DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘Grandmother’

152 by 52

EXCUSES…EXCUSES…EXCUSES….

2008 – caregiver to my grandmother

2009 – grandmother passed away

2010 – kicked a 35 year addiction to nicotine

2011 – pre-menopause

2012 – menopause

2013 – no more excuses

The time has come to get serious about this excess weight gain before it gets out of control – no more excuses!  I want to be 152 by the time I am 52 on September 20th!

FRIDAY’s FOODIE FEATURE (a day late)

NUTRISYSTEM

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Nutrisytem is a convenient way to lose weight, it’s a program that I’ve used before to successfully lose over 20 lbs, however, didn’t keep it off with all the anxieties plaguing me at the time.  Now that I am living a somewhat stress-free lifestyle, I know I’ll be able to keep the weight off this time.  Nutrisystem teaches portion control and the importance of “good carbs”.  Keeping a daily tracker of food intake, water consumption and exercise also helps me with my weight loss goal. The Nutrisystem plan may be a little pricey but I was able to get a slight discount through my employee benefits program at work.

I had the option to chose menu items al-la-carte style but decided on the standard 28-day fare, which includes dinner items such as spinach ravioli, veggie lasagna  pizza, chicken pot pies; lunch items such as tuna salad, red beans and rice, Kung Pao Noodles, fudge bars; and breakfast items such as cinnamon streusel muffins, oatmeal, banana nut muffins, and whole wheat bagels.

These foods in combination with grocery items are designed to keep me full and satisfied long after each meal.  Snacks and desserts are also included with items like, popcorn, peppermint cookie patty, chocolate chip pudding, and almond bars.  I also ordered the protein shake mix in Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee and Strawberry which are great morning starters.

On Sunday I’ll shop for the supplemental “Smart Carbs” which take longer to digest, foods like fruit, whole wheat bread, beans, hummus and brown rice.  And “Power Fuels” like eggs, lean meat, fish, cheese, yogurt and nut butters, ie. peanut and almond butter.  So with all the variety of foods, the right portions and combinations this should put me back on the right track!

WISH ME LUCK!

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*This is not a paid endorsement nor a sponsored post for Nutrisystem – all opinions are 100% my own*


3 Generations Saving at The Salvation Army

On Friday I had the pleasure of spending the day with my girlfriend, her mother and her daughter, 3 generations on a mission to thrift 2 outfits for less than $10.00 each from The Salvation Army Family Store.  Driving north in the drizzling rain to Wilmington in anticipation of thrifting was a great way to start my vacation day.

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The layout of The Salvation Army Family Store made it easy to maneuver the shopping carts throughout the floor and in between the racks, making it easier to locate bargains.  We started at the front racks, filled with skirts, blazers, pants and tops organized by color and then worked our way back to the dresses, finding both casual and dressier attire.

Aisles

The price points for clothing at The Salvation Army Family Store is higher than that of Goodwill but there are still bargains to be had.  I found a pair of new, white Liz Claiborne jeans for $4.99, a perfect wardrobe addition for the summer! The “color of the day” was pink, which meant 50% off all clothing and shoes with a pink tag, and we each found at least one pink tag item.

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The shoe racks were filled with a variety including Anne Klein, Steve Madden and Nine West pumps, Merrell Ortholite, Skechers and Enzo Angioline sandals, which I purchased, a little pricey at $14.99, but still a bargain because they can originally sell for $59.00.

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Thrifting with the 3 generations of ladies at The Salvation Army Family Store was enjoyable as well as satisfying knowing that our purchases would be helping the Adult Rehabilitation Program.  The Salvation Army’s mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and it was refreshing to hear the overhead announcement, “Welcome to The Salvation Army Family Store…Have a Blessed Day”

Clothing is not all you’ll find!

SA1

3 Generations Saving at The Salvation Army

3 generations of savings

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In Memory of My Grandmother

“If Tears Could Build A Stairway”

If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane.
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.

No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say “Goodbye”.
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.

My heart still aches with sadness,
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to love you –
No one can ever know.

But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
To remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.

Since you’ll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today~
A hollowed place within my heart
is where you’ll always stay.

 Author: Unknown

Rest In Heaven

Mama Midget

4/2/11 – 5/1/09

Mama Midget


OOTD – Trees & Target on Tax Day

Hello Friends, I hope you had a great weekend and an enjoyable tax-free Monday!

I woke up this morning thinking it was Sunday.  The weekend came and went with such quickness that I though we should have had one more day free from work, but no such luck!  We did manage to get some yard work done before the heat returns because it is not fun pulling weeds and trimming trees in intense heat.  I love this time of year with all the flora blooming but it reeks havoc on my son and his seasonal allergies.  This was my grandmother’s favorite tree and every Spring she’d look outside and say, “Toni, did you take a picture of that tree” – I do miss her so!

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Mama, here’s a picture of that tree.

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These trees are on the side of the house, they bloom then change green in about 2 weeks.

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Pencil Skirt and Top – Target // Fioni Peep Toe Pumps – Payless

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Remember this Target Shoe Haul in September?

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I didn’t wear them to work because my knee is still swollen, but thought they would work with this outfit – what do you think?

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Engjoy the rest of your day – Smooches!

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OOTD – Trees & Target on Tax Day

Hello Friends, I hope you had a great weekend and an enjoyable tax-free Monday!

I woke up this morning thinking it was Sunday.  The weekend came and went with such quickness that I though we should have had one more day free from work, but no such luck!  We did manage to get some yard work done before the heat returns because it is not fun pulling weeds and trimming trees in intense heat.  I love this time of year with all the flora blooming but it reeks havoc on my son and his seasonal allergies.  This was my grandmother’s favorite tree and every Spring she’d look outside and say, “Toni, did you take a picture of that tree” – I do miss her so!

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Mama, here’s a picture of that tree.

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These trees are on the side of the house, they bloom then change green in about 2 weeks.

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Pencil Skirt and Top – Target // Fioni Peep Toe Pumps – Payless

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Remember this Target Shoe Haul in September?

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I didn’t wear them to work because my knee is still swollen, but thought they would work with this outfit – what do you think?

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Engjoy the rest of your day – Smooches!

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OOTD – April a Month of Rebirth & Death

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday

April is a month of renewal and rebirth and for many years one of excitement and joy – a cousin’s birthday on the 1st; my grandmother’s birthday on the 2nd; my sister’s birthday on the 10th; another cousin’s birthday on the 12th; an uncle’s birthday on the 15th; an aunt’s birthday on the 19th and finally my ‘best friend since 3rd grade’s’ birthday on the 25th.

Now April is a month of death – my grandmother’s death; my sister’s death; and my uncle’s death makes this a sad month for me.  I look at the blooms on the Daffodils and Tulips with sadness in my eyes…my daily routines are muted…there’s no real joy in my heart…dark colors comfort me…my heart aches and my smiles seem forced…but life goes on and “This Too Shall Pass”.

JC Penney Skirt

Traci Lynn Jewelry

Geometric Print Skirt – JC Penney // Top – closet staple – Necklace and Bracelet – Traci Lynn Jewelry // Earrings and Ring – jewelry box

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Chain necklace – Jewelrymax.net // Cardigan – Ross OOTD 4 2 13 006 Linking up today with Whatever Whenever Wednesday – come on over and meet a new blogger

Have a fantabulous afternoon – Smooches!

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OOTD – April a Month of Rebirth & Death

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday

April is a month of renewal and rebirth and for many years one of excitement and joy – a cousin’s birthday on the 1st; my grandmother’s birthday on the 2nd; my sister’s birthday on the 10th; another cousin’s birthday on the 12th; an uncle’s birthday on the 15th; an aunt’s birthday on the 19th and finally my ‘best friend since 3rd grade’s’ birthday on the 25th.

Now April is a month of death – my grandmother’s death; my sister’s death; and my uncle’s death makes this a sad month for me.  I look at the blooms on the Daffodils and Tulips with sadness in my eyes…my daily routines are muted…there’s no real joy in my heart…dark colors comfort me…my heart aches and my smiles seem forced…but life goes on and “This Too Shall Pass”.

JC Penney Skirt

Traci Lynn Jewelry

Geometric Print Skirt – JC Penney // Top – closet staple – Necklace and Bracelet – Traci Lynn Jewelry // Earrings and Ring – jewelry box

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Chain necklace – Jewelrymax.net // Cardigan – Ross OOTD 4 2 13 006 Linking up today with Whatever Whenever Wednesday – come on over and meet a new blogger

Have a fantabulous afternoon – Smooches!

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OOTD – Weepy Wednesday

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday

It took me a while to get myself together after this morning’s encounter with my neighbor, but I’m glad that it happened because last night I dreamt about my aunt who passed away on Friday. However, the reason for being extremely late this morning was the multiple outfit changes, not the Polka Dot dress, that was a given but what to wear with it. I tried 2 different shirts over it,…2 different shirts underneath it…3 different color blazers before finally settling on this Aqua Cardigan.   I buttoned it and put on a pair of Mossimo flats then looked into the mirror, I immediately thought about FLOTUS Obama meeting The Queen of England.

Remember the flack she got for having the audacity to wear a sweater to meet The Queen for the first time – puh-leeze people – get a life! No matter your political affiliation, that was just stupid with a capital “S”, such an embarrassment for our country…just one of many…okay stepping down from the Soap Box now.

Polka Dots and Cardigan

I am so glad that the weather is finally warming up, the birds were chirping in all their glory..aah the sounds of Spring. 

Birds chirping - the sounds of Spring

All the snow is gone!

Grandmother's Tea Cup and Saucer Sipping tea from my grandmother’s cup and saucer

Watch Ring and Necklace - Avon Bracelets – Burlington Coat Factory // Watch, Ring and Necklaces – Avon

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Today’s outfit seemed appropriate as a transition from Winter to Spring what do you think?

(at the top of this picture you will see my neighbor’s garage)

Linking up today with WIWW – join in to meet new bloggers.

Have a fantabulous afternoon – Smooches!

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