DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘commuting’

Pumping in Plastic – My Gas Station Germ Phobia

Wellness Wednesday

Hello Friends, I hope all is well in your world.

I bet if you asked the question “where is the “Happiest Place on Earth”,  most people would respond Florida, right? But how about if you asked this question, “where is the germiest place on Earth”

I don’t know about you, but for me it’s at the gas station, but it’s not the gas station’s bathrooms, it’s the gas station’s gas pumps! With a 100 mile daily commute I am at a gas station at least twice a week filling up, just follow me on Swarm/Foursquare to get an idea.  And it’s because I’m there so often I sometimes wonder about the person who used the tank handle before me and if the gas station attendants regularly clean the handles. pumping with plastic

 

Just the thought of touching all those germs from the millions of hands grosses me out to the max!  That is why I keep plastic gloves in my glove box, after all, that’s where gloves are supposed to be kept – right?  I also have a box of gloves hanging by the back door at home so I can grab a few if I run out of the ones in the car.

pumping gas in plastic gloves

I know people have stared at me at the pumps, but I don’t care and I feel better knowing that I am not getting or spreading germs at these pumps.  Afterall, with all these viruses and diseases being spread around it’s better to be safe than sorry.

What say you, do you have a germ phobia?  

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Thankful Thursday | Car Buying with AAA

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!

Thursday is the best day of the week because it gives me an opportunity to share one of my many blessings and to also read some of yours. I am not shy when it comes to talking about being blessed by the best, nor acknowledging that I know from where those blessings flow.

I do not discriminate and respect all cultures, beliefs, and religions.

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Last week as I was leaving work the TCS warning light illuminated on my dashboard, it was the 2nd time in less than 2 months.  I have had a 2005 Hyundai Sonata with over 187K miles and it’s timing belt should have been replaced at 120K miles.  I drive 100 miles per day, every day in all types of weather, and that car has gotten me safely to work in West Chester, PA every day since 2005 with no problems.

 

2005 Hyundai Sonata

2005 Hyundai Sonata

I drove the car directly to Middletown Car Care to be serviced and the next day anxiously waited for the diagnosis and repair cost.   Fortunately, the timing belt could wait but there was another more severe problem, the engine needed replacing – long story short, she wasn’t coming back home.  I must admit that the Sonata gave me more miles than expected and for that I will always be a loyal Hyundai car owner. Hyundai logo

Not anticipating the urgent need to purchase yet another vehicle on an already tight budget, I took to Twitter to ask AAA and AARP to assist me in finding car buying savings. In 2005 I used the AAA online car buying service to purchase the Sonata and once again they came through with an immediate response.  The link directed me to not only another Hyundai, but in the exact price range that we could afford and at a dealership I knew and trusted. #blessed

New Car Purchase at Carman

Less than 5 mins after completing the online contact form, I received a phone call from a friendly representative and made an appointment to see the vehicle that evening after work.  My husband and son met me at Carman Ford Lincoln in New Castle where we spoke to Doug Walton, the Sales Consultant,  and he along with the business manager, Bob made the purchase a pleasant and stress free experience.

After giving Doug the AAA Car Buying Certificate which contained the guaranteed, no hassle price, in less than 2 hours we were home with our new/used car with a payment that we could afford. #blessed

Thank you AAA and Carman Ford, it was by far the best car buying experience given the fact that we were totally unprepared to make this major purchase, no buyer’s remorse here!

Yes, I am sad that my car died, but feel truly blessed knowing that it could have been worse.  The Sonata could have died while I was on the road traveling to or from work, in a snow storm, at night or not even having the funds to replace it.

I am truly thankful and blessed by the best!

Hyundai 2005 Sonata

Bye Bye 2005 Sonata – thank you – you will be missed!

Hyundai 2010 Accent

Hello Accent – welcome to the family!

As always, I am thankful for my family, friends and faith.

Now it’s your turn – what are you thankful for this week?

I’m a socializing this afternoon over at Katherine’s for her weekly

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

Be Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

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Texting Tuesday in the Cold

Hello Friends and Happy Texting Tuesday

I recently read an article about touch screen gloves by The North Face company that allows users to use their Smartphones to text in the cold weather without having to remove them.  Being the frugal fashionista that I am, I doubt if I’ll ever purchase a pair considering the $45 cost and the fact that I really do not need them.  I don’t live in New York City or Philadelphia, my commute is in the car which of course is a no texting while driving zone, so for the short amount of time I do spend outdoors, I think my fingers can handle it.

Texting in the cold

Today’s dress for less outfit is accented by a pink suede jacket from GW Boutique (Goodwill) and faux suede loafers from Wally World (Walmart) that I DIY studded.

DIY Studded Loafers

Pink is obviously one of my favorite colors as evidenced by my OtterBox cell phone shell.

Thrifted Suede Jacket from Goodwill

Slacks and scarf are closet staples and polka dot top is also thrifted from GW Boutique.

Slacks and Scarf - closet staples

Cell Phone Shell from OtterBox

What do you think, would you purchase a pair of the touchscreen gloves or do you already have a pair?

Today I am linking up with Thrifters Anonymous.

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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WIWW – Totally Thrifted Turtlenecks

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday

I have been sticking to my resolution of enjoying each day to it’s fullest and not just living for the weekend, however, to be honest, I am looking forward to Saturday!  The days are getting longer so there’s more light during my evening commute, but it’s still a tiring commute so it’s only the weekends that I get to sleep in.

Today’s outfit with the exception of the animal print booties was totally thrifted from GW Boutique during their 20% off sale.

Totally Thrifted

 

I picked up a few turtleneck sweaters even though I don’t particularly like how they emphasis my turkey neck, they do keep me warm.  Mustard is one of my favorite colors and this Talbot’s sweater has just the right amount of stretch so I don’t feel like I’m being choked.

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 I fell in love with this belt but even more so with the price – $1.00 #winning

Just like black shoes, you can never have too many pairs of black pants and these are also Talbot’s.  The booties were purchased at the Deb Shop last year at the Exton Square Mall.

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 So the grand total for today’s outfit minus the booties was $6.80!

Have you thrifted a good deal lately?

I’m linking up with some other thrifty fashionistas over at Thrifters Anonymous and Style Link Up

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014

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Wine 2 Water

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!

2014 is the year that I will be celebrating my 53rd birthday, and for that I am thankful.  I am also thankful for my family, my friends, my faith and my health. Thankful that I don’t have any major medical issues but I do have a few concerns which I will address this year.

Water does a body good My number one concern is the lack of drinking water…not the lack of having fresh tap or bottled water like in some countries, but the lack of me actually drinking it.

 

Why Your Body Needs Water I am smart enough to know that my body needs water, but am not smart enough to drink more than just one 16.9 oz bottle a day!

I’m dehydrated and have begun to get the sharp pains, it’s like my kidneys are kicking me in the back and saying, “hey stupid, put down that wine and drink more water!”

According to the For Dummies website, “You must have water in your diet. It is brimming with minerals and electrolytes, and you can’t live without it. Water is a solvent. It dissolves other substances and carries nutrients and other material (such as blood cells) around the body, making it possible for every organ to do its job.”   Bottled Water

The #1 reason I don’t drink more water is because I’ve always had an overactive bladder which doesn’t bode well with a long commute, I would however, make a good spokesperson for Depends.  In order to prevent me from having to stop at a restroom on the way home, I’ll only drink 1 bottle with lunch.

Once home I conveniently forget to drink more and instead will have a few glasses of Red Wine which may be good for the heart but it makes my kidneys quite jealous.

This year I have made the wise decision to drink more water and to make sure I won’t forget, I’ll put it in a wine glass and add a few lemon slices.  This should be a good motivator, what do you think?

Do you have any other suggestions that will help me drink more water?

Water is good for the body

How about you, do you drink the recommended daily amounts of water?

BTW – did you notice my new blog design?  I want to thank Katherine @ Katherine’s Corner who created it for me.  

Come over and meet her then join in today’s link up!

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Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in the New Year

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Snow Storm, Sunshine, and a Sunset in Summit Farms

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday

Today many people in the Northeast are digging themselves out from under the results of the first major snow storm of the new year.  Snowstorm Hercules caused a lot of problems for many travelers up and down the eastern seaboard and today we are experiencing dangerously low temperatures and high winds causing snow drifts.  

Thursday afternoon I left work early to get a jump on the impending storm and made it home safely before any major snow began to fall. However, it was well before 8:00 pm when the intensity of the snow increased and calls from the School Districts began.  I decided to use a PTO day in order to avoid a long and possible 3 hour commute into work on Friday. SnowStorm Collage

The snow continued throughout the night and into the early morning which excited hubby because he would finally be able to use his snow blower! He purchased a Craftsman Snow Blower three years ago after the big storm of 2010, but it went unused due to the extremely mild winters that followed.

Snow Day 2014

Like a kid with a new toy, he stayed out so long that the tips of his fingers began to tingle.  Did he use the extra gloves and hand warmers that I threw out to him – nope ~ oh well, too bad, so sad!

Snow Day 2014

Snow Day 2014 010 Despite the intense cold and blustery winds I ran outside a few times to capture the beauty of the day.

Snow Day 2014

These scenes from the back deck and pool made me think – CAN’T WAIT FOR SPRING!

SnowStorm 2014

 

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The beauty of the snow was only intensified by God’s gift of light!

Sunshine and Snow in Summit Farms

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Where you affected by snowstorm, and if so, how did you spend the day?

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in the New Year!

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Thankful Thursday

Hello Friends and Happy

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This week I am thankful for so much including:

 watching my son win a Silver Medal in his first wrestling tournament

 capturing a beautiful  Saturday Sunset

 attending a Festive Family Holiday Party

attending Sunday Service and getting out before the big snowstorm

making it safely to work in the snow despite the 3 1/2 hour commute

 of course my family, friends and faith!

Malik's Wrestling Match

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Route 202 Commute

Now it’s your turn – what are you thankful for this week?  

Come on over and link up with other Thankful Divas 

Divas with a Purpose

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Walking Dead Monday Blues

Hello Friends and Happy Monday

Today is Columbus Day so most schools and Federal offices are closed, unfortunately I am no longer in school nor do I work for the Federal Government so I had to go to work.  Fortunately, without the school buses and heavy traffic the drive in wasn’t too bad, but I’m sure it won’t be the same heading home.

Oh well, at least it’s not raining – Happy Blue Monday!

Last night before the season’s premier of The Walking Dead I was able to press out a lot of clothes including  my outfits for the week.  Today’s Dressing for Less outfit is dedicated to The Walking Dead because I feel like a zombie after staying up to watch The Talking Dead, then 2 episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

In case you are wondering…I slept like a baby because horror doesn’t bother me which is why October if my favorite month for television watching, especially Halloween night.  My all time favorite horror movie is the original 1968, black and white version of Night of the Living Dead…a classic…”Barbara, they are coming to get you!”

Are you a fan(atic) of  The Walking Dead if so, what did think of  last night’s premier – too much too soon?  Why did they have to kill off  Greg from #EverybodyHatesChris ?  Yuck, he coughed that virus into the communal water basin..uh oh!  Twitter was blowing up last night with all kinds of theories, this is going to be a roller coaster season!

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These shoes definitely don’t have me walking like a Zombie!  If you are looking for fashionable yet comfortable pumps – contact your Avon Rep or check out my Avon website because these shoes are SUPER COMFORTABLE! 

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Purse is also Avon (mark)

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Sleeveless Shift dress was thrifted from Goodwill and George Sweater from Walmart.

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Are you a fan of horror movies, and if so, what is your all time favorite?

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God’s Greatest Gift To Man Is Light

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay

Today’s “Friday Foodie Feature” is being preempted by these images which I captured this morning from my driveway.

As I sat in the car saying my “commuting prayer” I looked up to see a beautiful sun filled sky.  I immediately stopped praying, grabbed the camera from the back seat and snapped three pictures.  It was a few minutes past 8:00 am, and running late as usual I didn’t take time to review them.  The sun was so bright while taking these pictures I couldn’t really see what I had shot.

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Everyday when I get to work the first thing I do is read “Our Daily Bread” Devotion of the day.  I hadn’t planned on viewing the pictures until later but when I saw the title of today’s devotion – THE GIFT OF LIGHT, I was filled with chills!

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Now if you look at the pictures again you will notice red spots, strategic in their placement which may have come from the glare on the camera lens…

…but take a look at these cell phone pictures that I took last Saturday night as we crossed the Delaware Memorial Bridge a little after 8:00 p.m.

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Are these my Guardian Angels?

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God's Greatest Gift To Man Is Light

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay

Today’s “Friday Foodie Feature” is being preempted by these images which I captured this morning from my driveway.

As I sat in the car saying my “commuting prayer” I looked up to see a beautiful sun filled sky.  I immediately stopped praying, grabbed the camera from the back seat and snapped three pictures.  It was a few minutes past 8:00 am, and running late as usual I didn’t take time to review them.  The sun was so bright while taking these pictures I couldn’t really see what I had shot.

OOTD 8 23 13 028 OOTD 8 23 13 030 OOTD 8 23 13 032

Everyday when I get to work the first thing I do is read “Our Daily Bread” Devotion of the day.  I hadn’t planned on viewing the pictures until later but when I saw the title of today’s devotion – THE GIFT OF LIGHT, I was filled with chills!

OOTD 8 23 13 034

Now if you look at the pictures again you will notice red spots, strategic in their placement which may have come from the glare on the camera lens…

…but take a look at these cell phone pictures that I took last Saturday night as we crossed the Delaware Memorial Bridge a little after 8:00 p.m.

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Are these my Guardian Angels?

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