Fashion and Fun after Fifty
Leonisa Shapewear for Men (via https://dedivahdeals.com)
This is a sponsored post for Leonisa, for more information please read my Disclosure Statement located in the top tab. When you hear the word Shapewear, do you automatically think of undergarments made specifically for women? In actuality there are…
Hello Friends and Happy Monday
The weekend’s weather definitely made it officially Fall with frost blanketing the grass and the sun’s rays piercing through the colorful Autumn leaves. Saturday morning we were up early to drive 30 minutes south down to Dover…my shortest commute of the week! Our youngest, a senior in High School who just shrugs his shoulders when asked where he wants to attend college, knows that it will be somewhere so we decided to start close to home.
I graduated from Del State with a BS degree in Elementary Education in 1983, and hubby with the same in 1981, (after transferring from the University of Delaware, so we would love for him to attend our Alma Mater.
Early before the 9:00 am start time, Memorial Hall Gymnasium was packed with parents, their sons and daughters attending the Fall Open House, all talking or listening to the faculty reps about the various programs offered at Delaware State University. Our son hasn’t decided on a major but was interested in Health & Public Policy as well as Hospitality & Tourism Management but we ended up taking the tour with the “Undecided” group.
Thinking that both his parents have a degree in Education, and neither one of us still teaches, he thinks he has plenty of time to declare a major, reminding me of the sitcom “A Different World“.
The opening program began with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by performances by the DSU Approaching Storm Marching Band and Cheerleaders. Welcome addresses from DSU President, Dr. Harry Williams, Dr. Alton Thompson and Mr. Atkins and finally by Mr. and Miss DSU.
We broke into groups according to Majors to walk the campus and to visit the Departmental buildings starting at the Library, then on to the EH Building, the gym, Radio Station, a Co-Ed Dormitory, and ending with lunch in the Dining Hall.
Loockerman Hall was a stop on the Underground Railroad
DSU’s new archway ~ Enter to Learn Go Forth To Serve
Of course we couldn’t leave without a stop at my Sorority’s Plot – Sigma Gamma Rho
Our next college tour will be at Wesley College also in Dover on the 19th of November.
This is a sponsored post for All Day Energy Greens, an IVL Product. For more information please read my Disclosure Statement located in the top tab.
As we get older our bodies starts to change, some changes are for the better others not so much. The metabolism slows down as well as the digestive track especially if you don’t eat the FDA’s Recommended Daily Amounts of fruits and vegetables.
I love fruits and veggies and eat them everyday but I know it’s not nearly enough so I have to include vitamin supplements. When IVL Products partnered with Sverve I immediately signed up to be part of the campaign. I knew that I needed to add more fruits and vegetables to my diet and this would be an excellent opportunity in which to do so with All Day Energy Greens. Using the 2 week supply as an add-in to my morning Green Shakes and Smoothies would give me the boost that I needed.
I must admit that the taste wasn’t as pleasant as I would have liked and it made me a little gassy, but for what it’s worth, I was as regular as a new wound watch for 2 weeks!
I also liked the convenience of the individual packs this little green drink comes in because when running late in the morning, I would just throw a pack into my purse and dash out the door. Once in the office I would use my shaker bottle or portable blender to mix it in with juice, water/ice or just with plain yogurt.
The best part of the two week trial was that I lost 3 lbs without altering my diet or exercising! #winning
By the time you read this hubby and I will be in Dover on the campus of our Alma Mater, Delaware State (College) University with our youngest son.
You can only imagine all the emotions that I might be experiencing right now…whoa…just the thought of hubby and I walking “The Yard” 30 years ago…and now today walking it with our “baby boy” ….break out the tissues!
I’ll take plenty of pictures and try to stay focused in order to document the day, and not reminiscence of my past days at DSC – Class of ’83!
But in the meantime, I hope you are having a Super Saturday – Smooches!
In Delaware it is officially Autumn, the temps have dropped considerably (in the 50’s) and hubby even turned on the heat which I am definitely not happy about!
This sleeveless top was thrifted from GW Boutique (Goodwill) and the slacks were purchase a few seasons ago at Boscov’s. Asymmetrical sweater was purchased either at TJMaxx or Marshall’s also a few seasons ago.
Put on a sweater if you are cold – “don’t turn on the ding dang dong heat – man!” Can you tell that I am a miser – heck you can even call me Scrooge!
Pour little tomato, it waited too late in the season to ripen so now it’s a “half and half” tomato – do you have a recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes?
I love the fact that Avon has really “stepped up” their shoe game because not only are they cute but they are also extremely comfortable!
It snowed in upstate New York and Ohio so soon I will be wearing sweaters, hats, scarves and gloves – I am so not ready but maybe this year, hubby will be able to use his snow blower!
Today’s Crocktober Foodie Feature is Cajun Chicken (of course) AND Shrimp
Place chicken thighs in Crock Pot, top with onion, garlic, tomatoes with juice, paprika, pepper, sugar, and Cajun seasoning
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours – depending on Slow Cooker
In the last hour of cooking add the shrimp, lemon juice and hot sauce.
This week I am thankful for:
recognition for being a volunteer instructor for The Money School of Delaware
spent time with a new friend working on her blog
Annual Mammogram completed
#1 son possible enrollment into college courses at UD
#2 son received approval on his Senior Project topic
took time to read my Essence Magazine
my health, family, friends and of course my faith
Moving more into Autumn attire with a Maxi Skirt from Boscov’s
Thrifted blouse and belt from Goodwill and Wedge Shoes from Kmart
Collection of arm candy and earrings – jewelry box // Serpent Ring – Avon
Okay, it’s your turn, what are you thankful for?
Linking up today with Style elixar– come on over and meet some other fashionistas and enter her $100 Gift Card Giveaway.
Have a fantabulous day – Smooches!
“Good morning, please take off everything from the top, then put on this gown with the opening in the front”
Yes, that’s the phrase I hear from the friendly technician when it’s time for my annual mammogram and on Monday at 7:30 am I had my 12th.
“Have you noticed any changes to your breasts?”
“No”
“Have you felt any lumps or experienced soreness in your breasts?”
“No”
“Do you have on any deodorant?”
“No”
“Okay, are you ready?”
“Yes”
“let’s start with the right side first….left arm down…grip here…move up a little closer…you’ll feel a little pressure…okay hold it…now relax.”
Next it’s from a different angle, then repeated on the left side.
This is the only conversation we have while having my breasts moved, lifted, adjusted then flattened between two plates to be imaged.
For all my years of having mammograms, I can honestly say, it’s never really hurt, uncomfortable, yes, but not overly painful. I have always scheduled my exam during Breast Cancer Awareness Month as a big reminder to have it done – no excuses or memory lapses.
Sadly, far too many women refuse to have a mammogram because of the preconceived notion that there will be unbearable pain involved, trust me, the pain of not going can be far worse.
I have lost an aunt and cousin to Breast Cancer and have several other cousins who are Breast Cancer survivors, so I know it’s better to be checked and uncomfortable for 15 minutes than not at all.
Have I ever been called back after a mammogram?
Yes, and it was nerve-wracking to say the least, but nothing was found. It was just the density of the breast, the angle of the image or noticeable calcification on the x-ray, which is why you are asked not to wear deodorant before the exam. Most deodorants/antiperspirants contain aluminum which is very similar to microcalcifiactions, which is an early indication of breast cancer.
I had my first Mammogram at the age of 40, however, it is now suggested that women, especially African American women begin at the age of 35. If you have any questions or need additional information, please check out www.cancer.org.
Early detection is key, however, when women are not vigilant in doing monthly self breast exams or having an annual mammogram the survival rates decrease. Triple Negative Breast Cancer is now the most dangerous form of breast cancer and is prevalent among African American women. Treatment for it can kill or even cause another form of cancer to appear, Robin Roberts is a survivor of Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
Do Breast Self Exams Monthly – The Best Protection is Early Detection!
P&G has a new Downloadable Phone app that aids in early cancer detection, so try it out today.
On Saturday, the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, held it’s annual From Purses to Portfolios Celebration at the Chase Center on the Riverfront.
This event was held to honor the 2013 Award Recipients, those who had achieved various levels (hours) by participating in Money School Classes, Money Clubs, Special Events and Volunteering. Women achieving various levels ranging from 1-15 hours and up to 250 hours were being recognized, the highest achievement being the Ambassador of Financial Education ~ 250 hours.
The recipient of this award was Elizabeth “Penny” Church for her “Penny’s 2 Dollars Money Club” and she also received the Sandra A. Varano Golden Purse Award.
The other categories of recognition were: Money School Advocate Awards; Executive Director’s Awards and Outstanding Volunteer Awards of which I was also a recipient due to the volunteer hours of instruction for the Blogging 101 and Blogging for Your Small Business classes.
The From Purses to Portfolios Celebration was held in a beautifully decorated ballroom, and on each table there was a vibrant Autumn Mum and a small Gift Bag on each seat. Inside the Gift Bags was a pink FAB pen, Note Cards, “friends don’t let friends drown in debt” magnet, a donation envelop, a card advertising “Money Letters” and a retractable measuring tape from Citi, who was the major sponsor.
Chasing the Dream Exhibitors were set up around the ballroom selling products and attendees walked about chatting and networking. In an adjoining room there was a breakfast buffet, warming trays filled with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and fried potatoes. As well as tables of yogurt, pastries, bagels, fruit, coffee, tea and juice.
Ronni Cohen, Executive Director opened the program with a warm welcome and explained the levels of achievement and how they are gained through the Money School of Delaware.
Alisha Adams, a Money School instructor gave a beautiful blessing and Quadia Muhmmad, Program Director introduced the Keynote Speaker, Jackie Cummings Koski.
Jackie Cummings Koski, is the Award Winning Author of Money, Letters 2 My Daughter. As one of 6 children raised by a single dad, where money was always short, finances were taboo to talk about and bad money decisions were made, she knew that she wanted her daughter to make better financial decisions in her life.
She was determined to teach her daughter Amber, financial literacy but in a fun and easy way, one that would appeal to her teenage mind. Jackie began to write letters and those letters turned into a best selling book, one that was sent to and acknowledged by the President and First Lady Obama. Money, Letters 2 My Daughter is available in book stores as well as a downloadable ebook.
Jackie ended her presentation with a Group Activity in which she asked us to answer 1 of 4 questions on a “My Money Letter” form. Those willing to reveal their answer on stage were each given a $2 bill which has been significant in Jackie’s life long savings plan.
Ronni returned to the podium to present the 2013 Awards and Door Prizes which included Gift Cards, a WaWa Gift Basket and Books. One of the winners was a man, but in keeping with the FAB motto of “FOR Women ~ ABOUT Women ~ BY Women AND the men in their lives” is was okay!
A game of “What’s in your Purse” was then hosted by Quadia with the winner of having the most items on her list in their purse receiving the table’s Mum.
The event concluded with a book signing by Jackie and more sales by the Chasing the Dream Exhibitors. It was a great day and another wonderful FREE event sponsored by The Delaware Financial Literacy Institute – The Money School of DE.
The 10th Annual From Purses to Portfolios Event will be held next year on October 25th 2014 – so mark your calendars.
In memory of my sister, Gloria Cross, Jr. – 4/2/63 – 9/14/92
In Memory of my sis Gloria – 4/2/63-9/14/92
