Today we have Antionette Blake with us from DeDivahDeals. She is a fifty-something frugal fashionista that loves to blog while keeping up with her full time career! This coupon clipping, clearance-rack searching shopper has lots of great ideas for frugality for her blog readers. Continue reading to see just what makes her a success!
How did you begin blogging?
DeDivahDeals was created on February 9th, 2012, after a short stint of Microblogging on Facebook. It was a way to fill a void in my life that was left by the death of my grandmother. She was my shopping partner as well as my inspiration to become a frugal fashionista. Growing up in the 60′s, she would take my sister and I to The Salvation Army Thrift store on North Avenue in New Rochelle, NY. We would spend Saturday mornings thrifting as if we were in Lord & Taylor shopping high-end retail. It was a fun experience for me but a necessity for her, and as she got older we continued to to bargain shop until she was 97 years old, she died at the age of 98.
What are your prefered blogging topics?
First and foremost I love blogging all things thrifted, whether it’s a Goodwill haul, savings from The Salvation Army Family Store or deals found in Consignment Shops. Dressing for Less is my motto and when I find a shopping bargain I love to share it. I am proud to be a card-carrying Goodwill VIP!
I also enjoy going to events around town and then writing reviews, as a matter of fact I will be attending a Fashion Show Wednesday night sponsored by Delaware Today Magazine. Thanks to the votes of family and friends, DeDivahDeals was chosen2013 Best of Delaware - BEST BLOG-UPSTATE – READERS CHOICE award which was also sponsored by Delaware Today Magazine.
As a volunteer blogger for The Money School of Delaware, I post topics to showcase many of their free financial seminars and events held throughout the state. Earlier this month I had an opportunity to teach a Blogging 101 class also sponsored by The Money School of Delaware, it was a very rewarding experience. I consider myself a Lifestyle blogger so my topics vary and I also do product reviews as long as they fit in with the Fashion and Fun after Fifty profile.
What are your 3 favorite blog posts?
From Purses to Portfolios 2012 event, Tyler Perry on the OWN Network and MeJah Bookstore review.
What are up to when you’re not blogging?
I work a full time job with a 3-hour daily round-trip commute to Pennsylvania, so when I’m not blogging or filling up at the gas station, I’m catching up on reading, cleaning, cooking, or sleeping! I also enjoy working outside in the yard or lounging pool side listening to Jazz.
What are your tips for balancing family life and blogging?
I keep a notepad in my car, and purse as well as a camera so when a blogging topic or opportunity presents itself I’m ready. My sons and hubby used to think I was crazy but now they understand and appreciates what I do. As a night owl I’ll usually work on my blog after dinner up until 10-11 o’clock during the week and until 1-2 am on the weekends.
Why & how do you use Sverve?
The Bookmarklet application is perfect for sharing my daily posts as well as posting other good information received in an email or read on a website. I make time every day to read the notifications, other’s posts, comment, share and follow at least 5 new members. I really enjoy reading the Blogging Tips and of course signing up for the brand Campaigns.
Do you have any tips for your success on Sverve?
Sverve is an awesome platform for female bloggers so I make sure to schedule time everyday to log on. I find and follow new members, endorse and tweet, and attending the free Webinars guarantees that I’ll learn something that will aid in the growth and improvement of my blog.
Take a moment and leave Antionette a comment! Remember to check out her blog, DeDivahDeals.
xo
Congrats, Antoinette! I have enjoyed seeing you around this past week.
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