Posts Tagged ‘Delaware’
Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday
Last Friday night at The Sheraton South in Wilmington, Goodwillde presented it’s 4th annual Runway Show and Boutique. Prior to the event, the lobby was filled with food, friendly faces and fantastic finds in the 2nd Hand Chic Boutique.
Lobby of Sheraton Hotel
The Second-hand Chic Boutique had fabulous clothing, shoes and accessories for less, and many items for men, women and children. These one of a kind, name brand items were hand-picked by Goodwill store managers and Runway stylists. A few of the brands included Ann Taylor Loft, Coach, and Marc Jacobs.
There was clothing, jewelry and accessories galore.
Attendees who posted to Facebook or tweeted @Goodwillde were eligible to win two VIP tickets to next year’s Runway Show.
After hair, makeup and a light lunch we were all ready to present a fantastic Runway Show.
Here are just a few of the highlights during the hair and make up sessions provided by students from Paul Mitchell The School of Delaware.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Frolicking, fun and photo bombing behind the scenes made for a super charged and highly energized Runway Show!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Audience participation and sponsorship by Bridget A. Erhard, CFP, Growth Inc., Wilmington University and WSTW made for a wonderful Runway Show with proceeds benefiting education scholarships for Goodwill employees.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
This was my first year as a Stylist for the Goodwillde Runway Show and it was an exciting and amazing event for which I was very proud to be a part of!
Thank you all for supporting Goodwill!
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Additional photos can be found at the Goodwillde website and tomorrow on Whitney Nic James’ Blog
Be Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
23 Comments
Hello Friends and Happy Last FriYay!
Bye-Bye February, pack up your snow gear and get to steppin, and don’t cha come back no more!
(well maybe same time next year, just keep those flurries at home)
By the time you read this, I’ll be enroute to the Sheraton Hotel in New Castle, Delaware deeply involved in the final preparations for tonight’s 2014 Goodwill Runway Show!
We have been preparing for this big event since last November and it has been both fun and exciting working with my models. Here are just a few pics of our shopping trips and rehearsals leading up to tonight’s show.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
I wish you all could be there to see the actual Runway Show, but look out for the highlights next week!
Be Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
2 Comments
Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday
Here we are 7 days out from last week’s snow and ice storm yet the damages are still very much evident. This storm caused major headaches and heartaches for many Pennsylvanians due to the loss of power, initially affecting more than 500K people. Wawa on 202 North almost ran out of coffee and did run out of bagels Wednesday morning.
The day started out cold and dry but it didn’t take long for that to change. Thankfully, in Delaware we didn’t get the brunt of the storm but we all know there’s another one not too far behind. Oops just heard the forecast, they are calling for 6-8 inches of snow beginning Wednesday night – Old Man Winter is not giving up without a fight!
Vest | Old Navy // Skirt | GW Boutique
In this bright neon vest, I would never get lost in a snowstorm!
Morning BEFORE the storm
It was a bright, crisp morning in Delaware
After the snow it was beautiful….but
…then came the rain, and unfortunately the trees couldn’t handle the weight of the ice and that’s when the damage began.
Power lines were downed causing many in Chester County to lose power for almost a week and some are still without!
See the other pics in this gallery
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
Have you been severely affected by these latest storms?
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
18 Comments
Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!
Today I begin by saying, “Thank You” to The Money School of Delaware for inviting me to be part of last week’s Savvy Social Media Workshop (#SavvySocialMedia). As you know, passion is the driving force behind blogging, it is what makes us strive to be the best bloggers we can be. When you are recognized for doing such it is truly a blessing and for that I am thankful!
I work full time outside of the home but I consider blogging as my “side gig”, one that I am looking to monetize so that it becomes my “side income” one that will take me into my retirement years. If you read Michelle Singletary’s commentary last week, the topic was “For many, side income gives peace of mind”. (Read it here)
The Social Media Workshop was a perfect example of this as it was geared towards entrepreneurs, non-profits and small business owners. The main point being how social media plays an important role in the success of a side gig which can ultimately give you peace of mind.
Amy Cherry, News Reporter and Anchor for 1150 WDEL AM spoke to the audience on how to contact and work with the media when requesting coverage for a project or event. She also provided tips on the best ways to photograph and video these events as well as why it’s important to always be interview-ready when the contact is made.
Randi Penfil from Constant Contact used a fantastic PowerPoint presentation to emphasis the importance of a successful email marketing campaign. Discussing the evolution of initial email writing which once was plain text to today’s glossy Newsletters and pdf files. She also pointed out the “do’s and don’ts” of email marketing and offered to work with them in getting started.
Carl Immediato, grandson of the owner of Three Little Bakers once a staple in the state of Delaware, grew up believing that one day he too would follow in his grandfather’s footsteps. Unfortunately when the theatre closed he needed to step out and do something differently and is now an Independent Associate with Talk Fusion. Carl showed us how using video can make a personal statement which can better brand your business.
I was the final speaker of the day and my topic was “How To Monetize Your Blog”. Most of us realize that money can be made blogging other than having a product or service to sell, i.e. Etsy or eBay. A blog can be monetized with Affiliate Marketing, Banner or PPC/CPA ads, Sponsored Posts/Reviews, Direct Advertising, Consulting, Speaking Engagements, and/or Teaching.
Adhering to the 3-P’s, the 3-C’s and ABC as I wrote in a previous post (here), being a successful blogger and making money doing so is quite possible. It takes passion, patience, perseverance and hard work, but it is definitely doable and has provided many with “a peace of mind”.
This was yet another great event sponsored by The Money School of Delaware, a non-profit that I am proud to be associated with.
This week as in every week I am always thankful for my family, friends and my faith. Now it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week?
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
10 Comments
Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday
Yesterday’s snowstorm was predicted to start around noon in our area but it actually began at 9:00 a.m. in West Chester, PA. However, before it’s arrival the sky was highlighted by a brilliant sunrise. #GodsLight
Knowing that I would be driving home in a snowstorm, I opted to wear pants to work as opposed to a dress or skirt.
I wore a denim shirt under this handmade vest which I had to take back from my son. Hubby had these matching vests made way before we had him so it was kinda funny when I had to retrieve it from his closet.
Brass and Bead necklace was a flea market find and ring was purchased at Burlington Coat Factory. My “work” shoes are from Kmart and although they are not very fashionable, they are extremely comfortable.
These faux suede pants are closet staples and are part of a two piece suit which I have had for years.
The snow continued with a vengeance so I left work at 11:30, but the roads were so bad that I didn’t get home until 5:00 p.m. Needless to say, I was upset and tired but I was also extremely thankful because there were so many cars stuck in snow and on the side of the road, I could only think “I’m blessed”.
This was 5:30 – what a difference a drop in temperature makes!
Sunrise to Snowstorm!
I am linking up with The Pleated Poppy who had joined with other bloggers in launching a new website “Blogger’s Closet so if you are a fashionista, go check it out!
Have a wonderful Wednesday.
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
21 Comments
Hello Friends and Happy Monday
If you are a Delawarean, you probably read the news that our license plates has been voted the ugliest in the nation! After shaking my head in astonishment I immediately thought about this scene from The Color Purple.
The survey conducted by CarInsurance.com stated that our basic blue and gold plate with no art and “The First State” motto was ugly. I wouldn’t call it ugly…boring yes…ugly…no, but we ranked 51st behind all the states and the District of Columbia. Wyoming’s license plate was voted the favorite.
Take a look and tell me what you think- Ugly Yes or No?
Where did your state’s license plate rank?
Stay Blessed – No Stress in the New Year!
8 Comments
Thursday evening I along with many other Facebook sweepstakes winners had an opportunity to attend the Pre-Grand Opening and Charity Night held at Westown Movies. The excitement for this event began when it was first announced that a movie theatre was going to be built in Middletown. Most residents in the M.O.T. (Middletown/Odessa/Townsend) area were happy and anxiously waited for what seemed like a long time for this much needed family entertainment venue.
Westown Movies did not miss a beat in incorporating the local flair in it’s designs and features of the 44,500 square foot theatre. Upon entering the lobby you are greeted by a 1,100-square foot mural showcasing Middletown’s familiar landmarks Cochoran Square, the Everett Theatre and scenes from the Old Tyme Peach Festival.
Thursday night’s event also showcased and benefited local organizations with donations to the Middletown’s Big Ball Marathon; the Appoquinimink Foundation and the Ronald McDonald House in Wilmington.
Mascots representing the local schools entertained and posed for pictures with the children as well as with many of the adults.
Earlier this year I met with Rick Roman, owner of Westown Movie theatre. He explained that movie goers would have an opportunity to experience movie watching unlike any other in the state including at the IMAX in Wilmington.
Westown Movies is the first GTX theatre between New York and Washington to offer a deluxe auditorium with 300 luxury seats, a 2,200 square foot screen, Dolby Atmos surround sound with 128 tracks and 64 speakers.
I don’t go to movies often and for the free screening it was a treat for me to be able to watch either Wolverine or Free Birds. Of course, I chose Wolverine and it definitely was an awesome experience, the picture clarity and magnificent surround sound was like no other!
Another home town aspect of Westown Movies are the food selections from the self serve concession. In addition to normal popcorn and soda offerings, other foods being sold are from local Middletown businesses including Pat’s Pizza and Half Baked Patisserie.
Westown Movies is helping in the growth of our community, the economics of our state and bringing jobs and family fun to the area which is a win-win for everyone.
Tonight is the official Grand Opening of Westown Movies – so grab a date or your mate and head out for a fun filled evening at the theatre. You can also download the free app on Google Play or iTunes to purchase tickets online without an additional service charge being added to the in-lobby price.
Welcome Westown Movies
We are looking forward to many years of family fun entertainment!
5 Comments
Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
This week’s Foodie Feature is Slow Cooked Oxtail Stew
Oxtails or tails of cattle is a very popular dish in *South Africa and this bony, gelatin-rich meat is usually slow-cooked. In our Delaware home as soon as the weather cools Oxtails are definitely on the menu-of-must-haves and this is how I slow cook mine.
Unfortunately the cost of Oxtails in the grocery stores can be outrageous which is why I stalk Dutch Country Farmer’s Market to get them!
Ingredients:
- Oxtails 6-8 pieces
- Vegetable Broth
- Ground Ginger
- Brown Sugar
- Vegetables: Onions/Celery/Parsley/Carrots
- Canned or Fresh Tomatoes – optional
- Garlic fresh or minced
- Oxtail Seasoning
- Dry Beans or Lentils
- Flour
- Olive Oil
Put Oxtails into a plastic bag and pour in enough flour to coat, adding as little or as much of the Oxtail Seasoning, Ground Ginger and Brown Sugar according to your tastes. Seal bag and rub all dry ingredients onto Oxtails.
Pour in just enough olive oil to cover bottom of a pan, heat on low and add coated Oxtails turning to brown on all sides.
In the meantime, chop and dice veggies
I also added a little Curry to the browning Oxtails, however, this is optional.
Remove browned Oxtails from the pan, then rinse the lentils or beans. Coat inside the Crock Pot with cooking spray for easier clean up.
Put in the Oxtails…
…add lentils or beans
…top with sliced and diced veggies
Pour in 2 containers of broth or use water seasoned with Beef Bouillon Cubes – enough to cover all ingredients
Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 depending on your Crock Pot/Slow Cooker
I had to work late and none of my men took pictures so I don’t have the finished product, but trust me it was good! You can add any vegetable or potato or omit the beans and serve over rice. No matter how you make it, it’s oh so good and filling especially on a cold winter’s night!
What is your favorite Slow Cooked Stew?
* This post was written only a few hours before Mr. Mandela’s death
RIP “Giant for Justice”
26 Comments
Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday
Last week I was thankful for the opportunity to have met the beautiful and “blessed with success” owner of Lai Renise Boutique, Nadira Alston. Lai Renise Boutique is located on the 2nd floor of 11 West Main Street in Middletown.
Nadria and her family relocated from Philadelphia where she started and still operates a successful online boutique with clients from New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and Delaware. She moved to Delaware and on the 3rd of May opened Lai Renise which is partially named after her daughter.
Lai Renise is a high end yet affordable shop for women looking for something special or a one of a kind outfit. Nadira offers a personal shopping experience and hosts Trunk Shows in which family and friends gather for wonderful evening of shopping and styling.
Nadira had always dreamed of operating a brick and mortar shop and was blessed to have found this location which was previously a dance studio. The mirrored walls were already in place so she just added the shelving to showcase the beautiful handbags and accessories with brands like Big Buddah Bags, Betsy Johnson, Vieta and Russ Jewelry.
Nadira also runs a full time Ministry and enjoys working with young women in empowerment and positive transformation. On Saturday from 4:30 to 8:30 she is hosting “Daughter’s of Excellence Annual Dessert Cafe” a fellowship featuring an Open-Mic, Singing, Poetry and Storytelling at 14 West Main Street. For more information please send an email to daughters@trclive.org.
In honor of #ShopSmall Saturday I treated myself to a Big Buddah Handbag – it was a tough decision but I purchased the black one.
Now it’s your turn – what are you thankful for this week?
13 Comments
Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday
I trust you all had a safe and enjoyable long Thanksgiving weekend with an opportunity to do something special. Everyday I am thankful for the little things that God blesses me with and even more so when I can share those blessings with others.
On Friday fellow thriftanista and BLMGirl, Whitney Nic James embarked on a Thrift with Nic Weekend Tour (#twntour) sponsored by Kia Motors and her first stop was in Delaware. I honestly had no plans of going out or even getting dressed but when she texted I knew I couldn’t let her visit my state without seeing her. It wasn’t just because we are fellow bloggers but because I’ve adopted her as my “lil sis”, and you know that I lost my real ‘lil sis in a car accident in 1992.
I quickly dressed and drove to meet her at the Goodwill Outlet in New Castle. The outlet wasn’t originally on her agenda but one of the consignment shops that she chose was closed and thankfully the outlet was closer to me.
I had never been to a Goodwill Outlet and from the looks of things it was obvious that it’s the “early birds that get all the worms”. Somewhat disappointed but not defeated, I suggested we head further south down to Smyrna, to one of my favorite Goodwill locations. Her husband, Darrius was the driver and also a native Delawarean, however, he had never been to the Smyrna store and was eager to go.
Whitney and her new hubby Darrius are a thrifting duo!
Can’t leave a Delaware Goodwill without buying a
“I Love Thrifting” t-shirt!
It was the day before Goodwill’s 50% off Saturday Sale but there were a few items that I just couldn’t pass up.
If you read my profile you know that I am a big supporter of Goodwill, not just because I love to thrift but because it was the last place my sister worked before her untimely death. She is the first thought that comes to mind when I enter a Goodwill but on this trip she was more than just a passing thought.
My sister had a best friend named Darlene, they were inseparable until she left to join the United States Air Force, and it was during that time they became separated forever. Darlene was in Boot Camp when Gloria was killed in a car accident and unfortunately wasn’t able to attend the funeral. Darlene and I spoke briefly afterwards but never saw each other again … not until Friday and at all places… Goodwill.
Between the hugs and tears, I discovered that she now lives in Smyrna and works in Middletown, and is also newly married. How amazing was it that thanks to my adopted ‘lil sis, I was reunited with my real ‘lil sis’ best friend at a Goodwill! #blessed
What started out as a Black Friday turned into a Blessed Friday!
I am linking up with Whitney’s Personal Style Wednesday so come on over and meet some other thrifting fashionistas.
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
20 Comments
