DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Posts Tagged ‘retirement’

Cancer Don’t Care | Thankful Thursday

For far too many years, we have had several relatives affected by cancer, mostly breast but lung and colon cancer has also reared their ugly heads.  We watched them go through treatment, recovery, get worse, become survivors or die.  Cancer don’t care who you are, where you live, or even how you live. breast cancer awareness

Lung cancer has taken the lives of smokers as well as non-smokers and breast cancer invades the bodies of men as well as women and for far too long.

We have watched the deterioration of some and dealt with the sudden death of others. We have grieved as a family and attended the funerals and memorial services.  Cancer don’t care about any of this.

My mother-in-law battled colon cancer, she put up a good fight, in and out of Hospice Care for over a year until her small frame, weighing less than 100 lbs could no longer take it…she died on Saturday August 31, 2013. colorectal cancer awareness

“You have cancer” is a phrase that no one ever wants to hear, especially a healthy, active, non smoking, non drinking man who is entering his next phase of life.  Retirement papers signed after 32 years with the State of Delaware…now onward to that 2nd half of life and getting a start on the “honey-do” list.

Cancer Don’t Care!

Colonoscopy began at the age of 45, he ate little to no red meat, exercised daily, had a happy life with a happy wife and kids in slow suburban Middletown, DE.

Cancer Don’t Care!  

Years of pain and an irritable bowel, yet, no detection of cancer, until one specialist working in God’s favor does an endoscopy and there is was hidden in the small intestines.  

Cancer Don’t Care!

Diagnosed on the 21st…surgery on the 26th with no signs it has spread, and guess who’s home today!   colon cancer survivor

God is Good and

I AM THANKFUL!!!!!!!!!

 

DDD Signature with butterflies and frame

 


Weekend Wind-Down Party #9

Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!

 This month is running wild and flying by way too quickly, there has been a whirlwind of activity in my life and that’s not even including the last snowstorm of the season. (fingers crossed)  All of it has definitely been wonderful and exciting, some I can speak about, others not just yet, but it’s all good news!

  • I lost my 2005 Hyundai Sonata due to engine failure and replaced her with a 2010 Hyundai Accent.
  • New Car Purchased at Carman
  • Hubby completed his retirement paperwork, so on July 1st, he will officially be retired from the State of Delaware – congrats, I’ll give you the “honey-do” list on the 1st of August, a few weeks before our 24th Wedding Anniversary. honey do list
  • The 2014 Goodwill Runway Show was fantastic, I hope you had an opportunity to read the post, if not, click here.  I twisted my ankle a few hours before the event and had to change shoes 3 times, but thankfully, it wasn’t worse and I made it through the night with a smile!
  • Goodwill Runway Show On Tuesday I taught a Blogging 101 Class which is sponsored by The Money School of Delaware and there were some awesome attendees whose participation was great.

teaching at the Bear Library

Tomorrow the temps are expected to reach the upper 50’s, so if you are getting a jump on your Spring Wardrobe don’t forget to enter to win a $50 Gift Certificate to Midnight Velvet.

Midnight Vevet Review

 

Now, let’s get this party started!  

Congratulations to this week’s Featured Bloggers, please check the #WWDParty Pinterest Page as they are posted there as well.  

Please feel free to place this button onto your blog

I WAS FEATURED #WWDPARTY

simply fresh dinners

simply fresh dinners

For the Love of Decorating

For the Love of Decorating

I'm Perfectly Human

I’m Perfectly Human

view from the Fridge

view from the Fridge

True Blue Baking

True Blue Baking

 

Carrie This Home

Carrie This Home

Jordan's Onion

Jordan’s Onion

The rules are the same and we ask that you follow your hosts on at least one Social Media Platform WWDParty Rules

 

Annette (This Simple Home) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest

Antionette (De Divah Deals)  Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram

Danielle (My Snippets of Inspiration) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn

Nicole M. (Mendez Manor) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/LinkedIn/Instagram

Nicole R. (A Living Sacrifice) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/LinkedIn

Sarah (Mustard Seed Mommy…ME!) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/Instagram

Teresa (Moms Who Save) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Google+/Pinterest/Instagram/Website

I look forward to relaxing, reading and commenting on your posts (only if I see a link back to the #WWDParty).  Thanks you for stopping by and sharing, have a fantastical weekend and enjoy the warmer weather if you are in the MidAtlantic area!

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

dedivahdealssignature2_thumb.png

 

 



New Year…More Money with The Delaware Financial Literacy Programs

dfli banner

 

The New Year is an ideal opportunity to set and to create new money habits.  Whether your goal is saving, buying a home, or starting a business, there is a Money School class which can assist you. Check out The Money School class schedule and register for their free classes. You can even bring a friend!

What’s your financial goal for 2014? Take a picture, and send it to info@dfli.org. They will post your goal on the Money School’s Facebook page.

There’s no better time than today,

Social Media 101 Training 

Join us and learn how to create a savvy social media strategy. Social media experts will discuss creative e-mail marketing, maximizing video content, blogging tips, and media relations.

Guest Speakers:

  • Antionette Blake, Blogger, DeDivahDeals
  • Amy Cherry, WDEL
  • Carl Immediato, Talk Fusion
  • Randi Penfil, Constant Contact
  • Stacey Schiller, Stacey Link

When: Thursday, Jan. 30 ~ Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm
Where: Goodwill Center, 300 E. Lea Blvd. Wilmington

Lynnette Khalfani-Cox

CODE Conference 2014: Building a Brand  

Starting your own business? Need to jump start your current enterprise? Attend Delaware’s premiere event for the small-business community, the CODE Conference. Speak with exhibitors, network, and learn branding techniques from award winning financial-journalist, Lynnette Khalfani-Cox.

When: Saturday, March 1

Time: 8:30am to 1:00pm

Where: Chase Center on the Riverfront, Wilmington

Learn more and register

Want to exhibit at CODE?  E-mail Info@DFLI.ORG for details.

dedivahdeals-signature

 

 


The Money School Free Fall Classes

dfli banner

fall banner

 

How to Create a Retirement Paycheck for Small Business

Mon., Sept. 30 Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm

NCC Cooperative Extention

Maria Pippidis, UD Cooperative Extension

Tax Free Investing: It’s Not What You Make, It’s What You Keep!

Tues., Oct. 1 Time: 4:30-6pm

Selbyville Library

Donna Savage, Edward Jones

Scams & Schemes: Dodging Financial Predators

Tues., Oct. 1 Time: 6-8:30pm

Woodlawn Library

Whitney Singer, Clarifi

               null

Lunch and Learn: Communicating Value

Wed., Oct. 2 Time: 12noon-1:30pm

Claymont Community Center

Dinette Rivera, Rivera Business Development Group

Light lunch provided

 

Blogging for Your Small Business

Wed., Oct. 2 Time: 6:30-8:00pm

Bear Library, 101 Governor’s Place, Bear

Antionette Blake, DE Divah Deals

You and Health Insurance: Making a Smart Choice

Wed., Oct. 2 Time: 6:00 – 8:00pm

Bear Library

Maria Pippidis, UD Cooperative Extension

How Today’s Annuities Really Work

Mon., Oct. 7 Time: 6-8pm

Hockessin Public Library

Michael Connor, WSFS Investments

               

You and Health Insurance: Making a Smart Choice

Mon., Oct. 7 Time: 6:30 – 8:30pm

Sussex County Extention Office

Maria Pippidis, UD Cooperative Extension

 

Join Us…
October 19, 2013 * 10:00am
Chase Center on the Riverfront
815 Justison Street, Wilmington, DE
Featuring award-winning author Jackie Cummings Koski
null
null
null
null

Liebster Award Acceptance

A few months ago two lovely ladies nominated me for a Liebster Award, I apologize for just getting around to accepting and thanking them properly.

Thank you Kittehluvs and A Mom’s Point of View, I was truly honored and am humbled that you chose me as a recipient (please accept my apology for the delay in accepting)

 I officially accept both nominations and have combined my answers from each of you and am abiding by the following rules:

  • Post eleven facts about yourself

  • Answer the questions posed by your nominator

  • Pass the award on to eleven new recipients

  • Post eleven new questions to your bloggers

Upon completion, post the Liebster Award badge to your blog, notify your nominees, and link them to the post, as well as linking the person who nominated you.

Eleven Facts about Me

  1. I live in the 2nd smallest state, Delaware – home of VP Joe Biden

  2. I’ll have been married 23 years in August

  3. I received a BS Degree in Elementary Education from Delaware State (College) University

  4. I love Jazz, Classical and R&B music

  5. I am left handed

  6. I love Classic TV shows – i.e. I Love Lucy, Dragnet, Leave it to Beaver

  7. I am NOT a sports enthusiast nor can I play any sport

  8. I love old school horror flicks – Night of the Living Dead, 1968 version is my all time favorite

  9. I have a soft and loving heart, I look for the good in everyone

  10. I can’t relax – must always be doing something, even while sleeping, my mind is racing

  11. I hate to sweat when exercising but it doesn’t bother me when sunbathing – I know, hubby doesn’t understand that either

  12. I hate driving because I have a 3 hour daily commute to work

Eleven Questions from Kittehluvs

  1. What is your favorite pair of shoes – Polka Dot Pumps

  2. What perfume/scent do you wear – As an Avon Rep I have many but my favorite is Bijan

  3. Do you like vintage or modern style? Explain – Both, and when mixed the vintage becomes the new modern

  4. What is your favorite piece of furniture – My Bed – I love to sleep!

  5. Do you collect something?  What is it?  – I used to collect African American Santas and Angels – but have since stopped buying – time to start downsizing

  6. Favorite Things? Least Favorite Things? Use your imagination – A positive balance in my checkbook – a negative balance in my checkbook!

  7. What is one piece of advice you’d like to give to your readers?  “Don’t Stress The Small Stuff – Life is Too Short”

  8. Thinking about how and when you grew up, where do you think your style inspiration came from? – Born in the 60’s, and raised in New York – no explanation needed

  9. If you could do anything crazy for 1 day and be assured that nothing harmful could happen, what would it be? – Wow…that’s definitely a hard one…hmmm hack the system to wipe my credit report clean, zero balance out everything!

  10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In 10 years? – semi-retired and debt free/retired and debt free

  11. What is your best asset? Could be physical or not – Positive Attitude

Eleven Questions from A Mom’s Point of View

  1. What made you decide to start blogging? – After the death of my grandmother, I needed someone to share my bargains and deals with

  2. How often to you write a blog post? – Daily

  3. Do you have children and how many? 2 sons, ages 17 and 20

  4. What is your favorite book? – Everything written by the late E. Lynn Harris

  5. Do you read eBooks or paper books? – both but neither often

  6. How long could you live without electricity? – a week maybe

  7. One word to describe your personality? – Positive

  8. Dog or Cat person? Cat but don’t have either

  9. Have you bought a tablet yet? – I won one from a contest sponsored by WPHL17

  10. Apple or Android? – Both, Apple iPad, Android “not-so-smart” Phone

  11. Facebook or Google+ ? – Both but I like FB better

 

My Nominees

  1. Images by Dashfield

  2. The L Train

  3. Mitzie Mee

  4. Curls and Mo

  5. Calm Healthy Sexy

  6. Divas With A Purpose

  7. Fashion For Lunch

  8. Free UR Closet

  9. Tough Cookie Mommy

  10. Lifestyle Over 40

  11. Pride in Photos

Questions for my nominees:

  1. Where is your fantasy vacation spot?

  2. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

  3. Who influenced you the most while growing up?

  4. Who do you now admire and why?

  5. What is your biggest pet peeve?

  6. How do you like to travel – planes, trains or automobiles?

  7. What is your favorite quote or inspirational message?

  8. Winter, Spring, Summer or Fall?

  9. Best gift ever received?

  10. If you could go shopping with someone famous with an unlimited budget who would it be and where?

  11. What is #1 on your Bucket List?

  liebster1 liebster-award 2 dedivahdeals signature


“Got $avings?” – friends don’t let friends drown in debt

Image

First State Saves Week 2013 as part of the “Got $avings” Program  kicks off on Monday, February 25th

“First State Saves Week reminds us to Save Early and Save Often!”

 You are invited to attend any of these FREE classes that are intended to help Delawareans build wealth not debt.

19 Ways to Find Money to Invest

Monday, Feb. 25th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Bear Library

* * *

Lighten Up Your Energy Bill

Tuesday, Feb. 26th, 6:00-8:00 pm @ Junior Achievement

522 S. Walnut Street, Wilmington

Free Parking, Snacks and Door Prizes

* * *

Understanding Standing Loans

Wednesday, Feb. 27th, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm @ Dover Library

Light Lunch Provided

* * *

Retirement Has Changed, What’s Your Next Move?

Thursday, Feb. 28th, 10:30 – 12:00 noon @ Rehoboth Beach Library

* * *

Snowed Under by Clutter

Friday, March 1st, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm @ Claymont Community Center

Light Lunch Provided

 

Classes are Free but registration is required ~ www.dfli.org or 877.307.6858


"Got $avings?" – friends don't let friends drown in debt

Image

First State Saves Week 2013 as part of the “Got $avings” Program  kicks off on Monday, February 25th

“First State Saves Week reminds us to Save Early and Save Often!”

 You are invited to attend any of these FREE classes that are intended to help Delawareans build wealth not debt.

19 Ways to Find Money to Invest

Monday, Feb. 25th, 6:30 – 8:30 pm @ Bear Library

* * *

Lighten Up Your Energy Bill

Tuesday, Feb. 26th, 6:00-8:00 pm @ Junior Achievement

522 S. Walnut Street, Wilmington

Free Parking, Snacks and Door Prizes

* * *

Understanding Standing Loans

Wednesday, Feb. 27th, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm @ Dover Library

Light Lunch Provided

* * *

Retirement Has Changed, What’s Your Next Move?

Thursday, Feb. 28th, 10:30 – 12:00 noon @ Rehoboth Beach Library

* * *

Snowed Under by Clutter

Friday, March 1st, 12:00 noon – 1:30 pm @ Claymont Community Center

Light Lunch Provided

 

Classes are Free but registration is required ~ www.dfli.org or 877.307.6858


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.

The Money School of Delaware

20121028-192724.jpg

20121028-192734.jpg

20121028-192814.jpg

20121028-192831.jpg

20121028-193724.jpg

20121028-194025.jpg
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

20121028-200538.jpg
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!

20121028-201552.jpg
After lunch we walked “Women’s Biz Boulevard” gathering information from the FAB exhibitors, stopping to test products, enter drawings and purchase raffle tickets.

20121028-202256.jpg

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!

20121028-204026.jpg
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.

20121028-204743.jpg

20121028-205409.jpg

20121028-205430.jpg

20121028-211643.jpg

20121028-211744.jpg

20121028-211812.jpg

20121028-222709.jpg

20121028-222721.jpg

20121028-222736.jpg

20121028-232504.jpg

20121028-232652.jpg