Posts Tagged ‘shopping’
Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
In today’s Friday Foodie I am featuring the Grand Opening of the Middletown African Market located on 725 North Broad Street. Owners Abena Mansah and Kwaku Duah are recent transplants from the Bronx, by way of Ghana. In partnership with other family members they also owned an African Market in Yonkers, NY.
During their many visits to family and friends in Delaware they were often asked to load up the car with food items to bring with them. These visits also highlighted the need for a place to purchase authentic African and Caribbean foodstuff. However, in not finding anyone who was interested in doing so they decided to take a leap of faith and left New York to open the Middletown African Market in the Middletown Square Shopping Center.
Abena and Kwaku along with their son came to visit Delaware, fell in love with Middletown and never left, “we love it here”, says Abena, “the people are friendly and the school district is wonderful”.
The Middletown African Market hopes to meet the needs of the large African population in Delaware so they no longer need to travel to Philadelphia or as far north as New York. The Market’s shelves are fully stocked with African and Caribbean food items, clothing, music, movies, jewelry, beauty and novelty items.
Freezers are stocked with smoked fish, turkey, chicken, beef, cassava and other root vegetables. Long shelves contain canned meats, fruits, vegetables, bags of rice, wheat, potatoes, dry beans and snack foods. Authentic oils, spices, canned goods as well as fresh Sweet Yams and Plantains are available.
Kente Cloth, Waist Beads, Kufis, and beauty products including lotions with Shea Butter and Coconut Oil, Black Soap, shampoos and conditioners are neatly displayed across the back shelves.
Saturday’s Grand Opening was both exciting and lively with many customers, both African and non-African shopping, sharing and filling their baskets with food items to be used for Sunday’s dinner.
Middletown African Market accepts all major credit cards, EBT and is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 8:00 p.m., closed on Sunday.
Abena offered to teach me to cook a few authentic African meals, so expect to see them showcased in a future Friday Foodie Features.
Have a wonderful day – Smooches!
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Hello Friends & Happy Hump Day Wednesday
If you read last week’s Thankful Thursday post, you’ll recall that I was asked to be a Stylist for Goodwill’s 2014 Runway Fashion Show. You all know how I feel about Goodwill Industries and how excited I get when presented with an opportunity to work with them.
Goodwill will always have a special place in my heart because of all that they do for people in the community and because they were there for my sister when she needed employment. I am so completely over the top with excitement to be helping out with this fantastic fundraising fashion event!
Thursday evening all of the Stylists were invited to the main Goodwill location on Lea Blvd for a meet and greet and to obtain our Stylist Shopper’s Pass and information packages. Last year I was invited to participate but wasn’t able to and was surprised to learn that Kim Krzanowski whom I had met at the Delaware Today Fashion Show, (Best Dressed Delaware Woman) was last year’s Head Stylist. This year (with a heavy heart) she will not be able to take on that role solo due to pending motherhood, but will hang in as long as she can before her due date.
Saturday morning we returned to Goodwill to meet our models and to talk about outfit selections as well as to make plans to shop with or for them in the coming weeks and months. This year the outfits will be selected based on these themes:
In addition to the Runway Show, there will be a Second-hand Chic Boutique. “Look fabulous for less when you shop for one of a kind, name brand items hand-picked by our stylists. Brands include Ann Taylor Loft, Coach, Marc Jacobs and more!”
The Goodwill Boutique will be open for shopping from 6 – 7 p.m. and at the conclusion of the show. If you want to to shop early you can upgrade to a VIP ticket and begin shopping 45 minutes before general admission begins.
If you would like to be a sponsor and/or purchase tickets, please go to
www.goodwillde.org/runway, proceeds to benefit a scholarship fund for Goodwill employees wishing to obtain their GED or an Associates Degree.
I’ll keep you posted once the shopping trips begin….this is going to be so much fun!
Have a fantablous day – Smooches!
Kim covering some information that was helpful from last year’s event
Stylist and Models
Models
Male and Mommy Models
My Models
Personalized Garment Bags that will be used for each model’s outfits
Working with 2 of my models – Kim & Erin
Erin and Kim are just as excited as I am
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In 1998, a young woman who was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago relocated herself, a son and a daughter from Brooklyn, New York to Claymont, Delaware. Still grieving from the untimely death of her fiance’ and left alone to raise the small children she decided to become a small business owner.
A transplant from New York unable to find the cultural exchanges that she had grown accustomed decided to open Mejah Books, Inc .
Emlyn DeGannes, or “Ms. M” as she prefers to be called left the Interior Design Industry in NY to become a small vendor in the Tri-State Mall. There are days when Mejah Books, Inc. is filled with the sounds of Latin, Caribbean or Reggae music, but on this particular Saturday it was the soothing sounds of Meditation Music.
The staff is pleasant and engaging, you are invited to purchase a cup of coffee, tea or water while you shop. However, if not there to make a purchase feel free to take a seat to read, relax, meditate, or even take a nap. The aroma, a mixture of oils and incense envelops you into warm comfort.
I walked around checking out the many book titles, magazines, artwork, handcrafted jewelry, body scrubs and lotions. It reminded me of the small boutiques in Soho, as men women and children wandered in and out exchanging pleasantries, enjoying a family day outing. It didn’t feel as though I had entered this Zen-like area from the cool corridors of a Mall.
There are books of interest for everyone including children who are welcomed to come in, sit and relax with or without their parents, a perfect place for the back to school crowd.
Ms. M is also an author and one of her recent works “Voices…Letters to Ms. Em Reflections of Life While Doing Life” is now part of the Education curriculum at the University of Delaware where she is also a guest speaker.
Now that her son, Jordan and daughter Jewel are grown, she continues to work even outside of the bookstore. She mentors young ladies through Voices of Beautiful Flowers; is a Cyber School Instructor with achievementcharter.com and she also receives correspondence from inmates from all over the world. Ms. M takes time to write each of them back or she may send a book of encouragement. In the back room she has a credenza that contains hundreds of letters and cards from these men and women.
To say, Ms. M is a busy lady would be an understatement, “every day brings more life to discover, you just have to open your heart to find it.”
If you happen to be in Claymont, stop in at the TriState Mall and visit Ms. M at Mejah Books, Inc. The shop is open everyday, Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm and on Sunday 12:00 to 5:00 pm. I look forward to returning and featuring her in another one of her many community projects.
39.800669-75.45964
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday
My youngest will be entering High School as a Senior which means no more standing at the bus stop in the rain…he drives, and no more back to school shopping…he wouldn’t be caught dead shopping with his mother…besides he has his own Debit Card.
His last year in High School is bittersweet but it doesn’t mean I can’t go “Back to School Shopping” and take advantage of the end of the season sales.
I may not be doing this…
But I can do this…
Which is what I did at TJ Maxx and Burlington Coat Factory!
Jessica Simpson Wedge Shoes @ TJ Maxx
Floral Dress – $15.00
Black & White Stripped Maxi – $19.99
Unlisted loafers – $19.99
Bandolino Blue Patent Leather Wedges – $19.99
I didn’t purchase, but these Bandolino pumps were so comfy @ $24.99
Leaving TJ Maxx I saw Barbie, a true fashionista, whose skirt and top were purchased at Nzinga’s Boutique. A perfect outfit to wear out and about running errands or shopping (s/o to Steve aka Ken – lol)
Next I drove down Naamans Road to Burlington Coat Factory at the Tri State Mall
Maxi Dress – $14.98
Floral hi-low dress – $6.98
Infinity Scarf $5.98
Infinity Scarf – $4.98
I also purchased a pair of CitiClassifed Pumps ($9.98) and Yellow Evening Bag ($7.98) – I love clearance racks just as much as thrifting!
Next year we will be paying College tuition so there will be no more Back to School Shopping for me, also bittersweet!
Have you done any Back to School shopping or taken advantage of the end of season sales?
39.800669-75.45964
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
This week’s Foodie Feature is a 4 ingredient but less than 40 minute meal. I was in 3 different grocery stores last week, Sunday at Safeway with hubby for the major shopping, then after work on Tuesday at ShopRite and again on Wednesday at Food Lion with my son who needed to get supplies for a BBQ on Friday.
In Shoprite I was looking for ingredients to make the Turkey Tacos and noticed the Veetee Thai Jasmine Rice, my men really like Jasmine Rice so I bought a pack to try. In Food Lion the Campbell’s Skillet Sauces were on sale and even though I didn’t have my coupons I got it to use with chicken I had in the frig.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Veetee Thai Jasmine Rice
- Campbell’s Skillet Sauce (Thai Green Curry)
- Vegetable or Olive Oil
Heat 1 Tbls oil then add 1 lb of chicken breast, slice or diced according to your preference
Cook until no longer pink, 10-12 minutes then add Campbell’s Skillet Sauce
Reduce heat, cover and cook an additional 5 minutes
Microwave Thai Jasmine Rice for 2 minutes
Spoon chicken over rice and serve
It’s a bit spicy but my men loved it and I was out of the kitchen quickly!
Have a fantabulous Friday!
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
This week’s Foodie Feature is a 4 ingredient but less than 40 minute meal. I was in 3 different grocery stores last week, Sunday at Safeway with hubby for the major shopping, then after work on Tuesday at ShopRite and again on Wednesday at Food Lion with my son who needed to get supplies for a BBQ on Friday.
In Shoprite I was looking for ingredients to make the Turkey Tacos and noticed the Veetee Thai Jasmine Rice, my men really like Jasmine Rice so I bought a pack to try. In Food Lion the Campbell’s Skillet Sauces were on sale and even though I didn’t have my coupons I got it to use with chicken I had in the frig.
Ingredients
- Chicken
- Veetee Thai Jasmine Rice
- Campbell’s Skillet Sauce (Thai Green Curry)
- Vegetable or Olive Oil
Heat 1 Tbls oil then add 1 lb of chicken breast, slice or diced according to your preference
Cook until no longer pink, 10-12 minutes then add Campbell’s Skillet Sauce
Reduce heat, cover and cook an additional 5 minutes
Microwave Thai Jasmine Rice for 2 minutes
Spoon chicken over rice and serve
It’s a bit spicy but my men loved it and I was out of the kitchen quickly!
Have a fantabulous Friday!
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Chasing the Dream Market Day!
Thursday, August 1st
11:00am-1:30pm
Rodney Square in Wilmington
Campers are open for business…come shop over your lunch break!
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Turn Up The Heat…
August Money School Classes!
Money Smart Series
Wed., July 31, Aug. 7, 14, 21 & 28 Time: 6-8pm
Bear Library
Nicole Henry, Citizens Bank
Participants must attend all sessions to receive certificate.
Lunch and Learn: Social Media and Business
Wed., July 31 Time: 12noon-1:30pm
Claymont Community Center
Stacey Schiller, Stacey Ink
Strategic Ways to Get Out of Debt
Thurs., Aug. 1 Time: 5:30-7:15pm
Dover Library
Rod Hausmann, Primerica
How to Start and Finance Your Small Business Dream
Thurs., Aug. 1 Time: 6-7:30pm
City of Dover Economic Development Office
Tim Reid, SBA
Protecting What’s Important
Tues., Aug 6 Time: 1:00-2:00pm
Kirkwood Hwy Public Library, 6000 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington
Steven Lucas, Edward Jones
Lunch and Learn: Award-winning Customer Service
Wed., Aug. 7 Time: 12noon-1:30pm
Claymont Community Center
Dinette Rivera, Rivera Business Development Group
Light lunch provided
Foreclosure Prevention
Mon., Aug. 12 Time: 6:30-8:30pm
Newark Library, 750 Library Ave., Newark
Mary Rammel, CCCS of MD and DE
Foreclosure Prevention
Mon., Aug. 12 Time: 6-7:30pm
Georgetown Library, Job Center
Lisa Spellman, Department of Justice
A Mortgage Acceleration Review
Mon., Aug. 12 Time: 6:30-7:30
Rosehill Commuinty Center
Jenine Mills, AGLA
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Hello Friends and Happy Monday!
There definitely should be an extra day between Saturday and Sunday because trying to squeeze in chores and relaxation into two can be exhausting! I trust you all had an enjoyable weekend and hopefully are half way through a stress free Monday.
Today’s outfit is a simple two piece skirt and sleeveless tank that I must have bought about 10 years ago and thanks to the elastic waistband, I will probably have it another 10 years!
Too much of this makes for a very mellow Monday!
How are you feeling today?
Linking up today with Tough Cookie Mommy and Life of Meg – come on over and join in on the fun
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Hello Friends and Happy Friday Eve!
AARP Membership requests began hitting my mailbox way back in my 40’s and now that I am almost 52, I guess the time has come to consider joining. I am reluctantly accepting the fact that I’m approaching the “S E N I O R” category – REALLY??!! Hubby and I have been joking for years and betting on who would join first….I’d push the envelop away and say, “oh no I’m too young”, and he’d look at me side-eyed and smirk.
Offers of a Free Gift to join had oftentimes been tempting and there are definitely some great benefits including discounts at Ross Stores on Tuesdays! Discounts on travel, food, entertainment, health, insurance, shopping, education and training and so much more should have been reason to sign up with a quickness, but I just couldn’t do it. I had also loved the fact that they provide information on Long Term Care options, Employment Postings, even starting a new business, the benefits of being an AARP member far outweigh the small price to join.
I’ve finally made up my mind and submitted an online membership application, and then I entered the AARP Real People Model Search just for the heck of it. I don’t expect to be chosen but it seemed like something fun to do as well as memorable to mark the occasion as I approach the wonderful world of “Senior Citizenship”.
If you would like to vote for me, click here, and look for Antionette B in Delaware.
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Hello Friends and Happy Sunday
There’s something special about going to a Church Service on a Sunday morning after a sad Saturday night. The lifting up of prayers in the sanctuary and bonding brightens your day and provides clarity.
I thank God for being blessed and highly favored and wish the same for you,
MAY PEACE AND BLESSINGS BE UPON YOU MY BLOGGY FRIENDS!
Sheath Dress – JCPenney
Fioni Floral PeepToe Pumps – Payless
Chunky Necklace – Rugged Wearhouse // Scarf and Purse (old)
Joy Cometh in the Morning
by David J. Stewart
“…weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.” -Psalm 30:5
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