Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday
Have you and your spouse started thinking about retirement? Perhaps it’s several years off or maybe in the not-so-distant future. What are your plans, will you be traveling or just relaxing on the back deck watching the sun rise while sipping your morning coffee?
Hubby will be retiring from the State of Delaware in July, but since I have at least 5 more years, he has to wait for me…and while he waits, he will be working no doubt about it. Just because he’s retiring with a full pension doesn’t negate the fact that we’ll have a son in college and bills to pay.
Retirement should be a dream come true filled with fun and excitement but if you make mistakes in not planning, that dream can quickly turn into a nightmare.
According to the experts, there are 7 mistakes that couples should avoid if they want their retirement years to be truly golden.
- Couples never talked about what each of them expected retirement to be, i.e. personal interest or professional goals
- They haven’t planned for emergencies, i.e. illnesses, accidents and major home repairs
- Couples in their 2nd marriages didn’t plan for unique problems that come with blended families, ie. adult children needing financial assistance
- They didn’t do proper financial planning. i.e. fail to calculate the amount of money needed in retirement, lifestyle and living costs changes
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Couples didn’t consider the high costs of health care or long-term care
- Assuming that because you are married you can act for each other in business and health care decisions, consider getting a Power of Attorney
- Only one partner is handling financial matters – couples need to talk regularly about finances and both should actively participate
If you and your spouse haven’t sat down and talked about your retirement plans, the time to do so is now so you can make those golden years tarnish free!
What are your thoughts?
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Hello Friends and Happy Monday
I am getting so excited in anticipation for the heat of the summer as I’m sure a few of you are as well. Last week it was still a bit cool but the weekend more than made up for it with temps in the 80’s. I can’t wait until it’s officially pool time in just a few short weeks!
Today’s outfit is a combination of JCPenney, Citi Trends, Avon and Target.
The Peplum top is JC Penney, and I was never a big fan of them because I didn’t think they were flattering to my figure – what do you think?
This perfectly color coordinated purse is from Avon (Mark) #loveit Bracelet from Rugged Wearhouse and Necklace and Earring Set from Jewelrymax.net.
I not a big retail shopper and I try to stay away from the malls but I won’t rule out low-end shops like Rainbow, Deb and Citi Trends, which is where I purchased this pencil skirt. #dressforless
The black patent leather Mossimo pumps are from Tar’jay (Target). This is the outfit that I wore to work and later on that evening for teaching a Blogging 101 class at the Bear Library. It was very comfortable all day and worked well for both environments.
I love teaching these Blogging 101 classes because the attendees are awesome!
I’ll be stopping by to see Whitney Nic James for her Personal Style Linkup, come over if you get a chance. I hope you all have a wonderful day and I’ll see ya tomorrow.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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HELLO FRIENDS
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL THE MOMS, GRANDMAS, NANAS, AUNTIES AND SISTAH’S
If you, like hubby and I and are missing your mother or grandmother’s today, grab a box of tissues, sit back and listen to some of my favorite
“I Miss My Mama Music”
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!
To all the lovely mommies, mothers, and grandmother’s
Happy Mother’s Day
This will be hubby’s first year without his mother and my 5th without my grandmother so it will be bittersweet.
I did get an early Mother’s Day Gift with this feature on the Fabulous After 40 website (click here)
Now let’s get this party started because I know you all have places to go and people to meet!
Congratulations and Thank you to all of our wonderful
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The rules remain the same and we hope that you will follow your hosts on at least one social media networking sites. Please don’t just post and run, stay awhile and check out a few other blogs.
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Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll see you soon!
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Hello Friends and Happy Fri-Yay!!
Cheerios has done it again with this cute Mother’s Day “Morning Wake Up Call Commercial”
I like it because for the little ones that can’t cook it’s a perfect breakfast to make for Mom on Mother’s Day. However, if you’re a Mom that likes to wake up to something hot (not dad), and a little bit more filling, (not dad) then try this recipe for a Slow Cooked Breakfast Casserole, it’s easy to make and cooks itself overnight.
Ingredients:
- 1 – 12 oz package frozen hash browns
- 1 – package breakfast sausage, cooked and crumbled
- 12 oz shredded cheese
- 6 – *scallions chopped
- 8 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp pepper – a few more dashes when layering the hash browns
I purchased Jimmy Dean fully cooked turkey sausage and *Safeway brand frozen potatoes with onions and green peppers so I didn’t use the scallions. I originally made this back in December after seeing the recipe on Brown Eyed Baker’s blog. Like she said, it was hard to stay asleep because around 5:00 am, the smell and aroma that generated from the kitchen woke me up!
On Saturday night’s I’m usually up late watching television and working on my blog, so this is a perfect recipe to start late for an early morning Sunday breakfast.
After spraying the crock pot with cooking spray, layer 1/3 of the hash browns, sprinkle on some pepper, add 1/3 of the sausage then sprinkle on some cheese. Repeat until all ingredients are used making sure the last layer is the cheese.
In a large bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the eggs, milk, garlic powder, and pepper. Pour this over the hash browns, sausage and cheese in the crock pot.
Slow cook on low for 6-8 hours – try to get some sleep because the smell will definitely wake you up before your alarm clock does!
Pour a cup of coffee or tea then enjoy your early morning breakfast casserole in bed! What do you think, is this something you would enjoy waking up to?
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Don’t forget to come back at 6:00 p.m. for the #WWDParty!
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Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!
On a Thankful Thursday two weeks ago I was invited to attend a Gratitude Celebration hosted by the fabulous photographer Geneva Fonda. The Evite came as a surprise as I had only met her once and for a short period of time when I covered the Women in Business Luncheon back in December. She was one of the honorees so I asked to take her picture, we exchanged business cards and that was the last time I saw her. The Evite sat in my inbox and there were several times that I was going to delete it, but changed my mind and RSVP’d, and I am glad that I did.
The Evite clearly stated that we weren’t expected to make a purchase but simply to come and enjoy ourselves in celebration of the 3 years of blessings for Geneva Fonda Photography. I made my way into Wilmington after work and arrived at the Film Brothers Movie Co-Op where the event was being held.
There were already several people in attendance, and the atmosphere was light and cheerful. I was immediately greeted by Geneva and introduced to several other attendees. There was a delicious hot and cold buffet provided by Sherms Catering, a beverage bar and smooth sounds being played courtesy of Geneva’s husband.
Networking, meeting and greeting with gratitude.
Geneva is truly a beautiful woman both inside and out whom I am thankful to have met!
There were also several Giveaways including a full photography session as just another way of saying, “thank you for your support!“
Winners of the Giveaways
Thank you Geneva, I am wishing you many more years of blessings and success!
“Always a Gratitude Attitude”
Okay, it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week?
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Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday!
The winner of last week’s “You Choose The Shoes”
Gray Nine West
The choices for this week are either the Dollhouse Peep-Toe Wedge shoes from Ross or the L.e.i. studded sandals from Walmart.
The skirt was purchased from Old Navy and the top was a Mother’s Day gift from my sons years ago from J.C. Penney. It was actually the first time they made a purchase without any assistance from hubby, and I think they did a great job.
It was a little chilly last week so I wore this light gray cardigan purchased from Boscov’s.
Okay, are you ready to choose?
Which pair complimented the outfit better?
This week’s winner will be announced in next week’s post – thank you all for participating in this fun feature!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday!
Last week after reading a post on the Fabulous after Forty blog, Palazzo Pants – How to Wear Them with Pizazz, I wondered if they are still a popular style for women over 50, because they certainly are for me.
I have several but this particular pair was purchased a few years ago from Ross and are great to wear to work on Casual Fridays.
I remember wearing wide-leg or “elephant” leg pants with platform shoes back in elementary school in the 70’s. I also remember almost falling and breaking my neck walking along a stone wall after my shoe got caught inside that big a$$ pant leg!
Now here I am over 40 years later wearing almost the same style, thankfully the legs aren’t as wide but my question is, “are Palazzo pants still popular or have they played out?”
I’ve worn these pants in previous OOTD posts, but this is the first time they are paired with this thrifted top from Goodwill.
The watch and ring/bracelet are Mark/Avon.
The cut-out sandals are also from Avon, they have really stepped up their shoe game over the years.
So what do you think, are Palazzo Pants still popular or are they Played Out?
This month I’m hanging out with the BloggyMoms and Personal Style Linkup with Whitney – come on over and join in on the fun!
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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Hello Friends and Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Today you may be tempted to overindulge with the Mexican foods at lunch or dinner, but if you can, please keep these Super Foods in mind.
This list of Super Foods are those that help to “keep us regular” and being regular is having timely and trouble free bowel movements. When we become irregular or have diarrhea and constipation it can cause additional health concerns.
Stress, bacteria, reactions to food or medicines can cause irregularity and there are nutrients other than fiber that can help keep our digestive tracts on track.
- Bananas – fight diarrhea with bananas which is also the first part of BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) to replace lost minerals
- Chocolate – cocoa in dark chocolate limits the development of fluids that cause diarrhea
- Rhubarb – the root extract relieves diarrhea and also keeps you regular
- Pineapple – cure for constipation
- Apples – fixes both diarrhea and constipation and an unpeeled apple contains 5 grams of fiber to keep the bowels working
- Cereal – whole-grain cereals with fiber softens and bulks up your stools to keep them moving
- Prunes – dried plums are the best natural laxatives
- Beans – eating foods high in fiber such as beans helps avoid diverticulitis
- Cauliflower – prevent constipation with high fiber veggies such as cauliflower, eaten raw or cooked
- Blueberries – high in fiber that is a sure-fire remedy for constipation
- Water – helps fiber soften your stools and helps to move them through the digestive tract
- Artichoke – eases irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – contains fiber, vitamin C and phytochemicals that stimulate bile production
- Papaya – rich in fiber and antioxidants to help soothe IBS
- Yogurt – live bacteria in yogurt helps to digest food and protects from harmful germs
- Chicory – prebiotics is good bacteria for the digestive tract
- Asparagus – vegetable that contains plenty of fiber and helps to keep away constipation, hemorrhoids and diverticulitis
- Almond Milk – regular milk may cause IBS and almond milk is a good alternative
Fiber or roughage refers to the parts of fruits, vegetables and grains that your body can’t digest. There are two types of fiber: Soluable Fiber which helps to whisk away bad cholesterol and absorb carbohydrates. Insoluable fiber passes through your digestive system and keeps your bowels moving smoothly.
Many high fiber foods are low in calories so you can actually eat more to lose weight and stay healthy and they may prevent conditions like constipation, hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, diabetes, heart attack, stroke and cancer.
So enjoy the day, eat responsibly and I’ll see ya tomorrow.
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
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“The House Will Own You!”
That’s what my Uncle Ernest said to me when hubby and I purchased our first home. The year was 1990, and in 2014 it still rings true. The longer you stay in a house the more work and money is involved in it’s upkeep. The re-arrangments, re-designs, repairs and maintenance is never ending
I don’t know about you, but I hate spending my hard earned money on items that don’t work the way they are advertised or are too hard to operate. How many things do you have in the garage or basement that are unused because after you opened and tried it you forgot about it because it didn’t work the way it was supposed to?
Remember this post where I reviewed the Homelite Pressure Washer? Luckily, it worked better than expected because I would have been upset to have gotten it home, assembled it only to find out it was too hard to use or it didn’t clean the way I wanted.
Last Saturday, Home Depot had a few “Try It Before You Buy It” demonstrations, one of which was for the Homelite Pressure Washer. A FREE car wash was offered to show how easy it was to operate so I took full advantage of that offer and got the “Blogger Buggy” cleaned.
There was also a Riding Lawn Mower demo which is helpful for home owners new to lawn and garden maintenance.
I think this is a great program and want to thank Home Depot for helping customers try before they buy which saves both time and money. Today I will be using my Homelite Pressure Washer to clean the pool deck.
*Have you ever attended a “Try It Before You Buy It” demo at Home Depot?
Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!
*This is an unsolicited review – opinion is 100% my own
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Have you and your spouse started thinking about retirement? Perhaps it’s several years off or maybe in the not-so-distant future. What are your plans, will you be traveling or just relaxing on the back deck watching the sun rise while sipping your morning coffee?
