Another Year Bites the Dust

Happy New Year's Eve everyone!!  Yay, we have all made it to the end of 2010.  That in and of itself is a great blessing.  I just want to say thank you again to everyone who has stuck with me on this blogging journey.  I've had the chance to make some connections that will last me a life time and then some.

Throughout 2010, I've found myself touch by at least post that each of you have written.  In some way shape or form you all have helped me to become a better person than I was at the start of this year.  I came into 2010 feeling slightly sorry for the hand that I was dealt and frustrated at having to be a single mom.  And now I'm ending this year fearless and married.  I can't be for sure what the future holds for me because I'm not God.

However, I do know that I'm going to continue blogging and continue working hard to better myself.  I'm not going to let people or the negative situations around me deter me from reaching my dreams and goals.  I'm going into 2011 with nothing but love and faith.  And I wish each and every one of you the same!!

See you in 2011!!

Thankful Thursday



It's Thankful Thursday here at YUMMommy and just want to say that I am very much looking forward to 2011.  I am naming and claiming nothing but success and happiness for myself, my loved ones and you all!!  If we work together to build each other up, then we can all get to where we need and want to be with our respective projects a lot faster than if we work separately.  So, I'd like to encourage all bloggers to spread the love and the wealth (of knowledge) to their fellow bloggers in 2011.  That is my challenge to each of you.

So this Thursday, I am thankful for having had an amazing Christmas holiday with my family and loved ones.  It's always a blessing to be able to all get together and fellowship.  We all know that tomorrow is not promised to any woman or man or child for that matter.  Anything can happen at any minute.  Therefore, it's most important to cherish and make the best out of the time you do get to spend with your loved ones.

I am also thankful to my family for showering Moo with lots of gifts!!  Surprisingly, she didn't get too many toys.  My family did a great job of incorporating things that will really come in handy like new clothes, new shoes, etc.  I am thankful that my family also got me and the hubs things that we needed like kitchen appliances, bath robes, and that sort of stuff.

I am thankful that our snow lasted just long enough for us to enjoy it a few days and melt away for the New Year.  The last of it officially melted away this afternoon.  I'm glad that roads remained clear enough for us to get out and visit family and do some Christmas shopping for next year!!  I'm thankful that God enabled us to go ahead and plan accordingly and get most of the gifts out of the way.

I am thankful that the hubs is finally starting to come to his senses about our disagreement from Christmas.  I'm thankful that I was able to go back and better explain my position and how I felt in a more calm and collected way.  Even though he still disagrees we have decided to agree to disagree on this particular issue.  He's even open to starting a little therapy once a week.

This is a huge milestone in our relationship since he's been a little standoffish about therapy in the past.  Most minorities have this view of therapy as being a 'whites only' thing, but that is not true.  Therapy is not a color thing, but a tool that can save and prolong a lot of marriages as well as help a lot of people heal from their pasts.  So, I'm already looking and asking around for good therapists in our area.  I want our marriage to be as healthy as it can be and for us to continue moving forward instead of backwards.

I am thankful to have such a wonderful mom who has been great at putting Moo to bed almost every night that we have been here.  This pregnancy really has my hormones and patience out of whack!!  Thank God that she understands I need a break and is willing to give me one.  I love her so much and will never be able to fully repay her for all that she has done but I'm going to try.

Last but not least, I am thankful to each and everyone of you who has joined me on this journey and keeps coming back to read my posts.  I really appreciate the support, advice, motivation, inspiration and confidence.  Thank you so much for helping YUMMommy get to where it is now.  I promise that there are bigger and better things to come in the New Year if you stick around and continue to ride with me!!

Love you guys!!  What do you have to be thankful for today?

Our Christmas Recap

Happy Holidays!  I hope that everyone has a blessed and very merry Christmas this past weekend.  Moo and I have been enjoying some time with the family these last few days.  It feels great to be surrounded by my siblings, my mom and extended family members.  Anyways, our Christmas was fantastic even though it did get a little rocky midway Christmas day.

Christmas morning, I actually had to wake Moo up to open her gifts.  Out of all the mornings to get up early she  decided to not make Christmas morning one of them. LOL.  I was so sure that she would be the first one up because she enjoyed poking holes and unwrapping the gifts under the tree all these past weeks.  Once up she had a blast ripping off the wrapping paper and seeing her gifts.
Her favorite by far was her Leap Frog laptop.  She is forever trying to type or dig with mine.  Now we can sit on the couch together and work.  Of course, she'll be working on learning the rest of her colors, shapes and alphabet while I work on establishing and expanding YUMMommy into a brand.  I'm really happy that all her toys have an educational/learning feature to them.  I believe that kids learn better through playing when they are this age.

Plus, I'm teaching her that learning can be fun.  I want her to develop a passion for education while she's still not in school.  Waiting until she starts school to get her interested in learning would be a great disservice for her.  It would also be a bit irresponsible on my behalf as her parent.
Things were going smoothly until the hubs and I got into a blow out over a situation we'd already discussed.  So, he ended up skipping the trip down to my mom's house.  Of course, I was sad and a little disappointed about it but to be honest I didn't really care.  I was determined to have a great Christmas and Moo was going to have a great Christmas too.  And we did!!

Although, it would have been nice to have him here to see Moo open her gifts, have dinner with us and cart our gifts back to our house; it didn't put a damper on anyone's mood that he didn't come.  I'm learning that I can't make a grown person put aside their craziness and enjoy the important things in life.  He chose to miss out on this day.  I apologized for flying off the handle like I did (one of us should have kept our cool) but he wasn't trying to hear it.  
Moving on, I spent the rest of the my Christmas laughing and dining with my loved ones.  I took well over a hundred photos of everyone opening gifts, Moo playing with my niece and us having a great time in the snow!!  I was excited that I got some awesome appliances to add to my kitchen.  I'm really starting to up my cooking game and experiment with different recipes.

In fact, you all can look forward to some future cooking posts in 2011.  The day after Christmas we woke up to find the yard and cars all covered in a blanket of snow!!  I got my White Christmas Winter Wonderland after all.  Moo had a great time making snow angels and throwing snow balls.  Hard to believe how much she has grown up on me.
And yesterday, our snow started to melt and the roads cleared up enough for us to venture out and collect as well as deliver the rest of our gifts to my aunts.  They love seeing Moo and are super excited about soon having a new addition to the family.  After we chilled out with them for a while, headed back out to do some shopping.  We ended up almost finishing our shopping for Christmas 2011!!  Yes, we think ahead here.

Anyways, what was the best part of your Christmas weekend?  And did you remember to upload some holiday pics to our Facebook page?

Thankful Thursday

Well, Thursday is here again and you know what that means...  Time for this week's edition of Thankful Thursday.  With the Christmas holiday upon us, I am feeling extra thankful.  I am thankful for all the snow we got last week even though none of it lasted more than three hours because the rain came and washed it away.  I'm still glad that God her my prayers and allowed me to see it.  Hoping that we'll see a little bit more for Christmas too.

I'm also thankful that my gifts are wrapped and tucked snugly under the tree.  I've been battling a little bit of morning sickness these past few days and couldn't imagine trying to wrap everything in one night.  I'm thankful for my mom who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to make sure Moo has an abundance of gifts.  I saw a lot of parents complaining about how their parents tried to out do them with buying presents for their kids and to be honest I could care less if my mom out gifts me with Moo.  It's her money and not mine.

The most important point is that Moo has a great Christmas.  And I can always donate some of her older toys to charity.  I mean lets be real, she doesn't need 5 doll babies that look almost exactly alike and all to the samething.  I am thankful that Moo is neither interested or frightened by Santa.  I think that she has already put two and two together and knows that he's not real.

Just one more talk I can cross off my list of Talks to Have With the Kids.  I'm also thankful that my Moo is learning more words and expanding her vocabulary.  She now holds long and extensive conversations with Grandma and Auntie Nunu on the phone.  And today she told me she had the hiccups!!  I wasn't even sure she knew what those were.  I mean I've never been around a two year old who knew how to use the word hiccup.

Usually, the call hiccups a burp, but my Moo knows the difference between the two.  I am thankful for my new phone-the Evo.  My treo was really on its last leg.  Plus, I'm a busy girl who needs a phone that can keep up with me.  I am thankful that I selected a wonderful OB/GYN practice and that the staff is amazing.

And they show no signs of going out of business any time soon unlike my last practice.  This is great because I don't like just anyone checking under my hood.  I am also thankful for my newfound blogger bffs- Mommy Glow, Mommy Delicious and Baby Making Machine.  These ladies have inspired and motivated me in so many ways.  They are strong, determined, caring and compassionate.  Most of all they're all really great moms!!

I am thankful for the success that YUMMommy has had this year.  I know that next year is going to be even better!!  I am thankful that God has allowed me to see another year of life-my 25th day was Sunday!!  So many of the people I started school with didn't even get to make it to our high school graduation.  Therefore, I know that I am blessed to be alive and seeing 25.

Last but not least, I am thankful to be spending the holidays with my family.  I love them dearly and am grateful for all of their support during the good times and the bad.  Hope that you will take time to reflect on what you have to be thankful for this season as well.

Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!!


16 Weeks and Counting

So, I know that some of you are curious to know how my pregnancy is coming along because I really haven't talked about it that much on here.  Well, I'm happy to report that I am sixteen weeks and some change and had my first appointment at my new OB/GYN office.  Like most celebs do, I didn't want to start talking about it too much until I was further along in case something happened.  And not to mention, it took forever to get my insurance straight.

I can't begin to tell you all the hoops these people had me jumping through.  Then on top of that my old practice is no longer in business and I had to find a new one.  Well, I am happy to report that I am happy at the Bradford Clinic here in Charlotte.  I absolutely love it so far.  All the staff is nice and so cheerful.  The OB nurse is just full of helpful information and even recommended some tricks and products to help with my morning sickness!!

When I walked into the office this morning, I felt like I had entered a spa or hotel at first.  I'd never seen a doctor's office that looked less like a medical facility in my life.  It was so posh and glamorous.  I'm talking about designer couches, arm chairs and ottomans.  I can I just tell you how much I appreciate them for thinking to get ottomans.  They are pregnant woman's dream when her feet and ankle start to swell up.

And they even had complimentary copies of some of  the latest parenting magazines in English and Spanish.  I could tell that my hubby was very impressed and he looked kind of worried as Moo hopped down from her chair and began exploring the place.  Yes, she going through the busy stage where she has ants in her pants.  That's perfect for when we're at the park, but not so much when we're at the store, church or the doctor's office.

Although, in her defense she is getting better about riding in her car seat.  So, I try to get too flustered when she doesn't sit still in public.  I wish I would have had the hubby snap a picture, but I'm going back for an ultrasound next week and snap a few then.  I've decided to do a better job at keeping a pregnancy scrapbook.  I actually didn't do one when I was pregnant with Moo. I was just so overwhelmed by all the physical and emotional changes of my pregnancy that I couldn't handle the pressure of keeping up with something like that.

However, this time around I feel more prepared.  I know what to expect.  Also, the hubs is more supportive and understanding.  He's able to recognize when I've reached my boiling point before I actually boil over.  He's even making an effort on his days off to let me sleep in and takes over caring for Moo.  Plus, he's pumped about being in the delivery room again.

I was sure that after seeing all the action down there from the first delivery he would be scared off.  But that's not the case.  He actually said the only part that freaked him out about watching was when Moo's head popped out and it was purple.  He was fearing that something was wrong.  Thankfully, I was able to push her out with my next contraction and she started to wiggle around because she did not cry.

Instead, as they placed her on my chest she kind of looked up at us like 'Hey, I know you guys.'  The nurses thought it was the cutest thing ever.  She did however cry when they gave her her first bath.  She was not feeling that whole water thing one bit.  But now she loves it and I can't get her to come out of the bathtub.  Anyways, I've digressed back to my current pregnancy.

My morning sickness is still here but not as bad as it was before. I've learned that drinking lots of water helps. Saltines are your best friend and sodas, cakes, cookies and some candies are the devil. LOL.  Believe or not I've only put on 4 pounds.  Personally, I think the scale at the doctors was broken because my belly looks like it weighs more than 4 pounds folks.  My hubby and family have joked that there might be twins in there.  I hope not.  Three kids all under the age of three would be quite the challenge.






So, at 16 weeks and some change my baby is about the size of an avocado and should be about 4 1/3 to 4 2/3 inches in length from crown to rump.  My baby weighs about 2 3/4 ounces which is roughly 80 grams.  Not much at all.  In fact, my cup of water weighs more than my baby does right now.  My amniotic fluid level is rising.

By now my little one is covered in lanugo hair ( those hairs on your arms, legs, face and everywhere else).  The fingernails are developed and the arms and legs have gotten longer and are flailing about wildly.  Not looking forward to those hard kicks in the middle of the night.  I'm certainly feeling a lot of fluttering and gas bubble action.  It's crazy how much fluttering and passing gas this baby does already.  Guess that's sign to be prepared for lots of stinkiness in a few months. LOL

Also, today at my appointment they took six tubes of blood to test for things such as Down Syndrome, AIDS, identifying my blood type and any other blood disorders that would be harmful to me and especially the baby.  They also took a urine sample to screen for any infections.  Infections can be very deadly for unborn babies as well as the mother if untreated.

So, far I have no sign of swollen feet or cankles.  I do however have some dizziness and lots of fatigue.  I could sleep all day really.  I get tired a lot faster than I used to.  One of the reasons I've avoided going to the malls as much as I used to is because I just can't walk and browse like I want to.  After the third store, I'm looking around for a dressing room to catch my breath in and rest my legs.

Anyways, I've decided to go ahead and find out the sex of this baby.  I wanted it to be a surprise like Moo was, but my hubby wants to know and of course I'll know what it is once he starts buying baby stuff.  He likes the traditional pink for girls and blue for boys. 

3 More Days Until Christmas!!

Things That Make Me Say Hmmm...

So, I think that I'm going to dub Tuesdays Things That Make Me Say Hmmm...Day over here at YUMMommy.  As soon as I can put together a button for it I might start a little linky so that I can read what made others go hmmm...  Anyways, let's get right down it.


1. Kim on RHOA-So, I was getting my fix of the Real Housewives of Atlanta yesterday because I missed most of it on Sunday.  (I caught up in my bday celebrations.)  Anyways, when I saw how Kim was getting all defensive about the infamous friend contract that Cynthia had wrote for Nene, I was thinking hmmm...you're trying to be protective of the same Nene that you claim choked the hell out of you last season?  Like don't you need be getting someone to protect you from her?  And from the teasers they've been airing Nene is going to attempt to choke her out againnnn  this season.

Then, when Kim lied and said she didn't run around talking about Phaedra's husband being a convict, I was like hmmm... do you not know this show is recorded and played on national tv for millions of viewers to see?  You did actually address the fact that Phaedra's husband was a convict.  Now how long you talked about it and to whom all you told we can't be actually clear.  And furthermore, why was Kim upset that Phaedra confronted her about talking about her baby and her pregnancy when she did in fact do it?  Craziness!!!

2. Nene & Peter's Relationship on RHOA-I saying hmmm...from beginning because Nene seemed so taken with Peter.  It's like time she met him, she was telling the man that she loved him and joking about stealing him from Cynthia.  Now that she and Greg are on the rocks and it looks like Peter is going to call off the wedding, I'm wondering if there is more to their relationship than what is being played out camera.  Many people speculated that Nene and Peter have been secretly seeing each other.

I can never confirm or deny that because I don't either them in real life.  However, I can say that I would have to check Nene if she was that flirtatious with my husband.  There's just certain lines you don't cross in friendship and hitting on my man is one of them.  But I'm going to keep watching and we'll see what happens.

3. Food Network-I love watching Down Home with the Neelys, but this week I found myself wondering hmmm...should I really let Moo watch this show with me.  Pat and Jeana are really lovey dovey and have made more than a few sexual related comments on their show.  Sometimes, I feel like I should be watching with my hands over my eyes. However, I've decided that the show is great and perfectly healthy.  They are the perfect display of what Black Love should be and we need more shows portraying us in a positive light.

Plus, Moo likes Jeana's pigs.  I think we're going to get our own collection of cows once we move into our forever home.  So, I'll be tuning in to the Neelys everyday to get more of their awesome recipes.

4. My Hubby-So, the hubby got me the new Sprint Evo for my birthday.  He has a matching Evo in all black and was trying to help me get mine set up and pimped out with all sorts of apps.  Now, a few days ago I was telling him about Skype and how me and my bff were going to use to talk about wedding stuff since I can't be in Philly to help her make all her wedding plans.  He claimed to know nothing about how applications like Skype worked.

In the back of my mind, I'm thinking hmmm...yea right buddy.  He stays up to date on all the latest stuff involving computers, phones and electronics.  So, we're tricking my phone out when he starts telling me about this Tango app which is just like Skype but with a different name.  Hmmm...I thought you didn't know how to work this?  And what do you know he already one other Tango friend besides me. 

I'm not saying he's using Tango to cheat because I know that's what's crossing some minds right about now.  However, what I am saying is that he didn't have to pretend not to know how these apps worked.  We've been together almost seven years and I'm not the least bit concerned about him having Internet affairs.  Our relationship is in a secure place and I want him to feel comfortable talking to and being to me about who he's Tango-ing.

So, what has made you say hmmm...since last Tuesday?  Only 4 more days to go until Christmas!!!




Stepping My Game Up

So, yesterday I turned 25 and blogged about My List of Adventures to Accomplish by my 30th birthday.  I've come to realize that I really want to make YUMMommy something special.  I want to make a name for myself.  I feel like I have the potential to be a self-made mogul.  I've always been a self-starter and a leader.

However, I'm realizing that if I'm ever going to rub elbows with the big shots then I need to seriously step my game up so that I will be prepared.  I mean I've met some basketball players, singers, stylists, etc when I worked in retail.  And I've come to realize is that all those were opportunities in which I missed out on being able to network.  Do you know I don't even have a business card?  Pitiful I know.  I mean business cards are the basics and I've slacked off on doing that.

I look at some of my friends who've gone on to chase after their dreams and I can't help but feel like I went wrong somewhere.  I mean my friend Kion is working for one of the largest PR firms in the country.  He's worked as a brand rep for Addias and had the chance to promote products with celebs like Reggie Bush.  He's successful managed to grab the attention of people like Fantasia and Tachina Arnold. Oh, did I mean he's only 24?

How did he get where he is?  He started with the basics.  He networked, exchanged numbers, read books and voiced his opinion.  I can't begin to tell you all how many great books I have here about how to get to my mogul status.  I've just procrastinated and not read any of them.  I'll start and then put it down never to return.  But what do I do? I go out and order or buy another book that pretty much tells me the same thing as the book I already have waiting on my coffee table.

Well, I'm awake and ready to take charge of my life. I want leave my legacy on this world and give my Moo and future child someone to look up to and want to be like.  I'm no longer content with just making it.  I watched my Mom just make it with us and I hated it!!!  We were always telling her that she should publish her writings, get into motivational speaking, start a business and guess what she's done none of those.  Sure, she does speaking engagements but that's only because her job as director requires her to in order to raise money for their non-profit programs.

Her writings are still collecting dust in her many notebooks she has scattered throughout the house, she still hasn't started that business she wanted either.  While I desperately want to be like my mom in so many ways, those are not some of them.  I want to be able to full my destiny and achieve the adventures on my list.  So, I've decided to brush the dust off of my self-help books and get to reading.  Also, with the help of my new found blogger bff Mommy Delicious, I ordered a lovely set of business cards from Shutterfly.

I'm even stepping the game up with my wardrobe.  I might be pregnant and a mom already, but that doesn't mean I can't look fab.  I'm hunting down new maternity clothes and even adding a little eye shadow.  I recently won some lipstick from FSL Comestics over at Silver Lips Beauty.  I am super excited to rock it to my doctor's appointment on Wednesday. I need to be prepared to run into great people.  I don't their first impression of me to be that I'm tacky or cheap.

I've even gone through the trouble of joining some great groups on Meetup.com.  It's these little changes that are going to give me the boost of confidence I need to get back in the game.  Heck just writing this post I already feel bolder and ready to take on a challenge.  Stay tuned because there is more to be continued!

5 More Days Until Christmas

25: A Start of New Adventures

Well, my birthday is finally here!!!  Turning 25 seems like such an incredible milestone to me.  I'm five years from being the big 3-0 and halfway to 50.  And while some of my family and friends have pointed out that I'm getting 'up there,' I don't feel the slightest bit old.  I'm rather looking forward to the years of my life that are to come.


If there is one thing that I have come to learn and appreciate in my 25 years on this earth, it's that life is precious and should be cherished.  In a world where people are dying as young as newborns, I'm truly to blessed to have made this far and be in relatively good health.  That being said and with my newly acquired outlook on my life, I took the time to think and write down some adventures/goals that I want to work on accomplishing now. 

And I know it's important to set deadlines as motivation to complete these goals.  So, I've given myself until my 30th birthday to finish them all.  As I mark things off my list and blog about them, I've decided that every birthday I will add something new to that list.  Once, I hit my big 30th birthday I will take inventory of what wasn't completed and ask myself is it something that I'm still passionate about accomplishing.  If not it won't make it on to next five year list of adventures/goals I want to accomplish.

Anyways, I'm hoping that this will inspire some of you to take inventory of what you'd like to start accomplishing or working towards changing in your lives.  I also hope that if you all see something on my list that you can help me with then by all means lend a hand.  I'm always open to connecting with the people who read my blog.  Words inspire action and action brings about change.

Before I get to my list, I just want to say I've created a poll in the sidebar.  Please go by and cast your vote on what you all think baby number two will be.  Also, have you noticed that I've made some changes to the blog layout?  It's a lot less cluttered on my main page.  Don't forget to invite your Facebook friends to join our fan page.  And also don't forget to upload or email me your Christmas tree or holiday pictures to go in our Happy Holidays 2010 album!! 

List of Adventures to Accomplish by 12/19/15
~Attend Fashion Week in New York
~Buy a House
~Get a New Car
~Meet Oprah Winfrey
~Write my First Book
~Publish my Book
~Attend Fashion Week in Charlotte
~Go to Paris
~Vacation in Spain
~Take a Trip to Disney Land/World
~Go on a Cruise
~Attend 5 Blog Conferences
~Walk a Red Carpet
~Go to Gabba Land (totally in love with Yo Gabba Gabba)
~Visit my BFF in Philly
~Go Back to College
~Take a Photography Class
~Make a VLog
~Put More Effort into my Etsy Store
~Start my Own Company & Non-profit
~Learn More HMTL
~Have my Fibroids Removed
~Raise $5000 for my GiveBack Charties
~Exercise More
~Get a PenPal
~Meet Some of my Blogger BFFs in Person
~Buy Some Power Tools (i love diy projects)
~Remodel my Mom's House


6 More Days Till Christmas!!


Fashion Find: Great Buys from Neiman Marcus

For those of you who don't know, I'm a Fashion Merchandising major.  In addition to writing, I love designing, styling and shopping!!  In fact, I am the Queen of bargain shopping when it comes to clothes.  If you take a look in my closet you might see labels like BCBG, Anne Klein, and Ralph Lauren just to name a few.  And lets not get started on all the designer stuff you'll find in Moo's closet.

I've even taken the time to introduce my mom to Tiffany & Co, Guess, Burberry and decorated her neck and ears with $1,000 worth of real pearls.  Now, if you've been reading my blog long enough, you'd know that I'm in no shape or form rich.  And while you can find these brands in your thrift shops or on eBay, you can also shop prestigious brands like Neiman Marcus themselves.  I know I know you're probably saying yea right, but it's true.  Online shopping has always been a hobby of mine.

I'm afraid to tell you that you're not really getting the best deals when you shop in the store.  See stores sell and price merchandise by demographics (location, consumer makeup, etc).  However, their online shopping sites offers their complete line of merchandise and if you can find free shipping codes or buy enough merchandise to qualify for their free shipping offers then your purchase is that much cheaper.  So, anyways I was thinking that I wanted to add a few more designer pieces to my wardrobe, Moo's and hubby's.  And I've totally fell in love with the Neiman Marcus at our mall. 

So, I decided to Facebook their page and visit their website.  You won't believe the amazing stuff I found for under $100.  Well, I decided to highlight my top ten favorite finds below for you all.










Random Ramblings

It's hard to believe that in just 7 more days Christmas will be here!!  I'm tickled with excitement.  I just a few gift cards to pick up for some people that have proven to be a little harder to shop for than I expected.  Besides that I'm completely ready for the Big Day!!  I'm so looking forward to seeing the joy on Moo's face when she opens up her gifts.  There will be lots of photos posted on Facebook.

Speaking of photos, we only have two photos in our YUMMommy Facebook page Happy Holidays 2010 album.  So, don't forget to either upload your photos yourself or you can send them to me via email: yummommy@gmail.com.  Can't wait to see what everybody's tree and decorations looks like.  Plus, it's just a great way to get some conversation going and add some more cheer to the holiday season.

We did get some snow earlier and I was all excited and thrilled about it until I looked outside two hours later and saw that the rain was washing my snow away.  So, we just have slush instead.  I'm hoping it doesn't turn into frozen ice because the hubby has to go out to protect and serve tonight.  And I want the roads to be clear when he drives home in the morning.  However, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that it will snow tomorrow and for Christmas.  Or maybe I should save up and invest in buying a mountain house.

But then I'll want a horse drawn sleigh and some horses to go with it.  Yes, I've been watching one too many Christmas movies. LOL.  Seriously, though snow and horses are two of my favorite things in this world besides food and the internet.  I'm going to really miss the horses on the farm across the street when we move though.  However, upgrading to our forever home and leaving behind this duplex isn't a bad tradeoff.

I already have thoughts of hosting dinner parties, clothing swaps and playdates dancing in my head.  Idk how the hubby is going to feel about that but he'll get with the program.  I'll make sure to host my clothing swaps and playdates while he's out and about.  But I'm looking forward to introducing him to some of the other dads whose wives are in the playgroup  I'm a member of.  I think it'll be healthy for us to have some friends in common.

Because as it stands right now we have none.  There are his friends and then I have mine.  Plus, our relationships have changed with most of our friends.  I'm married now and soon to be a mom of two.  So, a lot of my friends have kind of pulled away.  I don't know what that's about either.  Lifestyle changes I guess, but I'm glad to be making new friends.

I've talked to my mom a record of six times already today.  I'm sure we'll talk to each other at least twice more before I go to bed. Anyways, she has tons of stuff for Moo for Christmas. I did inform her that some of that stuff would be remaining at her spot because this duplex just can't accommadate all of that.  Not to mention, I have this fear about Moo getting too spoiled.

It seems like my mom was in a competition to out shine us this year.   I don't mind though, but just wish she would have kept it in moderation.  I'm also going to be donating a few of Moo's toys to our playgroup's Charity committee.  She has a million dolls already but I just know she'll get at least two more for Christmas.  I try to keep Moo humble because I feel like I spoil her enough. 

She's the best dressed two year old I know.  Everything in her closet is designer just about.  She has Calvin Klien coats and jean, Kenneth Cole, Baby Phat and more.  What can I say I'm a bargain shopper.  And of course having worked in retail I know to buy a year ahead.  So after Christmas all the winter clothing will be dirt cheap and I'll be stocking up on her some cute outfits for next year.  Now if only I could do that with shoes.

I'm also looking forward to Christmas dinner.  That was one of the things my mom and I talked about during our many phone conversations today.  Can't wait to pig out on ham, turkey, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, green beans, collard greens, yams, corn bread and pies.  I'm keeping my finger crossed that she'll make her sparkling punch like she used to.  She hasn't made it since I was in the fourth grade.

Moo and I have been keeping warm inside watching Christmas movies on ABC Family and the Hallmark Channel.  I'm trying to cure my addiction to the Cooking Channel and Food Network.  So far I've done good and only watched one cooking show.  However, I'm sure that will change by tonight.  Gotta get ideas on some holiday pies to make.  It's time I switched up my usual sweet potato pie recipe.

Speaking of cooking, did you all know that today is Bake Cookies Day?  Yep, I got this free cool calendar from Oriental Trading and it has all kinds of national holidays that I never knew existed on it.  So, I think that I'm going to pick up some cookies from the store before the hubby goes off to work and bake them with Moo tonight.  Bake cookies with your little ones too.  And if anybody has any good cookie recipes I'd love to hear them.

Well, I've rambled on enough.  Going back to my Christmas movie with Moo.



Mommy News

With the majority of my readers being moms, I know how  important it is to stay up on the latest news in regards to motherhood, family and our kids.  So, I was doing my morning blog reading when I came across an interesting post on Pubix Coupon Queen about drop side cribs having been officially outlawed here in the United States.  I kind of always saw this coming because I never thought though things were safe.  Moo's first crib was a drop side and I know that's part of the reason we continued co-sleeping when we came home from the hospital.  Thankfully we have since replaced her old crib with a lovely sleigh crib with fixed sides.

How will this work you ask?  Well, with fixed sided cribs the mattress adjusts instead of having to raise and lower the side rails.  I think this is better because it's more secure.  You don't have to worry about your mattress falling down from the weight of your child.  And you can adjust the setting based on your child's height and your comfort level.  Moo's crib came with three adjustable settings for the mattress and because she is rather tall for her age we have it on the lowest setting.  Anyways, to find out more about the crib outlaw check out the offical news article here.  Be sure to pass this information on to your readers, family and friends.  It could save their child's life because many retailers like WalMart where still selling these cribs as recent as yesterday.

Moving on, have you heard about the Oprah Winfrey Network and TwitterMoms blogging contest/opportunity?  No?  Well, I hadn't heard about it either until I saw it on Frugality Is Free.  Apparently, OWN and TwitterMoms teamed up and are asking bloggers to:

"Create an original blog post on your blog, in 400 words or more, sharing 'your aspirations and plans for new possibilities in your life.' Please include a thoughtful introduction and conclusion in addition to the main body of your essay. Give it plenty of thought, and include content that your readers would like to hear about and can connect with! Short or poorly written posts will not be accepted. Copying and pasting does not count. Blank posts submitted to create a blog link on the discussion page will be disqualified. Don't copy another blogger's post or ideas. Plagiarism is grounds for immediate disqualification."



In return fifty bloggers will be chosen to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card.  Now I think this is a great idea regardless of whether you do it for a chance to win the gift card or just as a personal building exercise.  I mean I recently wrote about how I retook inventory of my life and I think it'd be great to share and kind of inspire others to do the same.  Also, I think sharing our plans and aspirations for 2011 will help us to get more support.  I know that I try to support some of the bloggers that I follow with their personal aspirations and goals.  Sometimes, we don't always have that support system we need in our family and friends near us.

So, we have to seek it out through other avenues.  I feel like I've made some amazing friendships and blogger bffs.  So, if you see more of these posts take the time to read them and make a mental note to offer some words of motivation and remember to check up on them throughout 2011 to see how they're progressing with reaching their goals.  For more information on this contest and how to enter click here.

Now, when Moo was a baby I was very concerned about giving her baby food.  Honestly, with all the chemicals and stuff they put in some foods that they claim help with brain development I was not down with it.  However, after some research I decided to go with organic baby food.  It was just much healthier and the brand we chose was pretty much chemical free.  And now that I'm pregnant with my second child and trying to become more Green and organic, I'm working on starting a garden and visiting our Farmer's Market on a regular basis.

I even considered making my own baby food.  I can control quality of the food and make endless baby food combinations.  Yes, my imagination is already running wild.  Lol.  And thanks to The Baby Brezza One Step Baby Food Maker, I'll be able to do that in one simple step.  This wonderful piece of machinary will certainly be making it on to my Baby Shower Registry/Wish List.  And I can see it getting lots of usage.  What do you all think is this a product you're going to invest in?



Continuing on in mommy news, don't forget to upload your Christmas tree and/or holiday pictures to our Facebook page.    And if you haven't already checked it out just visit the little widget to the right.  I will be posting events, contests and other valuable information on our Facebook page first.  So, trust me you don't want to be out of the loop.  In fact, you can RSVP to our 2011 With Love Product Review & Giveaway now on there.  Also, if you have scheduled giveaways during the month of February and would like to join up and be part of this event leave me a comment saying so and with your email.  Likewise, I'm still looking for business sponsors to donate products/services/gift certificates.  So spread the word.

Only 8 More Days Till Christmas!!!


Thankful Thursday



It's Thursday and around here that means it's time for my weekly Thankful Thursday post.  Let's get started...  This Thursday, I am thankful that my husband has not had to travel off to work in any snow or frozen rain.  Yes, even though I am keeping my fingers crossed for some, I would prefer that it snows on his days off.

I am also thankful that after much frustration the last of Moo's gifts have arrived and are wrapped under the tree.  Now if I could just get her to leave them alone.  She can't wait to start ripping them open.  I'm just glad that she is at the age where she is kinda getting thewhole Christmas thing.

I am thankful that I have found a new OB/GYN and will have my first appointment with them next week.  Plus, the hubby gets to find out what we're having after Christmas.  He is just so impatient.  I wanted it to be a surprise but I know he can't keep a secret. I don't really have a preference.  A healthy baby with ten fingers & toes all in the right place is good enough for me.

And last but not least, I am thankful that I am up to 65 GFC followers.  I know that may not sound like a lot but for me knowing that 65 of you out there actually give a crap about what I write is very exciting!!  It means that I am touching people through my words and experiences.  I have made some amazing friends through this blog and hope to meet them all in person at some point.

So, what are you thankful for this Thursday?  Don't forget to upload your Christmas tree or Christmas decoration pics to our Facebook page.  Not a fan? Just click on the widget in the right sidebar.

9 more days until Christmas.

Wishful Wednesday

I'm back with another addition of Wishful Wednesday.  And this Wednesday the only thing on my wish list is SNOW!!!  Yes, you read write, I want snow.  I know some of you are thinking that I'm crazy, but I'm a winter baby and I've been crazy about snow ever since it snowed on my birthday when I was in Pre-K.  I thought it was a good luck sign from God.

Plus, snow is just so beautiful.  It's fun to look at and play in. And if I had a horse and sleigh, I love to bundle up and go on ride down by the country side.  The little bit of snow we did get Sunday night didn't last because it wasn't cold enough the next morning.  However, the weather lady says we'll get a mixture of snow and rain tomorrow and a flurry on Sunday.  Can't wait.

Oh, check out some of these awesome blog hops I am across this morning.  Remember, we only have
10 Days until Christmas!!





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Things That Make Me Say Hmmm...

As many of you know, I'm currently pregnant with my second bambino(a).  And of course, I'm always looking for ways to keep the spice in my marriage during this time.  I feel like it's important for pregnant women to maintain their sexy inside and outside the bedroom.  With all the morning sickness, cankles and weight gain that can be hard.  So, I was tinkering with my profile on the BlogHer website and scrolling through some of the blog posts when I came across 4 Tips to Spice Up Your Sex Life.

You know we see headlines like these all the time on the cover of Cosmo, Marie Claire and other women magazines.  And I'm always interested to see if they ever put new tips on the list or just rephrase the tips from the previous month.  So, curious me decided to click on the post and read what this author had to say.  Here was her list of suggestions:

1. Talk Dirty-Ok, most couples do that anyway.  I think we all have surprised ourselves and our mates  with some sassy bedroom talk.

2.  Act Out Your Fantaties-No shocker here.  This tip makes everybody's list.

3. Have Sex With Someone New-Hmmm...yea, this one I will certainly not be trying.  Furthermore, I don't condone sexual wrecklessness or adultary.  I'm a Christian and the Bible is pretty clear about this.  And even if you're not a Christian, what about having respect for your body and your mate.   I totally didn't get how sleeping with someone new would enhance a couple's sex life?

I mean honestly, I wouldn't be feeling too sexy if my husband told me that he needed to screw some other woman for him to be attracted me or stay interested.  Sure, we've seen this stuff on Sex & the City and read about it in fiction books, but that's just it.  Scenerios like these are meant to be just for entertainment, not something you ought to go out and try in your real life. But to each his/her own.  If sleeping with other people is what takes to keep your relationship afloat go ahead.  You'll have to live with the consequences-emotional, physical and mental-of your actions.

4. Explore BDSM Communities-Hmmm...idk about getting into that hardcore bondage and pain stuff. 

So, what do you all think?  What has happened in the last couple of days to make you say "Hmmm..."


11 More Days to Christmas


Return of the Moo

Greetings!!!  Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend.  I certainly did.  Friday, my wonderful and loving mommy decided to keep Moo for the weekend.  I wasn't really expecting her to offer, but when we stopped by for a visit, I guess she saw how pooped out I looked.  Moo's sleeping schedule has been kind of crazy these last couple of days.  Last Thursday she didn't go to bed until well after 3 AM Friday morning!!

I was thrilled that my mom offered, but kind of nervous at the same time.  This was going to be the first time Moo and I were away from each other since she's been born!!  Yes, in her two years on this earth I have never been apart from her for more than an hour.  I was also worried because my mom has a tendency to feed Moo food she's not suppose to have and then we have a rash situation on our hands or end up in the ER.  However, my mom promised not to give her anything I wouldn't approve of.

So, as the hubby and I prepared to head out the door, I couldn't help but feel a heaviness weighing in my heart.  Was I really going to leave Moo?  Was I being selfish?  Would she miss me?  What if she woke up during the middle of the night looking for me and I wasn't there?  I had a million questions running through my head.  My mom saw my uncertainty and ushered me right out the door. LOL.

I was surprised to discovered that Moo was missing me very little when she called to tell me good night.  In fact, I doubted she was missing me at all.  She hadn't even cried once when she discovered I was gone.  No, my child was busy laughing it up and watching NickJr while snacking on chips and juice.  She was having so much fun she didn't even want to talk to me.  I felt a little hurt.

A part of me wanted her to miss me and be begging for me to come back and get her.  The same routine followed on Saturday.  She was too busy to talk to me.  Grandma had gotten her all of her favorite snacks and a cool pair of pullups that made her feel like a Big Girl.  Her and my niece had poured just about every toy they owned out on the floor and were having the time of their lives.  She did pause long enough to give me a phone kiss and tell me bye before she ran off to get into more mischief.

Meanwhile, back here I was able to look at some houses online.  I found some great ones that were in our budget and had amazing space.  Saturday, I even enjoyed a Mom's Day Out over at one of my friend's.  She had just had her baby girl and I knew she could probably use the company and a little break.  We had a blast catching up and discovered that our childhoods were actually quite similar.  I think we certainly connected on a deeper level.

Plus, I learned that her new house is only like 15 minutes away from me.  I mean I never knew she was moving to the house right the down the street from our grocery store.  So, we vowed to visit each other at least once a week.  She has two kids and I will soon have two kids.  So, we are looking forward to our babies growing up together and becoming friends like us.

I can't wait for cookouts in the summer time.  Sunday, I enjoyed some window shopping at the mall.  I fell in love with some pretty cute bassinets at Pottery Barn Kids.  I love that store.  I'm going back to stock up on cute frog towels for Moo.  My husband thinks I'm crazy to buy a $25 towel for a two year old but he just doesn't understand you can't put a price on quality and cuteness.  Plus, if he only knew how much money I've spent at that store already-books, toys, etc.

It felt good to get out and see some familiar faces and get some ideas about somethings to keep my eye on for all the after Christmas sales.  I was surprised that my morning sickness didn't start acting up too.  But I was about ready to pass out walking back to the car.  I don't know something about packing on all these baby pounds doesn't sit well with my body.  I was out of breath and my legs hurt.

I told my hubby that we needed to seriously look into getting me a scooter.  He just laughed of course.  Men!  And then we were off to pick up my Moo.  We both had missed her something awful and were looking forward to having her chattering voice back home.  We got to my mom's house and she wasn't even home.  My mom has a tendency of doing that too.  She knew we were coming and had assured me she would be home by 8 o'clock.

Anyways, we didn't have too long of a wait before they pulled up.  My Moo was feasting on fries from McDonald's (her favorite) and a hamburger.  She was glad to see me and quickly left Grandma behind.  She had missed me!!  The entire ride home, she talked our heads off.  We even took the long way so that she could see all the outdoor lights and decorations.  And it started snowing halfway to the house. 

I was tickled pink.  I love love love love love snow!!!  However, to my dismay it didn't stay cold enough this morning and my snow has melted into small puddles.  But I'm staying hopeful because the weather man is calling for more snow tomorrow.  Meanwhile, Moo and I have been watching NickJr and enjoying each other's company.


12 Days till Christmas!!!



Thankful Thursday



Thankful Thursday is back.  Yes, I know it has been a while since I've done a Thankful Thursday post, but I'm going to make a renewed effort in posting one every Thursday from here on out.  I'm also in the process of designing a Thankful Thursday button.  My hope is to start a Thankful Thursday blog hop.  I truly believe that when you take the time out to see all the things you have to be thankful for, it takes your mind off the negatives in your life.

So, this Thursday, I am thankful for a renewed outlook on my life.  If you've been following along with the posts then you'd know that I have had a lot going on this year.  I started off as a single mom, lost a few loved ones, got back together with the love of life, fell out with my mom for a while, got married and now I'm pregnant with my second child and hunting for my dream house.  It just all took its toll on me.  I kind of lost focus of my dreams, goals and even the importance of somethings.

And rather than really deal with it, I felt better sweeping it all under a rug.  I fell into a state of self-pity.  Poor me-pregnant and trying to find a perfect house that probably doesn't exist.  I had fallen off with writing on this blog even and that was the last straw.  I locked myself in the bathroom and took a long hard look in our bathroom mirror.  I hated what I saw.

I looked defeated and worn.  And my friends can tell you that I'm always fab.  They have never seen me with a bad anything day.  But somehow I had let myself go and honestly I don't know how it happened.  But I do know that looking in the mirror and seeing what was looking back at me was enough to light a fire under me.

I started back writing my blog, started taking more pride in my appearance (I'm a fashion major after all) and just taking the time to think about what I want from my life.  Then a week ago I stumbled across Your Best Life Now For Moms by Joel Olsteen.  My mom had given me the book the Christmas Moo was born.  And somehow I had misplaced it in my sea of boxes from my move.

I started reading it again and came up a devotation in which Joel just put in plain words-get up off my butt and take control of my life.  How was I ever going to become this great, inspirational mogul sitting around pouting?  I wouldn't.  So,  I've renewed my outlook on my life.  I'm taking the needed steps to make things happen.  I always thought sponsors and readers would flock to my blog, but the truth is if I don't go to them they won't even know I exist.

I'm serious about writing and about touching others through my writing.  I'm back to working on my children's book series and am looking into getting back into school once my second baby is here.  I know it's a huge task to take on but I see my other mommy blogger friends and real life bff doing it. So, I don't have any excuse.  I'm getting dolled up just to go to the grocery store (for now because that's as far as my morning sickness will allow me to go).

I've even joined a few groups on Meetup.com in hopes that my morning sickness will get under control and I'll be able to get my social life back on track.  I've even started planning to take trips to visit my friends. I'm discovering that I want to own my own restaurant someday.  I love cooking (bet you didn't know that).  I feel like a Black Paula Deen and Julia Child.  I'm getting my act together and taking my life by horns and you should too.

Take the time to figure out what you want from life at this stage.  Sure you know what you wanted five years ago but you're older, wiser and priorities change.  Don't get stuck in a rut like I did.  Expand your outlook on your life and chase after your destiny!!

16 More Days Til Christmas!!!



PS-Don't forget to upload your holiday pics to our Young Urban Modern Mommies Fan Page on Facebook.  Not a fan?  Check out the box in the right sidebar and invite a friend.  Don't forget to grab the YUMMommy button.

GiveBack for the Holidays

We have 17 days left until the most wonderful day of the year-Christmas.  And with Christmas being so close around the corner, I'm sure that many of us are thinking about all the wonderful presents we're going to receive.  Maybe you have thoughts of that new crockpot you've been eying dancing around in your head.  But Christmas is about more than just receiving.  It's about giving back to those who are need and to those who have given to us when we were in need.



Thanks to the wonderful people at One2One Network, I was informed about a wonderful website called GiveBack.  GiveBack is a website that allows you to create your own foundation in which you get to pick the charities that you want to donate to.  There are local, national and global charities for you to choose from.  And the best news of all is that it's absolutely FREE!!  Yep, there are no sign up costs or hidden fees.

I was amazed at how easy it was to sign up.  You can either sign up using your Facebook page or complete their short (and I do mean short) registration form.  I opted for the registration form.  From their you can start browsing through charities by name, location or theme.  I decided to browse the list of local charities from my hometown. All charities on the GiveBack website are registered with the IRS and you do get a tax receipt for donating.

I choice to donate to the Mercy In Me Free Medical Clinic. They donate free medical services to those persons and family who can't afford healthcare or health insurance.  Their goal is to raise $2,000 which of course cover the cost of their services, supplies, etc.  I can donate to my charity by either making a personal donation using my credit card or I shop from a list of online retailers and up to 15% of my purchase will be added to my foundation account.




Please take five minutes out of your holiday to help spread joy to others this holiday season.


Happy Holidays!!

God is Santa

It's 18 more days until Christmas Day is here!!  Thus, there has been a lot of chatter on Facebook, Twitter and blogs about what to tell kids about Santa Claus.  Well, I just want to let it be known that I have no intentions on lying to my Moo and future son/daughter.  Call me the Grinch who stole Christmas, but I've never lied to Moo and I don't want to start by lying about something so commercialized as Santa Claus.

My reason for not doing this is simple and comes from my experience on how I learned the hard way that the commercialized Santa at the mall and on tv wasn't real.  I was in the first grade (I think) and I wrote the longest wishlist to Santa ever.  After all good children got everything on their list or at least that's how the lie goes.  And I was a poster child for good behavior. (Ask my mama).  I just didn't see the sense in not doing what you were told.  Really not doing what you were told in my household resulted in a visit from the 'Board of Education' as my parents so nicknamed their paddle.

I wasn't one for pain and certainly was not going to do anything on purpose to casue myself any.  So, my spankings could probably be counted on one hand.  And for those who are probably wrinkling their noses in disgust, no I don't feel like my parents abused me.  And no I don't have any emotional scars from getting spanked.  Save that debate for your own blog!

Anyways, I mailed my letter to the address for Santa that had been published in our local newspaper.  Now weeks before my older sister and cousins tried to tell me Santa wasn't who I thought he was-the white man in the velvet red suit with a belly that didn't always shake like a bowl full of jelly, but I ignored them.  My mom said I would learn the truth one way or another soon enough.  And she was right.

Christmas morning came and I was so disappointed and heartbroken.  Santa hadn't gottem me any of the things on my list!  Now the gifts I got where great and some where even better than what I had asked for.  But the fact remained that they weren't the ones on my list.  I quickly pointed out that Santa must have gotten our house missed up with someone else's and that he would surely be back to bring me my gifts.

Realizing it was time to put me out of my misery, my mom finally took me aside.  She broke it down to me like this:

1-Santa is real. (I knew it!!)

2-His name is God.  (Huh?)

3-God blesses your father and I with the money to buy you and your siblings gifts.  (So, ultimately parents are Santa too.)

4-The reason you didn't anything on your list is because you refused to show it to me or talk about it. You were so caught up in thinking the Santa from the mall was going to get you everything you wanted.

The next year, I didn't make the mistake of writing to the fake Santa.  I still wrote a letter that said Dear Santa, but I handed it to my mom instead with the understanding that I would get three things off it and the rest of my gifts would be a surprise.  That Christmas I was much more happier and thankful.  We still took pictures with the town Santa, but I realized those were just for entertainment and momento purposes.

I intent to teach Moo the truth about Santa.  Her father and I are santas blessed by the head Santa (God) to be able to give her gifts.  I don't want her spirits broken one Christmas like mine where.  There aren't many heartaches that I'll get to protect her from, but this is one of them that I can.  Plus, she won't have unrealistic expectations.  The gifts she receives will mean that much more to her knowing that her father and I put lots of thought and worked hard to get them for her.  But yes we'll still do the Santa photos to adorn our family Christmas cards and the tables at Grandma's house.

This is just how I plan on doing it.  I'm in no way suggesting you do the same.  And no I don't knock those who do the commercialized Santa.  To each his/her own.

Happy Holidays!!


Holiday Shopping Deals

Thankfully, I learned from my mom years ago to start Christmas shopping early.  Also, being a Fashion Merchandising major, I know that getting caught up in Black Friday madness is just a big hoax.  The reality is that the closer you get to Christmas the lower you will see prices drop.  Why?  Well, stores have to get ready for Spring.  They have to unpack all their Spring merchandise that is stored in the back and put it on the floor.

And in order for them to put it on the floor, they have to make room for it which results in extreme discounts.  However, even with all my early shopping, I'm still not completely done with all my shopping.  Some people in my family are harder to shop for than others and that's where the Internet comes in.  Not only are there more discounts and cheaper prices online, but many sites are offering FREE shipping to increase sales.  Check out some of the discounts I found online.

Dereon

Rocawear (eFashion Solutions)

300x250 free shipping over $89
Gift Finds Under $50

Designer Footwear for Girls - Get 10% off + Free Shipping by entering coupon code: pastry-fall1. Expires 12/15/10
Lingerie.com

Holiday Sale at Allurez.com


Happy Holidays!!!



19 Days Until Christmas