Hello friends,
Fall doesn’t officially begin until 10:29 tonight, but over the weekend I got a jump start with some Autumn Activities. I finished clearing the pool deck, cleaned and removed the seat cushions, put away the patio umbrellas then pulled out my large Pumpkin floral arrangement. However, my most favorite Autumn activity begins in the kitchen, with baking and Crock Pot meal making.
Two weeks ago while shopping at Super G I noticed a large selection of Pumpkin Spice products so I decided to pick up a box of Cake and Muffin Mix and a pack of Pumpkin Spice Pudding. Personally we are more of a Sweet Potato Pie eating family but I keep hearing about Pumpkin Spice this and Pumpkin Spice that, so I decided to give it a try.
I made these cupcakes using only two ingredients, Pillsbury Perfectly Pumpkin Cake Mix and a can of Libby’s Pure Pumpkin. What’s the verdict? I am now a Pumpkin Spice lover. First of all I would never have imagined that you could make a cake or cupcakes using only two ingredients and have it be flavorful, I was also afraid that it would taste like pumpkin pulp.
The mix was a bit thicker, more of a muffin consistency which is why the tops are peaked so the next time I will only fill half the tin. Not only were these cupcakes moist and tasty, the added topping of Buttercream frosting and sugar sprinkles had me pouring a tall glass of cold milk – yum yum good!
My next Autumn baked dessert will be Cranberry Bread! “can ya smell what I’m cookin?” Oh, and I found these Pumpkin Spice Sweets Terra Vegetable Chips, they are nestled in my floral arrangement – and I am looking forward to trying them as well. So now that I’m hooked on Pumpkin Spice do you have any recommendations?
How do you mark the arrival of Autumn?
I linked up with the SITSGirls Back to Blogging Challenge, so go check out some other great Autumn posts.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Hello friends,
New York Fashion Week may be over and the fall designs have hit the stores, however, that doesn’t mean we can’t take a sneak peek into some of next year’s Spring and Summer lines.
Gordesi Launch Experience – Summer 2015 Collection
Fashion . Music . Purpose
On Sunday, October 12th, Gordesi by CLH will premiere its Spring/Summer 2015 Collection at the Queen Theatre in Wilmington, DE, the hometown of its Founder & President, Curtis. L. Hutson.
Gordesi: God’s Original Designs is the first and only urban lifestyle brand that donates seven percent of its profit to charitable organizations locally, nationally, and globally. This will be an evening of music, fashion, fun, and charitable giving as Gordesi celebrates its Official Brand Launch!
National recording artist/songwriter, Algebra Blessett will be taking the stage along with local favorites Aniya Jazz, Grateful Dread and Sarah Kane. Introducing their Spring/Summer 2015 designs and delighting the audience throughout the evening will be Mr. Richard Blackwell, radio host and emcee extraordinaire.
Also, supporting this monumental occasion will be Ambi’ance Magazine Chief Editor and Founder, Jonathan William Fields, Actor and Entrepreneur Lex Kelly, DeeJay007, and the one and only Thaddeus Tribbett will be the Musical Director for the event. To that end, throughout the evening there will be an opportunity for supporters to make a donation to Delaware’s own Arthur J. Turner Foundation.
For more information contact Ronalda Sedeno at ronalda@gordesi.com or visit www.gordesi.com.
WHAT: Gordesi Launch Experience
WHEN: Sunday, October 12, 2014 7:00PM – 11:00PM
WHERE: World Café Live at The Queen, Wilmington, DE
HOST: Richard Blackwell of The Blackwell Solution, LLC.
VIP HOST: Celebrity Host Fred Green and Ms. Diamond Good
GORDESI by CLH
Who is Gordesi?
You are Gordesi! Our brand beckons you to express your own originality. When you wear Gordesi you aren’t just putting on clothes, you’re making a statement. You’re letting the world know you are unique, you accept others and most importantly you accept yourself. Gordesi is powerful and strong; living your truth boldly.
Gordesi: God’s Original Designs is the first and only urban lifestyle brand that dedicates seven percent of its profit to charitable organizations locally, nationally, and globally.
At Gordesi we view the world beyond physical, beyond mental, beyond language, beyond borders, and beyond culture. Gordesi’s global mission is to encourage giving, encourage living, and encourage mutual respect. No matter your religion, race, sex or sexual preference, you are still An Original Design. With the development of Gordesi, Curtis encourages every person to live their originality, authenticity, boldness, and individuality. While doing so, Gordesi offers them the opportunity to give back.
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Hello friends and welcome to the weekend!
Today is my 53rd Birthday and later on I will be celebrating it with my hubby and son with a dinner down at the Christiana Riverfront.
In the meantime, I thought I would post a few summer outfits that didn’t quite make it to the blog. However, if you follow me on Instagram you might remember seeing some of them in a “Fashion after Fifty” post.
You know how much I love black and white polka dots, so with this outfit I accented it with gold accessories. Both the top and pants are thrifted, the purse is quite old as are the sandals. The bracelet was purchased at the QVC Outlet in Frazer, PA, Avon watch and the ring is from Old Navy.
This was another Casual Friday with white jeans and sequins top which I had never worn during the day, but hey, YOLO and I’m over 50! The purse was found at Charmingly Linda’s Consignment Shop in West Chester, PA and the studded sandals are staples in my closet.
This was another fun outfit, with the pink lace top, pink gingham shoes from Rugged Wearhouse and multi-color purse from Ross. I chose to anchor the outfit with a black pencil skirt.
And finally my all time favorite outfit of the season, mixing brown and blue with a studded top thrifted from Goodwill, faux Jimmy Choo purse and multiple bangles from Old Navy. The faux Snakeskin pumps from Target are a pair of my favorite pumps so they will be worn a lot this fall.
So what do you think, not bad for an old lady huh…?
Which outfit do you like best?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello friends,
HAPPY FRI-YAY the day before my 53RD BIRTHDAY~HAPPY HAPPY DAY!
What are my plans, not much, sleep in late, eat out great and thank the Lord for another day he has kept me!
I am not going to hold you long, so let’s get this party started with Congratulations to last week’s Featured Bloggers.
Feel free to copy and paste this button onto your blog and follow the party on Pinterest as you are also featured there.
De Divah Deals
Snippets of Inspiration
A Living Sacrifice
Mustard Seed Mommy
Moms Who Save
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to reading some great posts.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
5 Comments


Hello friends,
the summer may be fading fast, but don’t put away the grill just yet, why not fire it up and make some chicken kabobs for dinner tonight? Kabobs are a quick and easy way to cook both your meat and veggies together on a stick whether it’s with chicken, beef or seafood.
If using wooden skewers, allow them to soak in water for about 15 mins, this will prevent them from scorching or burning too badly.
I like using cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, onions and sweet peppers.
Cube boneless, skinless chicken, then sprinkle on a little pepper and any seasoning of your choice.
Thread chicken cubes and veggies onto the skewer.
Before placing the kabobs onto a high, preheated grill, spray them with a little cooking spray or brush with olive oil. Grill for approximately 10 minutes or until done, you can also brush on a little barbecue or hot sauce if you prefer.
You know me, I have to have a little something sweet, so for dessert I made Krusteaz Lemon Bars but with a twist, crushed Lemonhead Candy sprinkled on top.
Following the directions on the box, I baked the Lemon Bars then allowed them to cool before adding some crushed candy.
What is your favorite dessert? Mine is cake and ice cream…why…because tomorrow is MY BIRTHDAY!!!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Hello friends,
today is Thankful Thursday which has me thinking, what am I truly thankful for? I know I always end my post with, “I am thankful for my family, my friends and of course my faith” but really is that all?
How about you, what are you REALLY thankful for?
Sending text messages and emails are fine, but do you have someone that you can pick up the phone and call for a friendly and fun conversation?
Be thankful for that.
Do you live in a house, apartment or condo and when you come home there is someone there to greet you or meet you later in the day?
Be thankful for that.
Do you drive or commute to work oftentimes doing the same boring task over and over again, yet you get paid to do so?
Be thankful for that.
Do you go to the grocery store, gas station or mall, spending way too much money on items, but in your wallet there is cash, a debit or credit card to pay for it?
Be thankful for that.
Does your kids or grandkids make you laugh and sometimes cry?
Be thankful for that.
Does sunshine on your face feel good and rain on a Sunday morning lull you back to sleep?
Be thankful for that.
Does a good workout, a few pounds lost or looking good in your favorite outfit make you smile?
Be thankful for that.
I woke up this morning in my right mind, a healthy body and a good spirit so for that I am truly thankful.
Now it’s your turn, what are you really THANKFUL for?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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Hello friends,
welcome to week 22 of “You Choose the Shoes“. Next Saturday I begin the dreaded task of cleaning out closets, donating items that I no longer want or fit and of course changing out the summer shoes for fall and winter ones. I have already started wearing a few pairs as evidenced by today’s contest, but before we begin, let’s see who last week’s winner was:
Ladies and Gentlemen, for the 2nd time this season, the DSW Polka Dot Peep Toes Win!!!!
Thank you all for your votes and of course your comments, I always love reading what you have to say. Now for this week the contest is between Suede and Snakeskin pumps, two of my favorite fall shoes.
The Chinese Laundry Suede pumps are another purchase from DSW, and the faux Snakeskin pumps are from Target. The leopard print insoles are from Dollar Tree.
I purchased these Chinese Laundry pumps several years ago, I love the tie accent in the back.
This skirt is from Spiegel and top was purchased from Marshall’s also several years ago.
Pattern mixing with these faux Snakeskin pumps which were part of a major shoe haul from Target.
Okay, so which pair do you like better with the top, because the skirt is so neutral, any shoe would work with it.

Will it be the Snakeskin, OR
Will it be the suede?
This is an interchangeable Miche’ purse which I ordered from a rep at a holiday Open House a few years ago, as a matter of fact most of my outfit is at least 2 years old. I haven’t bought too many new items this year thanks to Malik’s High School graduation party and college tuitions!
Have you made a decision yet?
Leave a comment below then hop over to check out MeAndMyMiniMe as she always has some great giveaways going on at her place.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
27 Comments

Hello friends,
belief it or not but according to AARP, after the age of 50, you are considered a Senior, someone who is entitled to receive discounts with an annual membership. However, if you are like me, a Boomer over the age of 50 who loves discounts but doesn’t want to be called a Senior, you might want to embrace the tag Senior but instead call the perks Boomer Benefits.
Once you turn 50, and join AARP you can get discounts on car rentals at Hertz, Alamo and National; 20% off hotel reservations a Sheraton, Ramada and Westin. Get a free donut with the purchase of a cup of coffee and Dunkin Donuts; 10% at Michaels and 30% off prescription glasses at Lens Crafters. There are also discounts on mattress purchases from Sleepy’s.
As you move further up in age, the discounts gets better and are more to my liking. For example when you turn 55, you can get 10% off on Tuesdays at Ross, 5% off at Pathmark, 25% off at Salvation Army Thrift Stores on Wednesdays and 10-25% off at certain Goodwill stores on select days…watch for some major thrifted hauls in a few years!
When you turn 60, discounts include 15% off in store purchases at Kohl’s and 30-60% off regular admission at AMC theaters. At the age of 62, 15% off most fares at Amtrak which my grandmother would take advantage of for her annual trips to North Carolina.
There are discounted lifetime passes to federal and national parks and 5% on Greyhound and Peter Pan bus fares. I guess this becomes the best time to starting traveling around the USA.
When you turn 65, discounted fares at major airlines including Southwest, United, American, Continental and U.S. Airways; $3 off haircuts at Great Clips and discounted plans at AT&T and Verizon senior plans.
There are over 175,000 AARP members in the State of Delaware alone, most are downstate where we like to call “’slower lower Delaware”. They can take advantage of these statewide benefits as well:
- free classes at DelTech and University of Delaware
- free smoke detectors and electric fans (income based)
- reduced tools on Delaware bridges
- ½ off taxi far
es via DART SCAT program
- discount admission at the Delaware Theatre Company and Delaware Art Museum
- $50 discount when adopting a dog at the Delaware Humane Society
What Senior Savings or Boomer Benefits would you like offered in your state?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014
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Hello friends, and welcome to the #WWDParty!
This has definitely been a busy week which is one of the reasons why this post is a day late…”better late than never”. Anywho, last weekend I was in Philly at the SITSGirls Bloggy Boot Camp and if you didn’t get a chance to read the highlights you can do so by clicking here.
I am also in somewhat of a somber mood as tomorrow, September 14th marks the 22nd Anniversary of the death of my sister, Gloria so I will be heading down to Dover to visit her grave-site.
Congratulations to this week’s Featured Bloggers
Feel free to copy and paste this button onto your blog and follow the party on Pinterest as you are also featured there.
De Divah Deals
Snippets of Inspiration
A Living Sacrifice
Mustard Seed Mommy
Moms Who Save
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to reading some great end-of-the-summer posts.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

5 Comments

Hello friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
The weekend is here and the weather is great so put away those take-out menus and fire up the grill.
Tonight try making a Black and Blue Burger!
I made these during the Labor Day holiday weekend and they were so simple to make. You can use either Blue or Goat Cheese to jazz up an ordinary burger.
There were only a few ingredients I needed to create these delicious burgers.
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Ground Beef or Ground Chicken or Turkey
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1 Egg
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Blue Cheese Crumbles
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Fresh Sweet Peppers sliced
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Buns
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Condiments
Mix the ground beef, egg and packet of Lipton Recipe Secrets in a medium bowl. I usually wear plastic gloves because I hate having meat under my nails, but make sure to wash your hands after handling raw meat even if using gloves.
Separate meat into 2 equal portions, and use just enough to make the number of patties required. With your thumb make a dimple in the middle of each patty. Sprinkled on a few pieces of Blue Cheese Crumbles then top with a slice of pepper.


Use the other half of beef to cover each patty, pinch the sides to ensure cheese crumbles are covered.
Fire up the grill and cook patties for approximately 8 mins on each side or until thoroughly done reaching an internal temperature of at least 160 F.
BTW, I left mine on the grill too long and burned them, hence the title “BLACK and Blue”, so keep an eye on them.
While the burgers are cooking, “dress your buns”. I like mine lightly toasted with raw onions, sliced tomatoes, ketchup and pickles!
My men and I all love cheese so you know this is the only way I make burgers on the grill or on top of the stove!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014

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