Posts Tagged ‘Delaware’
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Holiday Open House
On Saturday, The Home Based Business Chamber of Commerce hosted a Holiday Open House at The Java House Cafe in Middletown, DE. In attendance were small business owners representing Gold Canyon Candles; Mary Kay; MICHE Bags; Jacfred Creation; Logan Insurance; touchpro; Girl Friday; Duct Tape Accessories; Slumber Parties and Send Out Cards. The Java House Cafe provided mini Jerk Chicken, Veggie and Turkey Panini sandwiches as customers shopped and mingled.
Delaware’s state slogan “A Small Wonder“, was fitting for this event as it was a small gathering, however, I see the potential for rapid increased growth due to the hard work and diligence of President, Jaimie Shanklin. The Chamber’s 2nd Annual Holiday Extravaganza is being held Sunday, November 25th, at the Executive Banquet Center in Newark, DE. Holiday shopping and a live performance by Best Kept Soul is sure to bring out more people from throughout the state.
For more information on The Home Based Business Chamber of Commerce (Delmarva Chapter), please contact Jaimie Shanklin, 302-784-5311, or visit www.homebasedbusinesschamber.com.
From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money
“For Women, About Women, & By Women and the Men in their lives!”
From Purses to Portfolios was a free conference presented by the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute and supported by Citi Foundation. This was the 5th year of the conference which empowers women to take charge of their financial future. Several years ago hubby and I attended a free financial program sponsored by The Money School of Delaware and the presenter was Alisha Adams, from Primerica Financial Services. She later became our financial adviser and I attended other free events, however, this was the first time at the all-day conference.
The 2012 Conference was sponsored by numerous companies including Citizens Bank, The News Journal, State Farm Insurance, United Way, Wells Fargo and others. This year’s theme was FAB – FOR women ABOUT women BY women. Women of all ages, young and old, black and white as well as more than 60 Exhibitors filled the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Some of the FAB Exhibitors included AIDS Delaware; Ardyss; Bank of America; City of Wilmington; Declutter Enterprise, LLC; Delaware Hospice; Easter Seals; Dollar Build; Garages Aux Trois; Goodwill of DE; Mary Kay; SCORE Delaware; Primerica Financial Services; Senior Helpers; Stop The Violence; Wilmington Women in Business;Tastefully Simple and YWCA DE Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship.
Arriving early Saturday morning waiting outside for the 8:30 opening, I stood in line and socialized with a variety of women all there with a common goal – to become more financially literate. Upon entering we received a program, a name badge, two tickets for lunch/beverages and a cute pink leopard print tote in exchange for completing a demographics survey form. After having a cup of coffee and muffin, I walked up and down “Women’s Biz Boulevard” checking out the vendors, filling out forms, taking pictures and exchanging business cards. Later on I met up with my girlfriends and we walked, talked, and then attended the opening session with the key note speaker Mary Caraccioli, The Money Confidante. State Treasure, Chip Flowers and New Castle County President, Tom Kovach spoke for a few minutes as did Governor Jack Markell who almost didn’t make it due to state preparations for Hurricane Sandy.
There were four seminars from which to choose for the morning and afternoon sessions. We chose, Perfect Credit:7 Steps to a Great Credit Rating. Lynnette Khalfani-Cox, a personal financial expert and a NY Times bestseller talked about credit; credit repair; credit scores; rules and regulations; how credit scores affect interest rates on loans as well as insurance rates; jobs and employment. The seminar was very informative and there was ample time for audience questions.
For perfect credit follow these 7 rules:
PULL your credit report regularly
EXAMINE your credit report carefully
REDUCE debt and manage bills wisely
FIX errors to protect your credit
ENHANCE credit file regularly
CONTACT creditors and negotiate
TAKE time educate yourself and reevaluate
For more information check out her blog at @askthemoneycoach.com
Bag lunches were provided and the choices were either a Turkey Sandwich or Vegetarian Wrap, both included a packaged cookie and apple, I chose the wrap which was fresh and delicious!
After lunch we walked “Women’s Biz Boulevard” gathering information from the FAB exhibitors, stopping to test products, enter drawings and purchase raffle tickets.
The afternoon session began at 2:00, and we chose to attend “Retirement:Never Too Early, Never Too Late” sponsored by AARP, and presented by Jean Setzfand, VP of Financial Security. I learned more about retirement funds as well as Social Security benefits and of making wise financial decisions that will affect me in my golden years. I also learned that AARP uses Linkedin to identify and promote the best companies for it’s members, currently at 152. I will definitely enroll the next time I get the application in the mail – lol!
The day ended with a Recognition Ceremony, Closing Remarks and Door Prizes which included items donated by Big Fish Grill; Brew HaHa; Citi; Delaware Art Museum; Hagley Museum; Star Nails & Spa; Trader Joe’s and WAWA as well as new Michael Kors and Coach purses provided by Mrs. Carper and First Lady Markell. None of us won a door prize, however, we did win additional knowledge that will assist in making wise financial decisions and having me think twice before purchasing that next pair of shoes!
Thank you Delaware for a great “Girlfriend Day Out” and I look forward to the 2013 Conference.
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.
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
Dutch Country Farmers Market Specials & Yard Sale
Sunnyside Produce – Fresh and Local
Dutch Twists
Buy 1 Pizza Slice Get 1 FREE
Fisher’s Meats
Smoked Pork Chops $4.49lb
White Turkey Breast $4.99lb
Dutch Country Salads
Hearty Cheese Burger Soup $3.59
Tropical Pineapple Dessert $3.39
Homestead Furniture
20% Off In Stock Upholstery Furniture
A & R Bakery
Pumpkin Cookies $4.00/pk
Apple Dumplings $5.00/ for 3
Monthly Specials
~~~~~~
Stoltzfus BBQ
Boneless Skinless chicken Breast $3.99lb
M & A Treats
15% Off
PineRidge Cheese
Spend $20. Get a FREE Slice of Cheese Cake
Promotions
~~~~~~~~~~
Tee’s & Hoodies
Halloween T-Shirts
2 for $20.
While Supplies Last
Restaurant
Chicken Bacon Ranch
Sandwich w/fries $7.49
Pinewood & Poises
20% Off IHF Braided Rugs
Lorrieann’s Hair Salon
Partial Hilite/Lowlite Special
$50. does not include cut
Jodi’s Place
Specializing in Men & Boy’s Hairstyles
$12. Flat Top
$10. Reg. Men & Boy’s cut
$2. off Senior Citizens
Doc’s Vacuums
Sales & Repairs
Authorized Dealer for:
Dyson, Hoover, dirt Devil,
Bissell & Royal
Also, on Saturday I’ll have a table set up at the outdoor Yard Sale
clothing $1.00 each, shoes $5.00 and $10.00 plus household items
Dutch Country Farmers Market Specials & Yard Sale
Sunnyside Produce – Fresh and Local
Dutch Twists
Buy 1 Pizza Slice Get 1 FREE
Fisher’s Meats
Smoked Pork Chops $4.49lb
White Turkey Breast $4.99lb
Dutch Country Salads
Hearty Cheese Burger Soup $3.59
Tropical Pineapple Dessert $3.39
Homestead Furniture
20% Off In Stock Upholstery Furniture
A & R Bakery
Pumpkin Cookies $4.00/pk
Apple Dumplings $5.00/ for 3
Monthly Specials
~~~~~~
Stoltzfus BBQ
Boneless Skinless chicken Breast $3.99lb
M & A Treats
15% Off
PineRidge Cheese
Spend $20. Get a FREE Slice of Cheese Cake
Promotions
~~~~~~~~~~
Tee’s & Hoodies
Halloween T-Shirts
2 for $20.
While Supplies Last
Restaurant
Chicken Bacon Ranch
Sandwich w/fries $7.49
Pinewood & Poises
20% Off IHF Braided Rugs
Lorrieann’s Hair Salon
Partial Hilite/Lowlite Special
$50. does not include cut
Jodi’s Place
Specializing in Men & Boy’s Hairstyles
$12. Flat Top
$10. Reg. Men & Boy’s cut
$2. off Senior Citizens
Doc’s Vacuums
Sales & Repairs
Authorized Dealer for:
Dyson, Hoover, dirt Devil,
Bissell & Royal
Also, on Saturday I’ll have a table set up at the outdoor Yard Sale
clothing $1.00 each, shoes $5.00 and $10.00 plus household items
Bridal Event
An Evening of Elegance & Sophistication
Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 4:00pm
The Double Tree Hilton – 700 N. King St. Wilmington, DE 19801
Organization/Host:
Le Ann’s Bridal
OOTD – First Day of Autumn 2012
Hello friends and happy 1st day of Fall 2012, I hope your Saturday was a good one. My day started with my sons and later we met up with a girlfriend and her son in Dover. Malik drove and our first stop was at Spence’s Bazaar. I took my Clutch Purses down because Lolita had offered to sell them on consignment in her kiosk, God is good! We walked around taking in the sights of fall: pumpkins, gourds, mums, fresh veggies and fruits. I truly love this time of year, transitioning from the heat of summer to the crispness of fall, even though it was in the 80’s today.
Our next stop was Target, I purposely did not get a cart but in the shoe section I found yellow pumps, not the florescent ones which were so popular this summer for $8.98 a pair, and when I saw them in pink and teal I ran with a quickness to get a cart! The black patent leather and snakeskin pumps were 30% off, so I only got the black pair. I will probably go back for the snakeskin’s next week. The clearance racks were filled with some great items and I found two sheer tops which will be worn over camisoles and a Merona Pencil skirt on sale for $18.00.
My girlfriend and her son met us at Target and our next stop was Beauty Max the beauty supply store. The boys veered off into CitiTrends while she and I shopped for over an hour, found some nice units, nail polish and beauty supplies, we also took time to assist others. Using our “expertise” we helped an elderly women who is scheduled for surgery and a young lady preparing for a wedding in choosing just the right wigs.
Tired and hungry we drove to Pizzeria Uno for a late lunch. The food was excellent and the waiter was outstanding. It was a perfect start to the new season and I am looking forward to the rest of the year!
Have a fantabulous night!
Shopping in Dover
On Friday, after Tayair and I left the cemetery we stopped at Spencer’s Bazaar Flea Market and then Rodney Village Shopping Center. There will be a separate post for Spencer’s Bazaar that features unique items made and sold by a high school friend. Our next stop was to the Goodwill store where Gloria once worked before she passed. I walked around for almost 30 minutes and could not find anything, eventually I found a belt for $1.00. Within the shopping center which is really a strip mall there was Beauty Max, a large beauty supply store. Hubby needed new hair clippers and I was looking for a “weekend wig”. After finding a cute FreeTress unit on clearance for $19.99, a lace front, the hair clippers and some nail polish we decided to head home.
As we were leaving I noticed a store called Citi Trends, I had never heard of it but decided to stop in and check it out. The clothing was along the lines of urban gear for the younger crowd, but I found a cute pencil skirt, a cuff bracelet and a spike ring. (posted on Instagram @ablake48). Tayair wasn’t interested in anything but I knew Malik would be, so on Saturday I let him drive us back down to check it out. While he shopped I took time to look around and ended up getting these shoes and dresses. Malik wore the Canvas Lace Ups and watch to school which is probably why he was so anxious on going today.
Malik’s Purchases
Purchased this FreeTress Wig (Lyon Girl) for $19.99
OOTD
Orange jeans and lime tank – Goodwill // Loafers – Salvation Army
$avings At The Salvation Army
I was in Wilmington on Thursday for a doc appointment and afterwards I drove over to The Salvation Army which is located by the train station. As a child I remember my grandmother taking us shopping at a Salvation Army on North Avenue in New Rochelle and it was never fun or exciting. However, when I walked into this Salvation Army my heart started palpatating and my mind filled with excitement! It had been over 16 years since the last time I was here and things had really changed, the lighting was bright, the merchandise was neat and the space was huge. It was here back in the early ’90’s that we bought our first dining room set, a Butler’s Pantry and a crib. The pieces were nice but I had to strip and re-stain the table, re-upholster the chair pads and disinfect the crib. Although we no longer have the dining room set or crib I did keep the Butler’s Pantry and it is currently in our living room storing the “good China” and wedding photo albums.
According to the history of The Salvation Army it was founded based on the gospel of Jesus Christ helping the poor, the homeless, the hungry, and the destitute and what William Booth started in 1865, is just as relevant today. Donating and shopping at The Salvation Army helps so many people and great causes that it makes you feel good about spending money in their stores.
Upon entering this location what struck me was the department store atmosphere, the bright lighting, the open landscape, overly organized and color coordinated merchandise. I spent the first few minutes just walking around checking out the signage, tags and watching and listening to the associates interact with customers. The associates were busy on the floor yet, when they passed, they acknowledged you with a smile and a few kind words, this really made me feel welcomed, wanting to linger longer and spend more. I was so impressed that I sought out an employee who turned out to be the store manager, Don Walker. I expressed my delight explaining that I was a Blogger and would be writing about my positive experience. He thanked me, provided an update on the changes at the Salvation Army and then took the time to explain and write down the sales policies.
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Monday and Tuesday – 1 color tag in every department is 50% off
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Wednesday is Family Day and 3 colors in clothing, shoes and books are 50% off
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Thursday/Friday/Saturday – 1 color tag in clothing and shoes is 50% off (yesterday it was Blue)
I love the fact that they are closed on Sundays, and sometimes I wish Delaware would return to the days of the “Blue Laws”. Stores were closed and people went to church, rested and/or spent time with family and friends. I think we all need a day to shut down and just take time to relax especially during these crazy times of discord. Don also told me that they get new furniture from a local store and it’s sold at extremely reduced prices, so if you are in the market for a leather Lazy Boy Chair, come here first. I took a lot of pictures so you can see just how organized, and spacious this location is and I vowed to return to do more shopping and less documenting.
Please note, because I took so many pics inside the store, I need to write another post detailing just my purchases. Look closely at the pictures to see how neat and clean the floors are, the hangers are all set straight, no dust on the furniture and the mirrors sparkle…I need this at my house!
