Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday Divas :)

I hope you all had a fantastic day!

Due to a sick 4 year old, today ended up being my Friday....what a great way to kick off my birthday weekend, huh?

This week I'm thankful for:

~celebrating my oldest son's accomplishments as he completed his final year in elementary school and prepares for middle school in the fall (no, I didn't make it through the promotion ceremony without some tears of happiness!)

Blogger Series Part 3: Balancing It All

Hi All! Welcome to Part 3 of Divas With A Purpose's Blogger Series! I love learning from and sharing with other bloggers! I've grown so much over the past few months just from networking and communicating with more seasoned bloggers.  With any craft, you have to find mentors, study and practice at blogging until you find what works best for you and your readers!

Blogger Question 3:

How do you balance the time and effort that goes into maintaining your blog - the posts, giveaways, networking, various social media outlets, etc?

Fan Appreciation Giveaway

Because we appreciate YOU, our fans we are hosting a
giveaway to show you love back! 

We Love the fact that we bring you savings,
giveaways and more! 

Thank you for showing love to us by following our Blogs,
Facebook Pages, Twitter, E mails, pinterest and more! 

Save and Live Like Modern
Royalty By Aylin has partnered up with two AMAZING Ladies: Diclajia's Daily Deals & Dorinda's Diva Shoppe to bring you this wonderful giveaway! 

July Mystery Box Giveaway

Hi Divas! I'm in planning mode and soliciting some assistance from my awesome readers and supporters! I'm looking at sponsoring a HUGE giveaway in July to help promote and support direct sales consultants, Etsy shop owners, and small business owners.  If you're interested in donating an item for the giveaway, please complete the form below or reach out to me at divaswithpurpose@gmail.com 

Looking forward to bringing this awesome giveaway to my wonderful supporters and helping to promote some wonderful divas at the same time!

My 101 in 1001: Check-In 2

Hi Divas! It's been awhile since I've done a check in with my 101 in 1001 List.

Life has seriously thrown me for some loops and turns lately but I've still got quite a ways to go before my 1001 days are up so I'm going to keep pressing forward!

 If you're not familiar with the 101 in 1001 Challenge - it's a challenge to complete 101 specific goals within 1001 days.  My start date was February 1, 2012 and my target completion date is October 29, 2014.  My goals are a combination of personal, business, education, and family-oriented.

Cleopatra's Choice Shea Butter Review

I love shea butter!

Every member in my family uses it in some way:

~I use it for my hair and scalp on a regular basis~

~I'm prepping my feet for summer and use them on my heels which are semi-atrocious 

(No judging, okay? I slacked off last year when I couldn't reach my feet with Miss V in utero!)~

~My oldest son uses it for his lips which always seem to be extremely chapped~

`~My husband and son both have eczema patches and the shea butter works wonders~

~ It's great on the little diva's dry skin patches, too - especially her scalp~

3500 Facebook Fan Giveaway Part II

Hey Divas!!! Welcome to week 2 of our 3500 Facebook Fan Giveaway Celebration!  Many thanks to Holly from Holly's mark.store  for sponsoring last week's giveaway.

This week's giveaway is sponsored by Fun Wrap Parties.

Tighten, tone, firm and detox in just 45 minutes with the Ultimate Body Applicator...
use what the stars use to look your best!

Changing Lives Physically and Financially!
      

Money Monday: Budgeting

Good Morning Divas! I hope you all had an enjoyable weekend and have a chance to rest and relax today.  I urge you all to remember the reason behind today - Memorial Day - and keep the families and comrades of those that have made the ultimate sacrifice for us, our country and our freedoms.

This Friday I was able to host my first budgeting get together with an awesome group of divas.  My intent is to have this become a bi-monthly or quarterly get together to help keep us on track, learn from one another, and have some much needed girl-time!

One of the topics we discussed were the budgeting pitfalls many of us face and how to overcome them.  Many confuse budgeting with balancing their checkbook or just keeping track of how much they spend and where.  This is a key step in creating a budget and sticking to one, but it is not the same thing.

Budgeting helps you to spend wisely, pay down debt and plan for large or special events.

Show Me The Money Flash Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal CASH 24-Hour FLASH Giveaway!!!

A few AWESOME Bloggers have teamed up to give you this

wonderful $100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal CASH! 

We believe in quick, small, and easy giveaways! 

Our giveaways only have a FEW entries to fill out! WHAT FUN! Good luck on this giveaway! 

See you back on Wednesday for another great FLASH giveaway!

Here are our WONDERFUL participating sites for this 24-Hour FLASH Giveaway!! Check out these awesome sites when you have time!  And wishing YOU and YOURS a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!

SOCS: Coping

Today's Prompt:

What feels overwhelming to you right now and how are you coping?


Perhaps I should reflect on what does NOT feel overwhelming right now. There are times when I truly feel that list is much shorter.  Actually, the things that seem daunting or overwhelming right now really aren't - it's just combined together with all my other responsibilities and ventures, I never seem to have enough time to do all that I need, let alone want, to do.  One week is probably all I need. A week to fully dedicate myself from 9-5 to all the things on my numerous to-do lists.  To organize, network, and delegate.  Sigh! The odds of that happening are slim-to-none.  So I settle for running errands on my lunch break, completing tasks after the kids are in bed, forcing myself to quit no later than midnight so I can attempt to give my brain some downtime....so, I can get up around 5:30 the next morning to start it all over again.

Friendship Friday: Advice

Happy Friday Divas!!!  I hope you all had a fantastic week and have wonderful plans for this holiday weekend that's upon us.  Please take a moment to reflect on the meaning of Memorial Day and say a prayer for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  Lift up their families.  Our service men, women and their families deserve our support and acknowledgement. 

Welcome to all of you stopping by from this weekend's Friendship Friday Blog Hop hosted by Create With Joy! 

Make yourselves comfortable and join right in :)

Questions of the Week:
What's the best (or worst) advice you've ever been given?
What's one piece of advice you'd like to share with others?
Who can you always count on to give you sound advice?

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday Divas! I hope you're all having a fantastic week so far and making the most of each day !

Bittersweet moment in my household yesterday - my little diva pulled herself up from the sitting position to stand up by the couch. My oldest was so excited because we've been watching her struggle with this all week.  The look of determination on her face was absolutely adorable.  And she wanted no help! If you tried to give her a hand or boost, she'd shoo you away.  As a parent, I love watching my kids learn and discover new things about themselves.  It's amazing to me how quickly they catch on and grasp new concepts.  I'm inspired by Miss V's determination to learn this new task on her own.  I wonder at what point do we as adults lose that? Not everyone does, but we all know someone that seems to have just stopped trying, thriving or even caring.  That makes me sad and pushes me to encourage others more.  You never know positive affect your simple words can have on a person.

Guest Post: Dreams

As an inspirational speaker, Sherika V. Washington has a desire to share the tools our young people need in order to be heard, understood, and respected.
 

Through a spoken presentation that includes practical application exercises, our young people will leave on fire; ready and equipped to make a change in themselves and in society.
Speak Life Always is an interactive presentation that teaches participants how to transform LIFELESS words into LIVING words that will sustain them for a lifetime.

 You can connect with Sherika via her Speak Life Always! Facebook page.  Many thanks to her for providing today's guest blog, which will become a regular monthly feature here on Divas With A Purpose!

 

As children we all had dreams just like most of us continue to have today. So why haven’t those dreams manifested yet? As children we believed those dreams would come true, each and every one of them. But we grew up, life happened and we placed those dreams in a little box in our minds and labeled them: DREAMS.

A dream is defined as: 1. Pictures or events in the mind of a sleeping person. 2. Daydream or fantasy. 3. Ideal; aspiration. 4. Beautiful or ideal person or thing.

In our youth our dreams are defined as #3. As we grow they become definition #1. That should not be the case. Today, I admonish you to reach into your dream box and pull one dream out at a time, rename it IDEAL or ASPIRATION and make it a reality. It’s time to lace up your vision sneakers and start dream-chasing!

3500 Facebook Fan Celebration Giveaway!

Divas With A Purpose reached a milestone on Facebook last week and to celebrate we'll be bringing you giveaways for the next few weeks!

When Divas With A Purpose first started 3 years ago, I never imagined it would change me the way it has. I've met some awesome divas along this journey and truly appreciate the support, mentorship and love they've shown me.

From the blog, to the non-profit and entering the world of Facebook - I'm motivated and encouraged by those that support the different facets of Divas With A Purpose, Incorporated.  If it wasn't for you all, reading the blogs, entering the contests, interacting on Facebook and Twitter, and sharing the vision of Divas With A Purpose none of this would be.  So from the bottom of my heart, I thank you all!

HP HomeOffice Giveaway

Coupontrade.com and HP are offering the biggest giveaway event so far! HP Omni 27t series including Microsoft Office Home and Student 2010, Norton Anti-Virus, keyboard, mouse, 3 Care Pack House Service, Windows 7 Home Premium

Founded in 1939, HP is the world’s largest IT company and brings to market a vast array of innovative, advanced, and reliable products that continuously improve the way their customers live and work. At the HP Home & Home Office Store you will find an unparalleled selection of notebooks, desktops, printers, accessories, and more! Whether shopping for your home or small business, HP has a solution for you.

Inside Out Beauty

 You've got that divatude from the inside out...not the outside in...the wonderful beautiful person that you are on the inside is what enhances the outer beauty you have! Embrace it!!!

I wrote those words to a fellow diva this past week who was struggling with some changes she'd made to her appearance.  I read on another blogger's site this weekend on how we program ourselves and our children from birth as to what is considered "beautiful" or "pretty".  It hurts my heart when I see young children who lack self-confidence.  At a young age, the only way they can NOT have it is because the adults around them are not promoting.  Think about it, who first told you how beautiful and smart you were? If you struggle with low self-esteem and self-image, where did you first get the ideals as to what was and was not "pretty"?

Friendship Friday: Weekends

Happy Friday Divas!!!

Welcome to all of you stopping by from this weekend's Friendship Friday Blog Hop hosted by Create With Joy! Make yourselves comfortable and join right in :)

Questions of the Week:
What's your favorite way to spend the weekend?
Do you have anything special planned for this weekend?
What are your favorite weekend activities?
Share your thoughts!

Publix Running Out? Run In Event and Giveaway - ENDED

 This contest has ended! Thanks to all that participated...the winner will be announced as soon as one is confirmed!

Have a fantastic day :-)

• From May 17th through May 23rd, look for the “Running Out? Run In.”event at your local Publix store and “run in,” to take advantage of the great savings available on some of your favorite brands from General Mills and Procter & Gamble, including Cheerios, Totino's, Charmin, and Crest
• Also, don’t forget to look in-stores for over $15 in coupon savings – coupons are valid May 9th through June 2nd
• Receive a $5 Publix® gift card to use on your next shopping trip when you purchase $30 or more in participating items during the event (5/17 – 5/23); simply mail in the rebate form found in-store or online at runningoutrunin.com along with your original receipt(s).
• For more details on this great rebate, visit RunningOutRunIn.com 

 My kiddos and I literally ran in to Publix this evening thanks to the unrelenting rain we've been having the past few days and grabbed a few items on the list I'd made from this week's sale items and the promotion:

An added bonus was the coupon for a free Downy product on the bottle of Tide!

Thankful Thursday: Precious Gifts

Happy Thursday Divas :)

It's been a blah week with blah weather.  Both my younger kids have been sick with colds for going on 2 weeks now and I want a darn vacation! But I've still got a smile on my face and joy in my heart because things could be so so so much worse!

Many of you responded to the appeal I wrote last month with sending cards and well-wishes to a young boy named Gavin with an inoperable brain tumor.  This past weekend he beat his brain tumor and earned his angel wings.  His family and friends are celebrating his life and saying farewell to his physical body today.  I couldn't imagine burying my child, sibling or nephew.  Please continue to keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

I read a Facebook status update from one of my sorority sisters whose daughter, Tre'Sea, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblasotoma cancer in 2008 that broke my heart.  The cancer has spread. This was her 3rd relapse and this precious little diva has undergone 24 surgeries.  Chemotherapy is being stopped because it's no longer working.  At this point, her doctor's and family are doing all they can to make her comfortable.

I find it hard to be upset with my children when they run, jump and scream through the house when there are friends and loved ones that would give anything for their children to be able do the same

Guest Post: Random Places to Find Valuable Coupons

Hi There Divas! I hope you're all having a fantastic Wednesday!!! Today's guest post gives us a chance to do some "out of the box" thinking in regards to couponing and saving. Appreciate you all chiming in with your responses and suggestions :)

~~~

We've all heard the stories about extreme "couponers" and how they can buy hundreds, sometimes even thousands of dollars worth of groceries and other consumer products for pennies on the dollar. Perhaps you're one yourself. Either way, a large part of success comes from knowing where to find the really good coupons, often the kind that go unnoticed by most shoppers.


Here's a look at some great places to find great coupons that are often overlooked:

Grocery Receipts

Some of the most overlooked coupons are printed on the back of grocery receipts. These are quite valuable for a couple of reasons. First, they are generally coupons that either offer $1 or more off on some items, or percentage discounts that can really add up to big savings.

Second, these are targeted coupons based on the items you've just purchased. They include great savings on the items you're likely to consume or use quickly and will need to replace sooner or later. Overlooking receipt coupons can cost you real money at the check stand.

Do You Have Klout?

Hey Divas!!!

Today I'm introducing to many of you a tool that many with an online presence use to network and determine their social influence.

Klout measures influence online.

Influence, what's that really?  It's driving someone to action.  Whether it's sharing a YouTube video and getting people to watch it.  Sharing a story on Facebook and having friends like, comment or share it with others.  Our friendships and interactions on websites we use daily - Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging sites like Blogger and WordPress, etc.  Through all the different social networking tools we use on a daily basis - tweeting and retweeting; liking and sharing statuses, posting our newest blogs, +1'ing information on Google, uploading YouTube videos, the list could go on and on - we're influencing people in same form or fashion.  Klout uses data from the content you create or engage in to measure:

Blogger Series Part 2: Social Networking

Thanks so much to everyone that chimed in on Blogger Series Part 1: Newbie Advice.

This series came about after a few friends and associates reached out to me in regards to blogging how-to questions.  I decided to compile different aspects of blogging set-up, management and promotion into a short series.  

In our first post, we discussed the top piece of advice bloggers would give to new bloggers or people contemplating starting a blog.  The vast majority chimed in with doing it because you truly enjoy writing.

One of my favorite pieces of advice came from Kristen of MamaLuvsBooks:

"...have a goal or vision for what you want your blog to be about, but if you grow and change along the way be open to being flexible.  Always stay true to yourself though and to what you want to do."

Sponsorship & Advertising Opportunities

The mission of Divas With A Purpose is to motivate, inspire and support women.  In order to support and embrace that mission, I have several opportunities for sponsorship and advertising available.  Please contact me directly at divaswithpurpose@gmail.com for more detailed information.

I’m currently looking for sponsors for my 3500 and 5000 Facebook Fan celebration. Once our Facebook fan page reaches those landmarks there will be giveaways on the blog and facebook.

Friendship Friday: Childhood Memories

Happy Friday Divas!!! Welcome to all of you stopping by from this weekend's Friendship Friday Blog Hop hosted by Create With Joy! Make yourselves comfortable and join right in :)

Questions of the Week:
Last week we celebrated Motherhood.
This week, let's celebrate Childhood by sharing a favorite childhood memory.

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday Divas :)

It's a beautiful day and I've got a smile on my face and in my heart! No real particular reason other than WHY NOT?

Gratitude to me seems to be a no brainer.  I've got the thought process that it's so much more refreshing to give thanks for what I have rather than dwell on what I don't.  I'd rather enjoy the precious moments I have with my family and friends and not commiserate over people and events that may not fully appreciate me for who I am.  There are so many things in this world that we have absolutely no control over but the one thing I know without a shadow of a doubt that I can control is how I choose to be.  I choose joy and love and positivity.  It makes life so much more worthwhile and enjoyable.  It makes me more tolerable.  Years from now, I'll be able to reflect on the many trials and tribulations I may have experienced but still have positive and happy memories of those seasons because I CHOSE to find joy in the little things.

Break-Up Letter

I'm extremely tired.  I keep telling myself  it's only a test. To keep a smile on my face and joy in my heart.  We've all been there at some time - you take one step forward and something comes along to knock you 3 steps back....these words came to me this morning as I reflected on where I am, where I've been and where I know I'm going to get to...perhaps someone else out there needs to see this, too.

 

 To all the emotions, people, thoughts, and attitudes that want me to keep floundering - that don't support the vision that's been given to me, that would rather be invited to a pity party instead of celebrating our successes (no matter how minute or insignificant they may appear):

It's over. I've given you way too much time. Invested way too much energy and sweat and tears into trying.  It's taking too much out of me to keep scrambling upwards only to have you and your negativity bring me crashing down.  I don't know which is worse the belittling words, the condescending attitude or the silence, the lack of acknowledgement.

Giveaway: iPad 3!

Coupontrade.com, Case-mate and EyeBuyDirect are offering another awesome giveaway! Enter below for your chance to win a NEW iPad and Tuxedo Case!

Case-mate specializes in the design and creation of premium form fitting products to protect mobile devices. We sell the finest cases, holsters and precision-cut protective films for the newest iPad, iPhones, Laptops and much more! Shop EyeBuyDirect.com, the online leader in prescription eyewear, for glasses starting as low of $6.95!

CouponTrade.com is your new source for discount gift cards and NAME brand coupon codes. Now you can combine these discounts in ONE place to save more than ever before, or claim what's yours and SELL your unwanted gift cards too!

Entry is simple! Just fill out the Rafflecopter Form Below!  Good luck Divas :)

I Remember....

Last weekend I was traveling home and "I Remember Mama" by Shirley Caesar came on the radio.  I've listened to that song numerous times and it's always been a favorite of mine, but for some reason I got especially emotional listening to it.

I thought of all the sacrifices my mother has made for me and my younger sisters that often go unnoticed and unappreciated.

I thought of the prayers and tears she's lifted up for us.

Life Changes

Yesterday I went to register my 4 year old for kindergarten. Where, oh where, has the time gone? I can't believe that in the fall my precious baby boy will begin his educational journey. 

My oldest son is preparing to leave elementary school and enter, gasp!, middle school. Orchestra, JV sports, school dances...will I be able to survive???

My sweet little diva is still at that wonderful stage where Mommy is received with toothless grins and giggles. Surely, she will let me savor these last set of memories before sprouting up before my eyes.  Yeah, right! Teething and learning to babble she's quickly grasping on to new tasks - calling out DaDa, sitting up unassisted, attempting to hold her bottle, teething....

Guest Post: Gourmet Gift Baskets Review & Giveaway

Hello Divas! Today I'm sharing a review and giveaway for Gourmet Gift Baskets by fellow blogger, Southern Stay-at-Home Momma.  Enjoy :0)





I am definitely a snacker. I have an extremely bad habit of munching on anything that is laying around the house (that I don't have to cook, of course). While my taste buds love my constant munching, my waistline doesn't. Lol. I've been a snacker for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I would always sneak tasty snacks from the kitchen cabinets and enjoy them in my room. I mastered the ninja technique -- I never got caught, and I had a secret spot for the wrappers. Haha. Anyway, naturally I grew into a bigger snacker and I've been unable to break the habit.

Friendship Friday: Motherhood

Welcome to all of you stopping by from this weekend's Friendship Friday Blog Hop hosted by Create With Joy! Make yourselves comfortable and join right in :)

In honor of Mother's Day next weekend, this week's Friendship Friday is all about Motherhood!!!

Questions of the Week:
What do you love most about your mother?

Do you have any special Mother’s Day traditions?
What are your favorite childhood memories of your mom?
Are you looking forward to being a mother or grandmother?
What do you love most about being a mom?
How has motherhood changed you?
Do you have any tips for mothers-to-be?
What are the best (and worst) Mother’s Day gifts you’ve received? 

Thankful Thursday

Happy Thursday Divas!!! I hope you're all having a fantastic week! I'm learning to go day by day, because the past month or so has been extremely trying but there are silver linings to every cloud. I'm thankful for the encouraging words that I read from fellow bloggers and blog visitors. Unexpected thank you texts or cards.  

Sometimes it's the little things that make the biggest impact.

Britax Greatness Tour and Giveaway

Have you heard about the Britax Greatness Tour yet? Specially branded BRITAX and “What To Expect When You’re Expecting” mini-vans will be traveling across the United States offering great giveaways, great discounts, great parent education and of course, the great quality of BRITAX all along the way!

There's one this weekend in Charlotte, NC which is only about 45 minutes from me....hmmmmm.....road trip maybe :)

Blogger Series Part 1: Newbie Advice

I've had quite a few friends and associates reach out to me recently for blogging advice - why? I have no clue because I still consider myself quite the novice.  However, it really got me to thinking about what I do, why I do it and things I've learned over the past few years as I've gotten more serious about my blogging.

I've decided to start a series of blogger questions to help others out there that may be new with their blogs or considering starting one themselves.  I'd love if other bloggers would chime in with their advice and feedback.

MomMomOnTheGo Fundraising Participating Shops

Happy May Divas :) This month I'm joining forces with a group of entrepreneurial moms to help give back to an organization.  Some of you may know that I'm a Mary Kay consultant. Tying in with my frugal side, I offer discounts and specials on a regular basis to make my products affordable to all.  All lip products are always $10 and shipping is free on orders over $25.  If you ever hear of someone in need of a consultant, refer them to me! You'll receive a credit equal to 20% of their order totals for an entire year!  Please read below to learn more about this great group of women and the specials they will be offering through the month of May.

~~Blogger Opp~~~IPad Giveaway Coming Soon

This post is specifically for my blogger followers (but it's a great clue to an awesome giveaway the we'll be participating in very soon!).

This is a free event for bloggers to participate in and a great way to promote your Facebook page and connect with a great group of bloggers who are dedicated to supporting and uplifting one another. You can find more details and sign up for it  here.