Hello friends and welcome to Wellness Wednesday.
As the daylight hours get shorter and the temps a little chillier your mood may begin to mellow. Gone are the long sunny days spent outdoors and you may feel like hibernating at home.
Now is the perfect time to indulge the senses with affordable yet comfortable items that will enhance our mood and not break the bank.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links provided by Postpresso.
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Hello friends,
Let me ask you this question, “can doing laundry change your mood?” My answer is “YES IT CAN”, and it can be changed for the better. In our house, Saturday is laundry day which is also my favorite weekend chore. No, it’s not that I love washing, drying and folding clothes, it’s because of the fresh scent of the new Purex Crystals Aromatheraphy. These new Purex Crystals Aromatherapy in-wash scent boosters are blended with essential oils that turn a bore chore into so much more!
The Purex Crystals Aromatherapy come in three long lasting fragrant scents, Energy, Well Being and Serenity, all mood enhancing aromas. The citrus scent of Energy is so fragrant that I’ve decided to use them in other rooms as a deodorizer and in sachets for my dresser drawers, check out this YouTube Video review to find out where else I’ll be using them.
As much as I would love to give you all a FREE full size container of Purex Crystals Aromatherapy so that you can experience the bliss and spirit of these soothing aromas, only two will be chosen to receive a coupon for a FREE full size container.
*Hurry and enter today for a chance to win a coupon in this Rafflecopter Giveaway, just leave your answer to this question:
“What is your favorite weekend chore?”
Good luck, now go back and check out my video!
*open to US residents only
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Hello friends and Welcome to Money Monday
Remember last month when I told you that hubby couldn’t buy me a gift for my birthday? Well after checking his bank statement a few days earlier, he realized that there had been some fraudulent charges made against his account. Luckily, they weren’t excessive, but after contacting the bank his debit card was immediately suspended, oh by the way, there’s a charge for a replacement, which I think is unfair but that’s another story for another Money Monday.
Anywho, I’m glad that he had finally heeded my warning in making sure to check his statements as well as any credit card or medical bills that were received in the mail. There are so many ways for scammers to get you and it doesn’t just happen during the busy holiday season.
Scammers and fraudsters are ever vigilant, therefore, as wise consumers we must be the same, so here is a list of 12 tips to help you avoid fraud and keep the scammers at bay!
- Install a lockable mailbox to reduce mail theft.
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Limit the number of credit cards you have.
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Reconcile your check and credit card statements as soon as possible, and immediately challenge any purchases that you did not make.
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Scrutinize your utility and subscription bills to make sure the charges are yours.
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Keep a list of all your credit and bank accounts in a secure place so you can quickly call the issuers to inform them about missing or stolen cards. Or make a copy front and back of your cards with the numbers to customer service and fraud departments.
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Do not toss pre-approved credit offers in your trash or recycling bin without first tearing them into small pieces or shredding them. Dumpster divers can use these offers to order credit cards in your name and mail them to their address. Always do the same with other sensitive information, such as credit card receipts and phone bills.
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Avoid credit repair scams. If you are tempted to contact a credit repair company for help, use considerable caution. The FTC and a number of state attorney generals have sued credit repair companies for false promises to remove bad information from credit reports. Only inaccurate information may be removed from your credit report; negative information that is accurate (such as a bankruptcy filing or a defaulted loan) will stay on your credit report as long as governing laws allow.
- Never give any credit card, bank or Social Security information to anyone by telephone unless you can positively verify that the call is legitimate.
- Minimize exposure of your Social Security and credit card numbers. If the numbers are requested for check-cashing purposes, ask if the business has alternative options, such as a check-cashing card.
- Do not have your bank send your new checks to your home address. Tell the bank that you prefer to pick them up.
- Destroy all checks immediately after you close a checking account. Destroy or keep in a secure place any courtesy checks that your bank or credit card company sends to you.
- Do not allow your financial institution to print your Social Security Number on your personal checks. I remember when your social security numbers were not only printed on your checks but also on your driver’s license as well. Times sure have changed!
Have you ever been a victim of a scammer, whether online, via the telephone or mail, if so, then you know how difficult, time consuming and sometime costly it can be to get things back on track.
Check www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork if you are concerned about an organization that doesn’t sound legitimate and call 877-908-3360 which is the AARP Foundation Fraud Fighter Center.
Better Safe than Sorry!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends and welcome to Sunday Stylin Roundup. I trust you all had a wonderful weekend. We are now into full Autumn attire and I finally got all my closets cleaned – yay me! I didn’t get an opportunity to wear all of my summer dresses but next week I am going to repost a DIY in which I cut the bodice off a dress to make it a maxi skirt. I’ll be doing a few more of them as some of the dresses are cut too low to wear without a cover-up.
Here are last week’s outfits.
These two outfits one I wore at the end of September and the other was early October which is still warm enough to wear peep toes and pencil skirts.
Pencil skirts are by far my favorite types of skirts and the color grey with the classic black and white works equally well with green and beige. The red necklace is from Rainbow Shops and the beige beads are from Walmart, they have a really nice $5 and $10 Statement necklace assortment #stockingstuffer.
I call this outfit “Back to Basics“, because the white cotton shirt and tie are reminiscent of my early corporate days at IBM. Believe it or not, I still have several of the clip on ties that I wore back in the early 80’s! The skirt is from Walmart and the purse is from Avon as is the bracelets and watch. I participated in iamfabellis #fabwerkwear Instagram roundup, so if you get a minute go check out the other lovely ladies in classic white work shirts.
Breaking out the infinity scarves which I have draped around a body-form in the guest bedroom, most of which were on clearance from Burlington Coat Factory, but Walmart also has a large selection as well, starting at $4.97.
Two of my favorite consigned pieces, the Jessica Simpson leopard print peep-toes shoes and this leopard print vintage purse. A simple top from Boscov’s and brown thrifted skirt made this outfit a mid-week special.
Another infinity scarf breaks of the basic blue skirt from JCPenney and green scoop top thrifted from Goodwill. I had forgotten about these Unlisted shoes from the Shoe Dept, but seemed to work well with the tote from Target as well as the thrifted pink clutch.
I ended the work week in a “Poncho and Pencil” skirt and pointy toe shoes from DSW. The pencil skirt and thrifted sleeveless tank were covered in a printed poncho from Boscov’s. I didn’t need to change up my purse as the tote from Target worked well. The accessories I chose were a wooden beaded necklace, a Flea Market find, and wood earrings from Claire’s.
So which outfit did you like the best?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends,
On Sunday I was part of the paparazzi on the Red Carpet for the Gordesi Launch Experience at the World Cafe Live in Wilmington. Flash bulbs lit up the sky on this warm Autumn evening as Curtis Hutson was greeted and congratulated by many supporters, family members and friends. As I listened to them being interviewed by Connie Romano for Ambi’ance Magazine, I picked up on one common theme from each, #blessings.
You see, Curtis was not always a fashion designer, as a matter of fact in 1995, he found himself alone and desperate in a jail house cell. At the age of 30, he was incarcerated and had battled addictions to both drugs and alcohol. One day after falling to his knees in prayer he saw the word G.O.D. spelled out in toothpaste on his cell wall, he believed that was the key to his new life.
Unfortunately, five years later his life hit rock bottom so this time he prayed for God to end his life, but he had other plans. After being clean for twelve years, Curtis listened to God’s hints and started Gordesi: God’s Original Designs.
The Gordesi Launch Experience was much more than just a fashion show, there was entertainment by vocalist Sarah Kane, Aniya Jazz, Roderick, Lex Kelly and Grateful Dread, and the MC for the evening was Richard F Blackwell.
DeeJay007 had the audience up on their feet during the various intermissions even taking it back to old skool R&B and Hip Hop. You can hear a few snippets from the evening’s performances on my Instagram page.
However, the highlight of the evening were the models on the runway featuring the 2015 Spring/Summer Gordesi Fashion Line. Gordesi by CLH is the first and only urban lifestyle brand that dedicates 7% of its profits to charitable organizations locally, nationally and globally. The profits from this event were being donated to The Arthur J. Turner, Jr. Scholarship Foundation.
The World Cafe Live @ The Queen was the perfect venue for the Gordesi Launch Experience and their staff is to be applauded for the professional and courteous service provided throughout the evening. Unfortunately I was unable to stay the entire time so I missed the performance by Algebra Blessett which included a birthday celebration for Curtis, which I am sure was fantastic!
Congratulations Curtis, I wish you continued success in this and all your future endeavors.
A special thanks to Demia Avery, Co-CEO/Publicist of Avery Sisters Entertainment for inviting me to cover this wonderful fashion launch and also for bringing yet another high class event to the state of Delaware.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends,
I don’t know about you, but when it comes to exercise I have to admit that I don’t get enough of it. I don’t run or jog but I do like to walk both outdoors, weather permitting and in the evenings on my elliptical, energy permitting – lol.
However, my favorite exercise of all times is working outside in the yard. During this time of the year hubby and I spend our Sunday afternoons outside doing yard work. He mows the lawn, trims and edges the walkway, while I cut back the Spring and Summer foliage and pull those weeds which never seem to stop growing!
Autumn is the best time of the year to work outside because it’s not too hot nor too cold, and listening to music makes it even more enjoyable. While hubby rides the lawnmower, he is listening to music from an iPhone in his pocket and headphones on his ears.
While I trim trees and hedges I’m listening to music with an iPhone nestled securely in a Limm iPhone Armband with buds in my ears. The Limm iPhone Armband keeps the iPhone safe and secure with an adjustable and stretchable strap that doesn’t interfere with my arm movements.
The Limm iPhone Armband is made of a material that keeps the phone protected from sweat and has a built in pocket to hold a single key, so if you are out for a run or walk, just tuck your house, desk or car key inside. If your exercise regiment also includes working outdoors and you want to listen to music while you work, try this Limm iPhone Armband, which would also make for a great stocking stuffer, you can order one today from Amazon.com
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.
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Hello friends and welcome to Money Monday.
If you are off from work today due to the Columbus Day holiday, you’ll probably be hitting the stores in search of some great bargains. In case one of those stores is Target make sure to load up your Cartwheel before loading up your cart.
If you don’t know about Cartwheel, you can read more about it here, then download the free mobile app because it will help you to save even more money on your in-store purchases at Target.
Cartwheel is an app on your Smartphone where you can select offers after signing into your Facebook account then going to the Cartwheel website via their Facebook page. (select “visit website”) or just sign in with your own Facebook account directly on the Cartwheel website.
Tap to add the discounts that you’ll be using, then show your phone with the SCANShow barcode to the cashier at checkout. The great thing about using Cartwheel is that there are discounts in each department from clothing to groceries and there’s no need to cut coupons or wait days to get a gift card refund. You can use Cartwheel and stack it with other coupons, sales as well as your debit or credit REDcard for even more savings. Try it – you’ll Like it!
HAPPY SHOPPING!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends, I trust you all had a wonderful weekend, mine was quite busy and it’s going to continue late into the night.
This evening I will be heading up to Wilmington to cover the Gordesi Launch Experience – Summer 2015 Collection as part of the VIP Press corp. I am really looking forward to attending this fashion event and I can’t wait to bring you all the exciting coverage.
Speaking of fashion, here is last week’s outfit roundup.
I am going to title this outfit “All in the Family”. Reading through fashion blogs I learned that if you are going to mix patterns, make sure the colors are all in the same family. So with this maxi skirt and black and white shirt, I chose to wear leopard print shoes and purse, I surprised myself with how it all came together.
The belt, purse and top were all thrifted from Goodwill, the flats were purchased at Citi Trends and the skirt has been in my closet forever. What do you think?
This outfit I am calling “Black and Blue Block”. You know how much I like my sleeveless sheath dresses and this one from Ross is no exception, and with it are my favorite Mia heels and Buddah Bag.
Necklace is Avon and bracelet is Old Navy. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the best thing about a sheath dress is that you can wear it all year long by just adding a blazer or cardigan when the temperatures dip. Speaking of Avon, check out my latest YouTube Video, it’s an Avon unboxing which includes beauty supplies that will be part of my Holiday Spa Day Giveaway coming next month!
Here I am in a bright Autumn orange. Orange is definitely a color that works well with my skin tone, not only in the summer but also during the fall. I like this top because it is so colorful and I think it was purchased at Rugged Wearhouse, can’t remember, but the wedge heels were.
I love to mix and match my bangle bracelets as well as the multi color necklace. This Pumpkin floral arrangement was a free find at work, it almost got tossed in the trash but it’s the only thing I use to decorate the house because I donated all the other Halloween decorations a few years ago. Now that my sons are older, we don’t really celebrate it anymore.
Do you decorate the house and yard for Halloween?
My only Halloween Decoration
This last outfit is entitled “Wild Wednesday”. Unfortunately, hubby didn’t get a good view of the peep toe wedges as they also have the “wild stripes” along the bottom.
This purse has been in my closet since 2008, it was one of those “I have to go back and get it” finds at a Flea Market in Orlando. Unfortunately, it has been on the top shelf in my closet for years but I just won’t get rid of it. I love the Egyptian pattern but it’s too small to even hold my wallet!
This khaki skirt was thrifted and the top is a one-piece twin set. In keeping with the wild theme, I am wearing brass earrings, beaded necklace, multi metal bracelet and oversized handmade ring – it was a wild and crazy day! So which outfit did you like the best?
Enjoy the rest of your day and we’ll chat tomorrow at Money Monday.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends and welcome to this week’s feature of “Wellness Wednesday”.
October is more than a month of falling leaves, trips to the Apple Orchards and Crock Pot meals. For me it also signals the time to put my legs in stirrups and to have my boobies mashed between two metal plates. Yep, it’s time for the annual exams for the hooters and the tooter, which means I will also be scheduling my first colonoscopy. Hubby’s recent diagnosis and ultimate surgery for small intestinal cancer made it even more of a priority for me.
After checking both my work and home calendars I try to schedule my annual Pap Smear and Mammogram appointments on the same day. It’s so easy to get caught up with work and family, not to mention the holiday hoopla then forget to make an appointment.
Oftentimes, I will mix the day of appointments with a day of pampering starting with the dreaded pap smear, followed by lunch, then the mammogram and finally a pedicure ~ works for me!
I don’t care how old I am how long I’ve been having these procedures done, I never look forward to either. However, it doesn’t matter how uncomfortable they are, these vital exams must be done, no if’s, and’s or butt’s about it!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month so if you haven’t made an appointment for your annual mammogram, please use this as a reminder to do so. We all know someone who has been affected by breast cancer which is more of a reason to schedule an appointment ~ no excuses.
To get a FREE copy of the eBbook The Top Ten Superfoods for Preventing Breast Cancer, just click on this link
Have you ever taken part in a Breast Cancer Walk?
I did this one in memory of my cousin Debra and Aunt Hazel.
“Cancer Don’t Care!”
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
DISCLOSURE STATEMENT: I am not a medical professional and these posts are not designed to promote or give any medical advice. Please check with your personal physician if you have any questions regarding your own health.
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Hello friends,
Now that the heat of the summer is over the Stink Bugs have started looking for a warm place to call home, and I need to make sure it’s not mine! We used to have a screen door installed in the laundry room but last year the wild Winter winds grabbed and tore it off. Not wanting to install a new door I decided to try the iGotTech Magnetic Screen Door.
After ordering and receiving the Screen Door from Amazon.com, I watched the installation video and read a few of the reviews. Here in Delaware, we have some seriously cold winters and hot humid summers so the Velcro strips and tacks that were included may not be strong enough to hold the screen in place for more than a season. If we still had an awning, which was also torn away, (see the frame pieces in this picture), it would provide additional protection over the screen making it last longer.
Our house is also located in a “wind tunnel” so we will need to add metal strips around the door frame before attaching the screen.
Hubby agreed to help me with the install, but he had to leave town for the weekend, but if you want to see how to install the iGotTech Magnetic Screen, watch this YouTube video.
I just want to keep the Stink Bugs out of the house!
Is this something you might find useful for your home?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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.
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