DeDivahDeals

Fashion and Fun after Fifty

Go Red For Women Day

10 Ways to Go Red This February

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Know your Risks ~ Live Healthy ~ Get Involved ~ Share Your Story

Embedly Powered

  Wear Your Red and Post Your Pictures (here

Use the hashtag #GoRedChallenge on Twitter or Instagram  

As an ex-smoker since 2009, I would appreciate if you would VOTE on my submission (click here) – Thank you! 

 

#GoRedChallenge

#GoRedChallenge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go Red for Women

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

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Thankful Thursday – Savvy Social Media Workshop

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday!

Today I begin by saying, “Thank You” to The Money School of Delaware for inviting me to be part of last week’s Savvy Social Media Workshop (#SavvySocialMedia).  As you know, passion is the driving force behind blogging, it is what makes us strive to be the best bloggers we can be.  When you are recognized for doing such it is truly a blessing and for that I am thankful!

thank you money school

I work full time outside of the home but I consider blogging as my “side gig”, one that I am looking to monetize so that it becomes my “side income” one that will take me into my retirement years.  If you read Michelle Singletary’s commentary last week, the topic was “For many, side income gives peace of mind”. (Read it here)

#SaavySocialMedia Workshop

The Social Media Workshop was a perfect example of this as it was geared towards entrepreneurs, non-profits and small business owners.  The main point being how social media plays an important role in the success of a side gig which can ultimately give you peace of mind.

Amy Cherry, News Reporter and Anchor for 1150 WDEL AM spoke to the audience on how to contact and work with the media when requesting coverage for a project or event.  She also provided tips on the best ways to photograph and video these events as well as why it’s important to always be interview-ready when the contact is made.

Stacey Schiller with Amy Cherry

Randi Penfil from Constant Contact used a fantastic PowerPoint presentation to emphasis the importance of a successful email marketing campaign.  Discussing the evolution of initial email writing which once was plain text to today’s glossy Newsletters and pdf files.  She also pointed out the “do’s and don’ts” of email marketing and offered to work with them in getting started.

Randi Penfil, Constant Contact

Carl Immediato, grandson of the owner of Three Little Bakers once a staple in the state of Delaware, grew up believing that one day he too would follow in his grandfather’s footsteps.  Unfortunately when the theatre closed he needed to step out and do something differently and is now an Independent Associate with Talk Fusion.  Carl showed us how using video can make a personal statement which can better brand your business.

Carl Immediato, Talk Fusion

I was the final speaker of the day and my topic was “How To Monetize Your Blog”.  Most of us realize that money can be made blogging other than having a product or service to sell, i.e. Etsy or eBay.  A blog can be monetized with Affiliate Marketing, Banner or PPC/CPA ads,  Sponsored Posts/Reviews, Direct Advertising, Consulting, Speaking Engagements, and/or Teaching.  

Adhering to the 3-P’s, the 3-C’s and ABC as I wrote in a previous post (here), being a successful blogger and making money doing so is quite possible.  It takes passion, patience, perseverance and hard work, but it is definitely doable and has provided many with “a peace of mind”.

DeDivahDeals presenting Monetizing Your Blog

This was yet another great event sponsored by The Money School of Delaware, a non-profit that I am proud to be associated with.

Registration table at the #SaavySocialMedia Workshop Ronni Cohen Welcoming Participants to the Workshop

Quadia Muhammad, Program Director

Saavy Social Media Workshop Participants

Saavy Social Media Enthusiastic Participants

Saavy Social Media Workshop

Lunch at the Saavy Social Media Workshop

Saavy Social Media Workshop

Saavy Social Media Workshop Participants

This week as in every week I am always thankful for my family, friends and my faith. Now it’s your turn, what are you thankful for this week?

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

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Weekend Wear

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday

Saturday our youngest son, al-Malik celebrated his 18th birthday, it was both exciting yet bittersweet.  I can still remember the night I gave birth to him, 2 weeks early and all the pain he caused me during delivery.  Now, he’s a senior in High School and soon will be leaving the nest…perhaps…maybe…let’s pray on it! 

Anywho, hubby and I decided to spend the day together before taking him out to dinner later in the evening.  My husband doesn’t usually like to go shopping with me, so it was definitely a treat, he even took these pictures.  After all the snow and cold it turned out to be a nice winter Saturday so a sweater and ski vest was all that was needed.

Weekend Wear

My BFF commented that I looked like I was at a ski resort – I wish it were true because I’ve never been to one.  #bucketlist

Weekend Wear - Shopping

These are my favorite boots, not just because of the leopard print but because they are very warm so I don’t need to wear socks.

Weekend Wear

Polka Dot Jeans – JC Penney | Handbag – Mark by Avon

Weekend Wear

We went to Red Lobster which was Malik’s favorite when he was a little guy, and seeing him across the table now as a big guy was amazing.  #blessed

Birthday Dinner

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

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Texting Tuesday in the Cold

Hello Friends and Happy Texting Tuesday

I recently read an article about touch screen gloves by The North Face company that allows users to use their Smartphones to text in the cold weather without having to remove them.  Being the frugal fashionista that I am, I doubt if I’ll ever purchase a pair considering the $45 cost and the fact that I really do not need them.  I don’t live in New York City or Philadelphia, my commute is in the car which of course is a no texting while driving zone, so for the short amount of time I do spend outdoors, I think my fingers can handle it.

Texting in the cold

Today’s dress for less outfit is accented by a pink suede jacket from GW Boutique (Goodwill) and faux suede loafers from Wally World (Walmart) that I DIY studded.

DIY Studded Loafers

Pink is obviously one of my favorite colors as evidenced by my OtterBox cell phone shell.

Thrifted Suede Jacket from Goodwill

Slacks and scarf are closet staples and polka dot top is also thrifted from GW Boutique.

Slacks and Scarf - closet staples

Cell Phone Shell from OtterBox

What do you think, would you purchase a pair of the touchscreen gloves or do you already have a pair?

Today I am linking up with Thrifters Anonymous.

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014!

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When Your Baby Turns 18!

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday!

Eighteen years ago today, I gave birth to my 2nd son, al-Malik Glorian Blake and now I sit here wondering – WHERE DID THE TIME GO????? 

People would often say, “cherish the moments because they go by fast”.  I remember when I just wanted him to sleep through the night…to learn how to walk…to learn how to talk…to learn how to feed himself…to be potty trained…to start school…to get his driver’s license and after all that happened…this is him today ~ an 18 year old mini man!

 

HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY SON!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Malik's Birth Day

The Day We Met

Malik at UD

Senior in High School

Friends on Freshman Football Field

First Formal Dance

Officially a licensed driver!

Border’s Book Signing with Spike Lee

Summers in Orlando – Cypress Harbour

Age 8

King of the Crab Legs

malik 9

Seafood Smile

 

malik's 8th

Birthday King at 8

malik at 7

Happy and Toothless at 7

malik at 6

Where did the time go?

 


Weekend Wind-Down Party #4

Hello Friends & Welcome to the Weekend Wind-Down Party #4

This has definitely been a whirlwind week for me and tomorrow is my son’s 18th birthday, I still can’t believe it, where has the time gone?   Before you gear up for Super Bowl Sunday we hope that you’ll share a few of your favorite posts at this Weekend’s Wind-Down Party.

Which team will you be rooting for?

Last weekend’s party was great where I found some awesome recipes, fashion tips and home/garden decorating ideas so thank you all for sharing.  We have chosen the following posts to be featured this week and they are also posted on our Pinterest Board.  Please feel free to copy and paste this “I Was Featured Button” to your blog.

I WAS FEATURED #WWDPARTY

How-to-Choose-Color-for-Your-Home-A-Pinch-of-Joy

A Pinch of Joy

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Savings and Education – Kirsten Womack

Indian-Layer-Dip

From This Kitchen Table

Weekend Wind Down Party #4

Carrie This Home

Weekend Wind Down Party

 

 

Busy Mama 911

Weekend Wind Down Party

The Casual Craftlete

Weekend Wind Down Party

 It’s Always Ruetten

biscotti

 

Year-Round Giving

Now Meet Your Hosts Because We Love Meeting You!

HOSTS OF #WWDPARTY

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

Kay (A Ranch Mom) – Blog/Facebook/Twitter

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

The Rules Are As Follows:

WWDParty Rules

Now let’s get this party started!

 

 


Thankful For Being Thrifty

Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday

I recently read an article by my favorite financial advisor Michelle Singletary who is an author and Award Winning Nationally Syndicated Columnist for The Washington Post.  She wrote about the case of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and his wife, Maureen.  Seems like they got themselves into trouble for taking gifts and loans in exchange for political favors.  I know this isn’t anything new in politics but what I found to be interesting was the fact they, like so many others found themselves in dire financial straits, drowning in credit card debt trying to keep up appearances.

I am truly thankful for being thrifty and I always enjoy meeting others who are just as frugal if not more so.  Being a thriftinista isn’t just in vogue it’s what keeps most of us out of the financial fire pit called credit card debt.

It’s not that I don’t understand the McDonnell’s predicament because I too have lived beyond my means and paid dearly for it.  I’ll be the first to admit that my finances aren’t where they should be but I do know that if I want designer duds, I’ll find a consignment shop with a quickness.  I paid less for this gown than I did for a full tank of gas (sorry this is a old cell phone pic).

Purple Gown

Two of my favorite bloggers are Thrifters Anonymous and DC Goodwill Fashionista and you all know that I am a proud card-carrying Goodwill VIP!

Goodwill Fall Haul

Today in addition to being thankfully thrifty, I am thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith.  I am also thankful to be participating in today’s Social Media Workshop sponsored by The Money School of Delaware, I can’t wait to tell you all about it.

Now it’s your turn, what are you most thankful for this week?

Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!

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WIWW – Totally Thrifted Turtlenecks

Hello Friends and Happy Hump Day Wednesday

I have been sticking to my resolution of enjoying each day to it’s fullest and not just living for the weekend, however, to be honest, I am looking forward to Saturday!  The days are getting longer so there’s more light during my evening commute, but it’s still a tiring commute so it’s only the weekends that I get to sleep in.

Today’s outfit with the exception of the animal print booties was totally thrifted from GW Boutique during their 20% off sale.

Totally Thrifted

 

I picked up a few turtleneck sweaters even though I don’t particularly like how they emphasis my turkey neck, they do keep me warm.  Mustard is one of my favorite colors and this Talbot’s sweater has just the right amount of stretch so I don’t feel like I’m being choked.

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 I fell in love with this belt but even more so with the price – $1.00 #winning

Just like black shoes, you can never have too many pairs of black pants and these are also Talbot’s.  The booties were purchased at the Deb Shop last year at the Exton Square Mall.

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 So the grand total for today’s outfit minus the booties was $6.80!

Have you thrifted a good deal lately?

I’m linking up with some other thrifty fashionistas over at Thrifters Anonymous and Style Link Up

 

Stay Blessed ~ No Stress in 2014

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New Year…More Money with The Delaware Financial Literacy Programs

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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.

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