On Friday, May 27, 2016, our son, Tayair Ishmael Blake participated in a Convocation held at the University of Delaware where he received a Certificate of Successful Completion of Career and Life Studies (CLSC).
He along with his fellow classmates were part of the ceremony which also included hundreds of graduating students receiving an undergraduate and graduate degree from the College of Education and Human Development. Oh by the way, there was a gentleman who received his degree at the age of 64 which was also awesome!
If you remember from previous posts, due to Tayair’s early medical history he is classified as Intellectually Disabled, but you also know from his recent presentation at a staff meeting at the Delaware Health and Social Services his motto “Being Disabled Does Not Mean We Are Not Able”. The events of the day is only further proof that anything can be done when you decide not to give up.
Needless to say, his father and I were super excited as was his brother and even the misspelling of his name on the certificate couldn’t put a damper on the day.
There are also more pictures on my Facebook and Instgram pages.
I could write more about the event, however, for this post I am just going to let the pictures and video speak louder than my words!
Being Silly Before Being Serious!
This sums up the day!
For more information on the CLSC Program check out their website
The CLSC program offers specialized coursework in career studies and life skills, as well as other inclusive learning opportunities on campus, including participation in UD undergraduate classes, clubs and activities. An individualized plan is created with each student that includes peer mentoring, staff coaching and support as identified through person-centered planning.
Last Saturday I had an opportunity to tag along with Stephen Wilkerson, one of the owners of Sozo Signature Mobile Salon. He was at the Sandy Cove Women’s Ministries Retreat in Northeast Maryland, contracted to provide hair and makeup services for many of the women that were participating in one of the programs.
When I arrived, makeup artist Keturah Braithwaite was finishing up the face of very lovely woman. Her makeup was flawless and she couldn’t resist telling me how blessed and beautiful she felt.
However, in less than 5 minutes after my arrival this well designed and plush mobile Hair Salon was packed with more than almost a dozen more attendees from the retreat. A few had arrived before their evening meal for a facial or to have eyelash extensions applied, others had come for hair and makeup before their scheduled professional photo shoot.
I took the opportunity to interview and record their thoughts upon entering the mobile salon and they were all very complimentary and excited. It was a beautiful sight to see all these wonderful Christian women on this coach laughing and enjoying themselves while being pampered by Stephen and Keturah.
Stephen had popped in a CD and the vocals of Christian recording artist Keturah Duncan was filling the mobile salon. As the ladies relaxed and enjoyed listening to the music, who should knock on the door a few minutes later…none other than Keturah herself!
Keturah is from Philadelphia and is such a nice and gracious woman. She smiled, laughed and posed for many pictures as well as autographed several of the CD’s that were purchased by the ladies.
I had never seen anything like this…the transformation of these women not only that of their hair and makeup but also in their inner beauty and attitude. It was by far a wonderful sight to see and I do appreciate Stephen for giving me an opportunity to tag along and witness it.
Now if you don’t know about Sozo Signature Salon let me be the first to tell you that to me it is by far the best mobile hair salon on the East Coast. Owned and operated by Stephen and his wife Gina Wilkerson. They offer a Signature Bridal Experience Package, but the services are not limited to only weddings.
There are so many other events that Sozo Signature Salon can be booked for including birthdays, Ladies Night In; Sorority Conferences, Proms, Church Conferences and my all time favorite “Every day in May Mother’s Day” which is currently a contest, so check out their Facebook page for more information.
The Sozo Summer Series (#SozoSummerSeries) will officially be kicking off on the 22nd of May at the Courtyard Marriott at the University of Delaware, with several vendor and sponsorship opportunities available.
Last week’s graduation, the party afterwards and Memorial Day weekend was truly wonderful yet exhausting, therefore, I think I will be sleeping in late tomorrow! Click here to see yesterday’s Thankful Thursday post which is a recap of the weekend.I am glad to be back because I truly missed you guys and last week’s #WWDParty. It was exciting to see that so many of you had linked up and am looking forward to reading quite a few posts tonight.
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This has been another blessed week, with our oldest being accepted into the CLSC Program at the University of Delaware and tonight our youngest is graduating from Appoqunimink High School!
I don’t let grass grow under my feet either because in addition to working full time outside of the home I also sell Avon and have been since 2002. Honestly, I don’t have a large customer base but enjoy selling products for a company that has been in business for over 125 years!
I use Anew products on my face and I love how Avon has changed their clothing selections to keep in line with the current trends. Unfortunately, it eats into my profits but that’s okay because I love their accessories, the shoes, sneakers, scarves and especially the totes and purses.
Check out this comfy casual outfit that I wore at the end of April, it’s was totally thrifted from Goodwill but accessorized by Avon.
Scarf – Avon | Polka Dot Top – Goodwill
Polka Dot Sneakers – Avon | Skirt – Goodwill
Color Block Tote – Avon | Black Studded Pumps – The Salvation Army
I had a different post scheduled for today but decided to showcase my second DIY article which was published by Parade Magazine on Monday. Thanks to their partnership with Sverve, bloggers have an opportunity to submit original content articles to be considered for publication at Parade.com. There is no monetary compensation but the recognition and sense of accomplishment definitely makes it all well worth it.
If you have not yet signed up with Sverve, click here to do so, and after completing your profile, I would appreciate if you would follow and endorse me. To learn more about the this sponsored opportunity as well as others including those for Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest click on the CAMPAIGN tab at the top of the page.
New companies and sponsors are continually partnering with Sverve which makes it an excellent platform for us to work with. It allows the blogger to choose the campaigns that best fits their niche and/or works well for their targeted audience.
Some of you may know that before I started blogging DeDivahDeals, there was “DelaDivahDesigns” where I created and sold Clutch Purses using placemats. I have since stopped but I wanted to share the DIY with others. To read the entire article with instructions click here
I would also appreciate it if you would sign in and leave a comment on the Parade.com website letting me know if these Placemat Purses would be something that you would be interested in making and or selling.
Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.
Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday!
I love all jewelry especially necklace and earring sets because they can really jazz up an outfit. You can put on a colorful statement necklace with a t-shirt, a sweatshirt or even dark clothing and the whole outfit appears brighter and a little bit dressier. The matching earrings takes the guess work out of what pair to wear especially when it’s early and you are rushing to work, as I normally am.
I actually did not plan on wearing a necklace this morning but then remembered this set that I received from Majestical Jewelry to review.
Hopefully we’ve had the last snow storm of the year because the days are getting longer and soon the weather will get warmer. I’m trying to wear as many winter items as possible all while thinking Spring can’t come soon enough.
This lime green scoop neck top is enhanced by the sapphire blue stones in the necklace – what do you think?
Majestical Jewelry is a high fashion, yet affordable online jewelry store that specializes in handmade and statement pieces. With Prom, Wedding and Graduation season just around the corner, it would be a great place to shop for a gift or perhaps a little something for yourself.
Majestical Jewelry offers free gift wrapping and guaranteed free and easy returns and exchanges on every order. Orders over $49.99 are shipped free! Your purchases are carefully shipped in a Majestical Jewelry logo box, cushioned with bubble wrap and cotton batting, and a blue jewelry bag is also included.
I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
Today is actually my Friday as I will officially be on vacation starting at 5:00 p.m. today until next Tuesday- que up the Flintstone’s theme song – YabbaDabbaDoo!!! I can’t believe it’s the Memorial Day Weekend already, seems like only yesterday it was Easter. I guess it’s true what they say, the older you get the faster time passes. Oh and before I have another senior moment – Congratulations to all the parents of the Class of 2013, you did an excellent job and should be very proud of yourself!
Today’s outfit is a floral dress thrifted from GW Boutique and sandals from Payless, which by the way is having a major sale, and don’t forget to show your AAA Card for an additional 10% off.
Alrighty now….here we go again…the next heatwave is coming. Excessive heat warning is in effect starting tomorrow with temps reaching 97 on Saturday. I miss the days when I could work from home because I would definitely be poolside with my laptop on Friday! Oh well, those days are long gone and now I can wear my old favorite summer work clothes starting with this 2 piece skirt and top set. The sandals were purchased from Burlington Coat Factory last year to wear to my son’s graduation, but they weren’t comfortable enough to be worn all day so they ended up in the back of the closet.
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