyme this time).
What to get hubby…oh boy…what does he need…nothing really, except maybe me! Can’t go wrong with a gift card…one or maybe two and with Walgreen’s big selection that wasn’t too hard to do.
Food and drinks and a trip to Lowe’s will fit the bill, added a little Dove Body Wash and all is chill.
Last minute gifts are sure to be found and if you need any assistance just look around, or maybe someone will greet you as soon as you walk in the door.
I am so glad to finally be done, no stress…no hassle…actually it was kinda fun!
Now it’s time to head home and wrap up these gifts and place them neatly under our beautifully decorated tree!
If you have any last minute gift buying to do head over to your local Walgreens as most stores are open until midnight.
Happy Holidays!
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Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday
Can you believe that there are only 8 days until Christmas? Considering I haven’t started decorating or even shopped it’s definitely going by way too fast for me, I really need to get on the ball.
How about you, have you finished shopping and decorating? Are you baking and cooking up a storm? Are your weekends filled with parties and festivities? If not, why not host a holiday party of your own, a Festive Holiday Sweater Party it’s fun and is also for a good cause.
We all have old holiday sweaters from previous years. What if you could give those sweaters a new life and help support community programs in the process?
Through the AdCouncil’s campaign with Goodwill®, they have developed a new holiday resource that helps you do just that! It’s called Snapguide and it shows you how to host a Festive Holiday Sweater Party using clothing you already have or new clothes purchased from your local Goodwill.
The Snapguide walks you through the steps of hosting a holiday sweater party – from finding the perfect sweater to fit your personality using Goodwill’s online quiz and then getting outfitted at your local Goodwill store. After the party is over all your guests donates the sweaters back to support Goodwill’s mission in providing job training and community services to people in need.
All donations to Goodwill are charitable tax-deductions, including the festive holiday sweaters you donate back. Use Goodwill’s locator tool to find the nearest Goodwill location and the Donation Impact Calculator, shows how every item you give supports people who are seeking to earn jobs and build careers.
On Sunday I headed to our local Goodwill store on Kirkwood Highway and found some really nice sweaters for both men and women – what do you think? They can be jazzed up with holiday decorations or worn just as is.
Your Festive Holiday Sweater Party can be as casual or as glam as you’d like but I guarantee you will find something to fit the bill.
Last year, Goodwill provided employment training, job placement, financial education, youth mentoring and more to 6.7 million people in the United States and Canada. To see how the process works, just watch this “How We Do It PSA” and I’ll get to decorating!
Have a blessed day and don’t forget to share it – Smooches!
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This is a sponsored post for Minted.com, for more information please read my Disclosure Statement located in the top tab.
Hello Friends and Happy Sunday, I hope you enjoyed that extra hour of sleep!
Now we can talk about the holidays?
My grandmother loved to write and send out greeting cards, she would buy them for every holiday and special occasion. Each year she would send a Christmas card to her more than 20 grands and 40 great grandchildren, I still have boxes of them in storage.
Beginning in November, as soon as the holiday season began her first purchase would be for Christmas cards and they would be written and addressed before Thanksgiving. She loved writing little notes inside and did it every year up until 2008, when she could no longer after becoming bedridden. That year, I bought the cards and helped her write and address them and it was also the last time because she passed away in May 2009, at the age of 98.
One year we took a family picture that included her and put a copy of it into each of the cards and she absolutely loved it. I have often regretted that it didn’t become an annual tradition because it would have been nice for her grands and great-grandchildren to have those pictures today.
Minted.com is an online stationary company that provides consumers the opportunity to create their own uniquely designed photo holiday cards. I wish I had of known about Minted.com when my grandmother was still alive because I would have definitely ordered cards from them to send out to our family and friends.
If you are like me, you only keep the personalized photo cards and recycle the others so getting a card from Minted.com, would definitely be a keeper. Many of you have wonderful photography skills and these luxurious holiday cards are fully customizable to include your favorite family photo with a personalized greeting.
You can choose to use one photo or pick one of their multi photo cards to showcase all your family pictures. To further enhance your photos, all of the holiday cards are available in your choice of thick Signature paper, 100% recycled Premium paper, or on Pearlescent paper.
Excellent customer service will assist with any questions you may have including help with downloading your family photos. With Minted.com Address Assistant your recipient’s address can be printed on your envelopes at no additional charge giving them an even more elegant look.
This year I am going to do a family portrait because I have a feeling that my sons will be out and about doing their own thing soon, and I don’t want to miss out on yet another opportunity to create a special card.
Sign up for emails or follow Minted.com on Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter to be the first to know about their exclusive offers and new designs.
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday
Normally I am positive and upbeat but today I feel zapped – my energy level is low and the high anticipation of Christmas and New Years has waned – I AM TIRED! It’s because of all the death and destruction around us…from Hurricane Sandy to the massacres at Sandy Hook Elementary School- I am praying for strength and peace for our nation.
Not that it makes matters worse but I just realized that I last wore this skirt on 9/11 (see here)…things have definitely got to get better, being on vacation next week may help.
Norma Kamali cowl neck top and Valerie Bertinelli Maxi Skirt – Marshalls // Black Suede Studded boots – closet staple
Linking up today with Real Girl Style – hop on over and meet a new blogger
Prayers for all – Smooches!
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There are so many interpretations for today, 12 12 12, but only one fact ~ none of us will be alive to see another repeating-number-date!
I’ve read that the number 12 is prominent, 12 is a number of universal imports seen in our culture; 12 hours of the day, 12 months of the year, 12 in a dozen, 12 zodiac signs, 12 apostles, and 12 days of Christmas. There are suggestions to enjoy the beauty of the procession of the December holidays, starting by lighting miracles in the days of Hanukkah, leading to the gateway day of 12.12.12; stepping through the threshold of December 21, the Winter Solstice; walking into the 12 days of Christmas, and finally embracing the seven principles of Kwanzaa for a renewed human experience.
Whatever the interpretation, I do plan on doing something special by being extra kind to someone and paying it forward, it will be a small gesture to make this day bigger and more significant than the others.
Are you planning or have you done something special to mark this day?
Don’t forget that tonight is the 12-12-12 Concert to benefit victims of Hurricane Sandy – wonder what Kanye has to say about President Obama?
Have a fantabulous afternoon – Smooches!
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