Posts Tagged ‘holiday’
Hello Friends and Happy Good Fri-Yay!
I trust you all had a wonderful week despite the fact that Tuesday was Tax Day. Unfortunately, we owe money to Uncle Sam so at 7:00 p.m. I was in line at the Post Office mailing in a payment. Oh well, it could be worse so I am not going to complain too loudly about it.
Saturday I went to Home Depot and purchased patio cushions for the deck furniture and a new Pressure Washer, something we desperately needed, stay tuned for an unsolicited product review. Oh and I finally received my “Blogger” license plate – I am super excited and proud to advertise my blog daily across two states.
This weekend the weather won’t be as nice, but we will be outside cleaning out the garage and shoveling mulch…thank goodness it’s not snow!
Now on to this week’s Featured Bloggers
Barbie Bieber and Beyond
Some of the Best Things in Life Are Mistakes
Its Always Ruetten
Redo It Yourself Inspirations
Yesterfood
Kennary
Congratulations to you all, please feel free to copy and paste this button onto your blog. Check out our Pinterest Page as you are also featured there.
Since this is Good Friday I know most of you are off from work and doing other things, but please take a few minutes to visit a few other blogs as well as those of your hosts.
This Simple Home
De Divah Deals
Snippets of Inspiration
A Living Sacrifice
Mustard Seed Mommy
Moms Who Save
Have a blessed weekend!
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
Welcome to the Weekend Wind-Down Party (#WWDParty)
I am definitely glad to see this week end because between hubby’s hospitalization and my stomach virus this has definitely been a heck of a week. I am glad for the weekend even though I need to start working on my 2013 income taxes, yes, I said, “start”. I don’t know where the time went but it snuck up on me too quickly this year.
I finally got a chance to check out everyone’s posts Tuesday night and needless to say, if my stomach wasn’t messed up, I would have been drooling over some of those decadent desserts!
Congratulations to this week’s Featured Bloggers
Reviews, Chews and How-To’s
Purple Hues and Me
The Casual Craftlete
the colored door
Bakewell Junction
View from the Fridge
Please feel free to post this button on your blog and check our Pinterest page as you are also being featured there.
The rules remain the same and it would be nice to see more link backs to the party, as this is the only way to be selected as a Featured Blogger as well as it being a courteous guest.
We hope that you won’t just post and run but will take time to visit at least 3 other blogs then follow your hosts on at least one Social Media platform.
This Simple Home
De Divah Deals
Snippets of Inspiration
A Living Sacrifice
Mustard Seed Mommy
Moms Who Save
Have a wonderful weekend and enjoy the party!
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Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday
I hope you had a nice MLK Day of Service Holiday and was able to do something special and not boring like cleaning the house! Speaking of which, what chore for you is the most boring?
Is it sweeping and mopping the floor? It may be a boring chore but it’s mandatory if that “5-Second rule” is to apply!
How about washing and drying clothes? Thankfully, my sons have been doing their own laundry since the age of 12, but I still hate doing mine and hubby’s!
How about cleaning out the refrigerator? Just how long can you keep that opened jar of jelly….one or two years?
What about dusting? I don’t really mind it, but I just can’t figure out how dust can settle in an area that we don’t use. We don’t enter the house using the front door so why is that foyer table always dusty!
How about bathroom cleaning? My sons are each assigned a bathroom to clean and needless to say they find it boring!
Hands down for me, the kitchen table basket is the bore chore. This catch-all basket contains coupons, store inserts, and junk mail that I want to read later. Between this basket and the junk drawers they have got to be the most boring chore ever! (hey…there’s even a Christmas candy cane in there)
How about you, what is your bore chore?
Stay Blessed – Not Stress in the New Year!
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Hello Friends and Happy Monday
I trust you all had a wonderful weekend and I know most of you are still on holiday which probably made it even better. Did you hit the stores and do a little more shopping or did you just stay home and relax?
I went back to work on Thursday but took off on Friday and it was mah-va-lous, I put on a pair of leggings, a tunic and no makeup, it was great.
Christmas 2013 was very nice, a little quieter than in previous years but never the less it was nice being together as a family. None of us got up before 10, and after opening our gifts we spent a lazy day watching “A Christmas Story“, eating and napping.
This was my husband’s first try at stocking stuffing and I had to laugh because mine looked as though it threw up a scarf! The Moscato was a gift from Pockets Discount Liquors and I will popping it open on New Year’s Eve.
A stadium chair for those hard bleachers at Malik’s wrestling matches; Philadelphia Eagles car mats for Tayair and another jewelry box to help me organize the top of my dresser.
Tayair received a US Polo Assn jacket and the Polaroid A8 Tablet that I purchased from Walgreens.
Baltimore Raven’s pajama bottoms, a US Polo Assn jacket and heavy duty car mats for al-Malik.
Socks (thrown a-la A Christmas Story), Old Spice and a Fireproof Safe
A bathrobe and a Gillette Set
Earrings, animal printer slippers and a watch from my mini-men
Warm tops and Hot Sauces
Gift Cards and Stockings full of sweets and a toothbrush!
Hubby would love for me to wear the scarf this way…but I say, “no way”!
Some things never change!
How was your Christmas?
Blog Hopping with Maria @ Monday Mingle
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Hello Friends and Happy (soggy) Sunday
Sitting here at the kitchen table, cutting out coupons and watching the rain fall I decided to fire up the iPad and read my emails (multi-tasking to the max). After reading a new comment from Kirsten Womack I decided to repost the Kale and Black Eye Pea Soup recipe as a twist on my traditional New Year’s Eve dinner.
The cooking and eating of Black Eye Peas and Collard Greens is a New Year’s Day tradition deeply rooted in the African American culture. I have for many years always had a big pot of Black Eye Peas and Collard Greens simmering on the stove top while chicken wings were being deep fried on the side. It’s tradition to eat a little of each immediately after kneeling in prayer on New Years Eve for good luck and prosperity heading forward.
This year will be no exception, however, I may use the Crock Pot to cook them both together not only for the added luck but because it will make for an easier clean up.
We also send one of our sons outside with money in his pocket and then have him be the first to walk through the front door. This is not an African American tradition it’s just something fun to do!
What are your New Year’s Eve Traditions?
REPOST from 12/13/13
Today’s Friday Foodie Feature is Kale & Black Eye Pea Soup
Sunday I purchased a container of CutnClean Kale from Safeway to be used in my salads for the week. However, after hearing the weather forecast for more snow I decided to use it to make a Crock Pot soup with Black Eye Peas.
In the winter, my grandmother used to make the best homemade vegetable soups using ingredients she already had in the refrigerator, freezer or pantry. So in keeping with tradition I used some leftover celery stalks, an onion, garlic, carrots and Bouillon cubes to make this soup.
Ingredients:
- Dry Black Eye Peas – 1/2 bag
- Kale – 1/2 package
- Celery – diced
- Carrots – diced
- Onion – diced
- Garlic – diced
- Bouillon Cubes (2)
- Water
- Olive Oil
- Black Pepper
- Smoked Turkey Necks (optional)
Mama Midget (yes that was her name), never used measuring cups or spoons so neither do I especially when using the Crock Pot. I just throw in what I have or think is enough.
Rinse and drain 1/2 bag of dry Black Eye peas
Add 2 Bouillon Cubes to 3 cups of hot water
Pour Olive Oil into Crock Pot just enough to cover bottom
Chop onion, garlic, carrots and celery and add to Crock Pot
Add Kale and sprinkle with Black Pepper
Pour in Bouillon Stock, adding more water to cover all ingredients if necessary
Stir and if desired add Smoked Turkey Legs or Necks
Cover and cook on low 8 hour, high 4 hours – depending on Crock Pot model. Don’t forget to make some Skillet Corn Bread!
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Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday
Can you believe that there are only 8 days until Christmas? Considering I haven’t started decorating or even shopped it’s definitely going by way too fast for me, I really need to get on the ball.
How about you, have you finished shopping and decorating? Are you baking and cooking up a storm? Are your weekends filled with parties and festivities? If not, why not host a holiday party of your own, a Festive Holiday Sweater Party it’s fun and is also for a good cause.
We all have old holiday sweaters from previous years. What if you could give those sweaters a new life and help support community programs in the process?
Through the AdCouncil’s campaign with Goodwill®, they have developed a new holiday resource that helps you do just that! It’s called Snapguide and it shows you how to host a Festive Holiday Sweater Party using clothing you already have or new clothes purchased from your local Goodwill.
The Snapguide walks you through the steps of hosting a holiday sweater party – from finding the perfect sweater to fit your personality using Goodwill’s online quiz and then getting outfitted at your local Goodwill store. After the party is over all your guests donates the sweaters back to support Goodwill’s mission in providing job training and community services to people in need.
All donations to Goodwill are charitable tax-deductions, including the festive holiday sweaters you donate back. Use Goodwill’s locator tool to find the nearest Goodwill location and the Donation Impact Calculator, shows how every item you give supports people who are seeking to earn jobs and build careers.
On Sunday I headed to our local Goodwill store on Kirkwood Highway and found some really nice sweaters for both men and women – what do you think? They can be jazzed up with holiday decorations or worn just as is.
Your Festive Holiday Sweater Party can be as casual or as glam as you’d like but I guarantee you will find something to fit the bill.
Last year, Goodwill provided employment training, job placement, financial education, youth mentoring and more to 6.7 million people in the United States and Canada. To see how the process works, just watch this “How We Do It PSA” and I’ll get to decorating!
Have a blessed day and don’t forget to share it – Smooches!
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Hello Friends and Happy Shop Small Saturday
Black Friday has come and gone so today we celebrate and support small businesses and all that they do for their communities. Please join the SBA and organizations across the country in supporting them by shopping at a small business in your city or town.
On Main and Broad Streets in Middletown there are some great small businesses that feature unique and affordable gifts for everyone on your holiday list.
Decor by Moore’s located on 500 North Broad Street recently celebrated their First Year Anniversary, and if you mention DeDivahDeals you’ll receive an additional 10% off your entire purchase until December 31st. “Stop in and Be Amazed” at their wonderful and unique gift items including “Diva” ornaments, personalized wine glasses, animal print boxes, lighted pictures and handcrafted cabinetry.
Decor by Moore’s is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9-6, Wednesday and Friday, 9-8, Saturday 9-7 and Sunday 11-3.
Purple Sage Herbs & Gifts located on 41 West Main Street has more than 100 apothecary style teas and you’re sure to find something to soothe your soul or remedy anything that ails you. Now and until the end of the year they are featuring new holiday teas as well as the new Holiday Troll Beads.
If during this busy holiday season you are seeking stress relief or a little relaxation, make sure to stop in for personalized service and a cup of hot tea.
Purple Sage Herbs & Teas is open Monday through Friday, 11-7, Saturday 10-4 or Sunday 11-4.
A high end fashion boutique with warm friendly customer service can be found at Femme Fatale Boutique on 25 West Main Street.
Femme Fatale Boutique is currently featuring the “Black Friday Limited Edition Pandora Bead”, Alex & Ani and the Brighton collection.
Free gift wrapping and personal shopping assistance is available for the men who love the women in their lives but don’t know what to buy them!
New in stock are the Brazilian Butt Lifting Jeans, guaranteed to fit sizes 2-20. These jeans stretch but don’t sag and are available in assorted colors.
Holiday hours are Monday through Friday, 10-7, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-3.
The Gibby or Gilbert W. Perry, Jr., Center for the Arts is a cultural staple in downtown Middletown featuring works by local artists.
Their Small Works Perfect Gift Shoppe is currently showcasing unique handmade jewelry, clothing, photography, ornaments and home decor.
Free parking across the street at the Municipal lot makes it convenient to shop Thursday and Friday 12-7 and Saturday 10-5.
A unique gift boutique specializing in jewelry and craft design can be found at Jewelapalooza. A recent transplant from Galena, Maryland, Jewelapalooza is located on 104 West Main Street and is featuring a Santa’s Workshop where kids can create homemade gifts that will be cherished for years to come.
Jewelapolooza specializes in Jewelry Making Parties as well as after school camps and workshops for the little ones in town.
Melissa & Doug Toys and Chamilia & Kameleon jewelry is prominently displayed throughout the boutique. Other unique boutique items include women’s shoes, dresses, sweaters, purses and totes.
I don’t know about you, but shopping makes me hungry so take a break and stop in at the mother and daughter owned bakery, Half Baked Patisserie located at 13 W. Main Street.
Make sure you get their signature Half Baked Cupcake which is made with chocolate cake, chocolate chip cookie dough center, topped with brown sugar frosting and sprinkled with chocolate chips….yes, it is AWESOME!!!
Vegan cakes, muffins, custom cakes and catering is also available during their daily Holidays hours of 10-4.
As you head out of town after a long day of shopping make sure to drive down to 725 North Broad to the Middletown Square Shopping Center and check out the newly opened Middletown African Market.
This Market features authentic African and Caribbean food items, Kente Cloth, clothing, videos, health and beauty products as well as kitchen items.
This long-needed ethnic market sells wholesale and retail fresh, canned, packaged and frozen foods. African spices, sauces and seasonings that is guaranteed to jazz up your holiday meals. The Middletown African Market is open Monday through Saturday 9-7.
Swinging after shopping was the best part of their day!
Why not catch a show at The Everett Theatre?
Where ever you decide to shop today, I hope it will be an enjoyable Shop Small Saturday.
Rest up tomorrow because next is Cyber Monday!
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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!
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!
Purse is also Avon (mark)
Sleeveless Shift dress was thrifted from Goodwill and George Sweater from Walmart.
Are you a fan of horror movies, and if so, what is your all time favorite?
Share your thoughts
Hello Friends and Happy Monday!
This is a sponsored post for eShakti, for more information please read my Disclosure Statement located in the top tab.
When I was contacted by eShakti asking if I would be interested in doing another review my answer was a resounding, “yes”. The first dress that I had received was of good quality, had a budget-friendly price and shipped quickly, so it would be my pleasure to review another garment. In case you missed that review you can read it here.
My favorite style of dress is a sleeveless shift because of it’s versatility and I also find that it compliments my figure the best. I’ll wear this style any season, all year long, to work, church and out to dinner with hubby. A shift dress transitions easily from summer to winter, and when the weather changes I’ll throw on a blazer or sweater and thanks to KelasKloset have also worn one with a turtleneck underneath.
For this review I chose item number CL0027971.
When submitting an order to eShakti the sizes are based on actual bust, waist and hip measurements proportioned for women Petite to Tall and ranging in sizes from 0-36W. However, if your measurements do not fit into any of these categories it can be customized for an additional $7.50.
I chose this method when ordering and didn’t order one size up as I normally would, so when I received the dress and opened the box I was loving the cut. I loved it even more when I put it on and found that this style was perfect and that it fit my bust, waist and hips nicely.
This dress was chosen because I didn’t want to wear an uber fancy dress to my hubby’s High School Reunion, but after the death of his mother we weren’t able to attend. With not having that event to wear the dress I needed to find a suitable location for a photo-op that would accentuate the look.
I chose Elana’s Florist and Gift Shop on 500 North Broad Street in Middletown. This once small Floral Shop had been transformed into a more expansive and unique Florist and Gift Shop perfect for a photo op. I promised Elana that I would return next month to do a post for my holiday shopping special.
I know my friend and neighbor Corrine, who is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will appreciate the Red Dress and Elephant background.
For me, the very best feature of this dress were the built-in bra strap holders. Every woman knows how irritating it is to have a bra strap sliding down her arm and then having to pull it up a million times.
The dress is made in India of Cotton and Spandex, is machine washable on a delicate cycle and should be hung to dry. The exposed easy slide brass zipper is also a nice accent.
eShakti dresses are affordable custom-made dresses that fit well and are made for the everyday woman such as myself. eShakti has been featured in numerous woman’s magazines and on daytime talk shows so check them out and sign up to receive sales notifications as well as specials with free shipping.
eShakti believes that all women have the right to wear affordable fashion that is made for them and makes them look their absolute best and I definitely agree.
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
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