SOUTHPARK MALL CELEBRATES MOMS AT NATIONAL MOM’S NITE OUT ON MAY 5

Free event celebrates mothers with an evening of food, fun,

entertainment, shopping, prize giveaways and more

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 27, 2011) – SouthPark invites moms to let their hair down at the 3^rd Annual National Mom’s Nite Out onThursday, May 5 at from 5 to 7 p.m. in Center Court. This free event is a guilt-free excuse for moms to take the night off to relax and enjoy a celebration of motherhood. 

Moms will join together for a well-deserved break to socialize and relax at this event featuring networking, pampering stations, food and beverage sampling, shopping incentives, sampling of products and giveaways from a variety of SouthPark stores including Aveda, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Elements Theurapeutics Massage, Coldwater Creek, Aerosoles and many more. The first 200 guests will also receive swag bags filled with products, samples, and coupons from vendors such as Vera Bradley, L’Occitiane, Francescas Collections, Michael Kors, Origins, The Body Shop, Bare Escentuals and more! This free event is sponsored by StriVectin.

"We're thrilled to be participating in National Mom's Nite Out with Simon Malls and look forward to rewarding moms with free StriVectin samples, a giveaway and a special gift with purchase just for attendees," said Jill Scalamandre, Chief Marketing Officer for StriVectin.

Fifteen million moms are expected to take part in this national event. Moms across the United States will unite in celebrating motherhood with each other via local and national events as well as cyber celebrations. Organized by Maria Bailey, CEO of BSM Media, author and Mom Talk Radio host, National Mom’s Nite Out unites social media groups, companies, local playgroups, mom bloggers and networks in giving moms a well-deserved night off. Bailey organized the first National Mom’s Nite Out after watching moms take care of everyone else on Mother’s Day, but never themselves.

SouthPark moms in need of some fashion advice can attend a Style Recipes session led by Charlotte’s resident style-expert, Missus Smarty Pants. Many women have no idea what it takes to create an amazing wardrobe. Impulse purchase after impulse purchase they still have nothing to wear, yet closets are packed full of clothes! Sound familiar? Wardrobe planning is a lot like meal planning. Bring together the correct ingredients in the proper order and a stylish outfit is a no brainer! Wardrobe success is about having flexible "go-to" pieces that create a variety of outfits – and Missus Smarty Pants will show you how!

                                                

“We created National Mom’s Nite Out because so many of today’s mothers spend Mother’s Day focused on catering to the needs of others” said Maria Bailey, National Mom’s Nite Out organizer and mother of four. “We decided that moms deserve one night off from cooking, cleaning and responsibility and need time to celebrate motherhood with each other.” Simon Property Group is hosting National Mom’s Nite Out at 115 of its malls across the country. All activities are free and open to moms of all ages.

About SouthPark
Located in the heart of the SouthPark area, SouthPark, a Simon mall, is a Charlotte landmark. Originally developed in 1970, it is also one of the largest shopping malls in the region. Anchored by Nordstrom, Belk, Dillard's, Macy's and Neiman Marcus, SouthPark offers stores ranging from luxury fashion such as Burberry and Louis Vuitton to casual staples such as J. Crew and Tommy Bahama. Seven full-service restaurants, a Food Court, Symphony Park and a beautiful outdoor amphitheater make the area a popular dining and entertainment destination. Symphony Park at SouthPark is the summer home for the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra with a free concert series every Sunday during June. It is also home to the Holiday Tree Lighting, the official kick-off to the holiday season in south Charlotte. In addition, shoppers are offered even more choices at SouthPark's newest addition, The Village, which comprises 48,000 square feet of specialty retail. This new concept of retail, dining and residential represents a unique lifestyle in the area, further enhancing the mall and village as one of the Southeast's premier destinations. For a map and store listings, directions, events and job listings, visit www.simon.com. Visit SouthPark on Facebook and Twitter for updated mall information and events.

About Simon Property Group

Simon Property Group, Inc. is an S&P 500 company and the largest real estate company in the U.S. The Company currently owns or has an interest in 382 properties comprising 261 million square feet of gross leasable area in North America, Europe and Asia. Simon Property Group is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and employs more than 5,000 people worldwide. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the symbol SPG. For further information, visit the Simon Property Group website at www.simon.com.

About StriVectin^®

StriVectin^® is the largest independent prestige skin care company, focusing on clinical anti-aging skin care solutions. Backed by science and rigorous clinical validation, StriVectin is at the forefront of skin care technology and product innovation.  Its unique dual-use repair cream StriVectin-SD^® Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles™ is a best-seller around the world, and is often credited with starting the clinical cosmeceutical skin care category. StriVectin products are sold through department stores and specialty retailers in North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The company maintains corporate offices in New York, NY, and Raleigh, NC, and research facilities in Tucson, AZ.

Thankful Thursday

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Well, a lot has gone down since my last Thankful Thursday post.  It's really made take stock of my life.  And I have to say that I am thankful that I am heading towards a more positive, productive and abundant place!!  It's taken me a while to get my life together but the pieces are finally aligning.

More than anything, I'm just thankful for my life, the life of my family and the good health of my unborn son.  Our car accident could have been really bad and the hospital staff could have not been able to stop me from delivering.  There are so many things that could have went much worse but didn't.

And I know that it was because of God and his saving grace.  I'm just so grateful that my little man is still cooking and moving around good.  Although, I'm sore and stiff and simple things like standing in the shower are a little bit more difficult now, I won't complain.  With all the death and misfortune I've been seeing on the TV and reading about Twitter and in the blogs, I am way blessed.  To complain about something like back pain when families are mourning the loss of loved ones in the wake of all these tornadoes seems childish.

Speaking of tornadoes, I am thankful that again we were spared any serious damage.  For a while when the winds got up to almost 15 mph last night, I was worried that a tornado was coming thru.  We had already had one storm and so I thought it had passed on.  But again God was watching over us.  I'm thankful that none of my friends or family were hurt or affected either.

Also, I just want to thank everyone again who has been so supportive of YUMMommy and shown concern for me and my family.  I'm telling you that some of the friendships I've formed through my blog and Twitter and Facebook are stronger than some of the bonds I have with friends I inactive with in real life. It's crazy but true. And I greatly appreciate it. I don't take any of my friendships for granted.

As you go throughout your day, I hope the you will find yourself reflecting on your many blessings.

After all, what do you have to be thankful for this Thursday?

Lessons of Motherhood

I'm sure that when many of us think of Mother's Day thoughts of personalized gifts for mom and Mother's Day cards fill our heads.  And some of us are even thinking of all the party invitations to Mother's Day related events and dinners that we've received. Yes, believe it or not Mother's Day is a huge deal!!

Honestly, I never knew how truly big Mother's Day was until I became a mom myself.  And no it wasn't because of the gifts, the cards or all the kind words I received from husband, family and friends.  I tell anyone who'll listen that motherhood has really changed and impacted my life in a way that nothing else has or could have.  As this Mother's Day 2011 approaches I'm taking the time to reflect on some of the valuable lessons that I've learned thus far like:

~Any woman can be a mother but it takes truly responsible, capable, loving and willing individual to be a mom

~Creating life is the greatest magic trick God has enable us to have

~Patience, happiness and sanity go hand in hand

~The journey to a strong spiritual foundation and personal relationship with God is learned by the example we set

~Save every Mother's Day card because children grow so fast and this way we'll have reminders of how much they love us once they fly the nest

~Even children like know they appreciated no matter how small, big, young or old they are

~Teaching children about their roots is the key to establishing self acceptance, self love and appreciation for where they are now

~Listen to what your children are saying instead of telling them what you think they're saying

~Encourage them to dream

~Saying 'I love you' is a big deal

~Allow children to make mistakes because life is about learning lessons

~Starting your own family traditions helps to make great memories

~Be yourself and your children will love you more for it

I'm sure that as I continue on this motherhood journey, I will learn new lessons.  How has being a mom impacted your life?  What lessons have you learned?

*This post was sponsored by Shutterfly.com.  However, all opinions expressed are original and solely my own.  Are you a blogger? Click here to sign up for a chance to receive 50 FREE cards from Shutterfly.*

What A Weekend!

What a weekend we've had. Friday I got hit by an elderly driver and ended up in preterm labor.  My contractions started out being 20 minutes apart to being 2 to 4 minutes apart!!  I was really freaking out because I wasn't sure if JJ's lungs and heart and other organs would be developed enough for him to be ok being delivered this early if they couldn't get the contractions stopped.

This was like my pregnancy nightmare come true!!  I received some steroids and it didn't work as well as the doctors would have liked so I was given something a little bit stronger.  Of course, I'm freaking out and now my blood pressure is pretty high. On top of that they have to give me what seemed like a million bags of fluid.

I was so not looking forward to getting that IV because I HATE needles with a passion!!  I ended up getting stuck quite a few times that night and was not a happy camper.  I just wanted to go home but I knew that if I did my water would break and then I'd be up a huge creek.  Thankfully, they kept me pretty much out of it on Saturday with pain drugs and finally got my contractions under control enough that I could go home for Easter.

I think everybody could see how miserable I was.  However, I was under strict instructions to come back if my contractions were coming five at a time within 60 minutes.  I spent the rest of Saturday in a drug induced trance.  However, Sunday once the drugs had worn off the pain really set in . My entire body was sore!!

Thank goodness for my mom and baby sister to help me with Moo and getting up and down.  Later on Sunday afternoon my feet and legs started swelling like balloons. I could actually feel the swelling happening and my contractions started back but it was less than five within 60 minutes.

Today, I'm pretty much still sore and I woke sick and vomiting. I haven't had morning sickness in a while.  I am just thinking that I need to avoid cars for the duration of my pregnancy.  Honestly, I'm hoping to feel better by the end of the week because that's when my Moo comes back and I can't be this sore and trying to keep up with her once the hubby leaves for work.

And thank you to everyone who kept us in prayer and showed concern..  Some of you have truly become really great friends to me and I appreciate your kindness.  Let's keep our fingers crossed that my little man will stay put for at least another 2 weeks!!

Happy Easter!!

Hope that everyone is enjoying their Easter Sunday (if you celebrate).  Moo and I have been enjoying a lovely Easter weekend with friends and family.  Looking forward to Easter dinner later on!!  Well, we're off to church to give God some praise.

Mother's Day Gift Guide: ModCloth

Is your mother hip or chic?  Is she a trendsetter still?  If so then you might want to Shop ModCloth this Mothers's Day!  Just check out some of the totally cool and unique things they have.

Complete Confectionist Recipe Card Set

Slice of Life Shoulder Bag

Bib Audrey Deco Dot Apron

Marvelous Mum Necklace

Pecking Order Salt & Pepper Shakers

Follow Friday

Welcome to Follow Friday!!  The linky opens every Friday morning for you to stop by link up and make new friends!

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Follow Friday Featured Blogger

Looking for a place to find great recipes and easy meals to make for yourself or your family?  Well, you need look no further than Mika's Pantry.  This working mom of 3 says, "I love to cook and love to share great recipes that I find.  I hope that everyone can stop by and look around and hopefully they will find a recipe to love."
So, hop on over to Mika's Pantry and check out some of the amazing recipes she has tried out! 

Wanted to be a Follow Friday Featured Blogger?

 Grab my Follow Friday button.  No worries it will post as a 125x125 on your blog.  Include in a blog hop post or just add it to your sidebar. 

To Participate

~Follow YUMMommy publicly via Google Friend Connect.  After all you wouldn't want to miss out on all this awesomeness!!

~Link up your blog's MAIN page.

~Follow as many of the other linked up blogs as you want.  Don't forget to comment on one of their posts so they will know to follow you back.

Rules

~No direct links to specific posts.  Give readers a chance to choose what posts they want to read and comment on.

~No Facebook, Twitter or nonblog links.  This hop is for blogs ONLY!

~Last but not least, have FUN and make some new friends!

Thankful Thursday

It's Thankful Thursday once again!!  I love having this time to take a moment and reflect on all the great things that have happened in my life.  It keeps me grounded and keeps me humble. Hopefully, you all will join in and start your own Thankful Thursday posts either on your blog or just in a private diary somewhere.  I'm telling you it's a great mood booster.

Anyways, this Thursday I am thankful that my husband has almost 100% recovered from his minor surgery a week ago.  I was a bit worried at first because some of his stitches came out and he got a little bit sick that first night and the next day.  However, I was amazed at how well he started moving around by that second night.

I'm also thankful that Moo is expanding her vocabulary almost daily.  Yes, that means she talks like nonstop and at times when I need my peace it can be a bit frustrating. However, when I look at how verbally developed other children her age are this is a blessing that she talk so clear and understand so many concepts.    She even knows her colors and can to ten! I'm certainly a proud mommy to say the least!!

Not sure if many of you heard that this past weekend NC broke the record for most tornadoes in one day.  Yes, we had 60 tornadoes!!!  I'm thankful that we mostly got just the rain and heavy wind. So, our damage was limited to trigs and debris in the yard. I'm also thankful that my other friends and family that live in areas that were hit pretty bad were safe. 

I'm thankful that I'm almost at 200 readers via GFC!!  I can't tell you how inspiring it is to keep sharing my journey with you all.  As I've stated before I started this blog to help not only myself but others as well through my journey and my experiences.  I've come to find that sometimes you're great resource and source of comfort may not always come from the people who are in our lives physically. 

Last but not least, I'm thankful that my little man is healthy and steadily growing strong in the womb. I'm so excited that I'll get him to see him soon!  

What are you thankful for this week? 

Wordless Wednesday: Shoe Love

Mother's Day Gift Guide: American Bridal

So, I know that American Bridal is not exactly your most traditional place to shop for Mother's Day gifts.  However, I'm all for checking out nontraditional shops and gifts.  And besides you'd be amazed at all the gifts they have that can be ordered for different holidays.  Here are a few of my picks below.

Personalized Travel Pen & Notepad Set

Personalized Laptop Bag

Personalized Satchel Hand Bag

Japanese Calligraphy Tea Set

Head on over and Save up to 50% off already low prices in American Bridal’s clearance section, with huge discounts on jewelry, wedding favors, attendant gifts and much more!

Mother's Day Gift Guide: Vera Bradley

Mother's Day is almost here people and what better way to show the moms in your life that you care than by giving them a stylish handbag or tote from Vera Bradley?  Vera Bradley is timeless and women young and older seem to both share a love for her designs.  Check out a few of my picks from their new summer line.

And for a limited time you can also enjoy $5 ground shipping!  Click on the banner below and get to shopping!!

Power and Victory

"Your power in spiritual warfare is as close as a whisper, as near as a prayer."

~Ruth Myers

Christians living in today's society face a lot of challenges, temptations and worldly obstacles.  There's adultery, hatred, killing and stealing just to name a few.  Therefore, it's extremely important to learn way in which you can "wield the power of God" and "resist the forces of evil, to stand firm in a day of deepening darkness..."

31 Days of Power: Learning to Live in Spiritual Victory written by Ruth Myers with Warren Myers is a dynamic devotional that provides readers with daily scriptures to uplift the spirit and give them the strength to overcome spiritual attacks.  There are also guided prayers also.  With this devotional readers are sure to start to adjust their mindsets.

Not only will readers feel inspired to think more positively during trying situations but they will also feel more victorious.  When faced with hardships and trials readers will be armed with scriptures and prayers to help them make it through.  31 Days of Power will make a great addition to any library and will be a go to read for  months and years to come.

31 Days of Power: Learning to Live in Spiritual Victory

Authors: Ruth Myers and Warren Myers
Release Date:  January 2011
Pages: 158
Genre: Christian, Devotional

*Please stop by and rate my book review here.  I was not compensated for this review. However, I did receive this book free of charge.  All opinions expressed above are my own.*

Sand, Sun and Shade

This week started off with the hubby getting some minor outpatient surgery and after five days of being couped up in the house, it was time to get out and enjoy the lovely weather.  Not to mention Moo was driving me nuts with all of her energy.  The outdoors is certainly her element.  

Anyways, what better place to take a super charged two year old than the park.  And thankfully we have a variety of different parks to choose from here in the Queen City.  I have to admit that by far my favorite park to go to is Mint Hill Park on Fairview aka Fairview Park.  

For starters, it's not that far of a commute to get there because traffic here can be a beast sometimes.  Second, it's hardly ever crowded like some of the other parks we've been too.  So, I can let Moo run around aimlessly and enjoy a seat on the bench without her getting lost in a sea of toddlers.  Last but not least it's clean.  I can't stand going to parks or public places with dirty restrooms, lots of trash on the ground, etc.

Anyways, our initial goal was just go and maybe stay for about 30 minutes because it was a little hot outside.  I don't know if you watch the news but more and more kids are falling out and even dying from heat exhaustion.  However, I was surprised when we pulled up to see this

Yes, somebody finally realized that all that sun and running kids don't make for a healthy mix.  They had installed a giant tent to cover the little kids jungle gym!!  And there was even a little bench over there that was underneath as well.

The newly covered jungle gym was certainly good news for Moo because that meant we could stay longer and she could get her energy out completely.  And boy did she have a blast running around with the other kids.  That's another thing that makes Fairview Park a treasure.  Most of the kids who come there are really nice and respectfully of the other kids that are there playing as well.

We had a blast!  And hopefully, our nice weather holds up and we'll be able to visit a few days during the week so that she doesn't get so charged up.  And if you're ever in the Queen City area and need a place to let the kids run free be sure to check out Fairview Park and enjoy the loveliness of it all.

What is your favorite park or play area to go to with your kids?

Follow Friday

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To Participate

~Follow YUMMommy publicly via Google Friend Connect.  After all you wouldn't want to miss out on all this awesomeness!!

~Link up your blog's MAIN page.

~Follow as many of the other linked up blogs as you want.  Don't forget to comment on one of their posts so they will know to follow you back.

~Optional:  Grab my Follow Friday button.  No worries it will post as a 125x125 on your blog.  Include in a blog hop spot or just add it to your sidebar.  While this is not required for those just seeking to link up, it is required for those bloggers wishing to be considered for becoming our Follow Friday Featured Blogger next week!

Rules

~No direct links to specific posts.  Give readers a chance to choose what posts they want to read and comment on.

~No Facebook, Twitter or nonblog links.  This hop is for blogs ONLY!

~Last but not least, have FUN and make some new friends!

Thankful Thursday

This is my first Thankful Thursday post since February.  Yes, you can say that I took a little time off from it but I'm back! Now where to start....?

Well, first off I would like to say that I am thankful for everyone who participated in March For Charity.  I think that for my first big event it was a success.  I didn't make my $2000 goal but that's what next year is for.  At least all you got a feel for what it will be like.  I also learned a lot and will be making some changes.

I am thankful that my husband finally has his boy and this can be my last pregnancy.  I love children but not the whole pregnancy part.  So, we will be looking into adoption in the future if we want more kids.  There are so many babies right here in our back yard that need loving homes and as long as we can afford it we'd love to be one of those loving homes.

I am also thankful that I recently got the chance to reunite with one of my besties from college and her son.  It felt like old times as we sat and caught up on all that has been going on in our lives.  We've promised to keep in contact more and visit more often.

And I'm very thankful for all the wonderful opportunities that have been coming for YUMMommy.  I'm getting to combine my love for writing, my passion for fashion and joy of meeting new people into something successful and completely my own.  I am thankful for the you all my loyal readers and followers.  You guys have been so much of an inspiration to me.  Thank you for all the advice and words of encouragement.

I am thankful that I finally got the courage to open the YUMMommy Store!!  I know that it's going to take off  and be successful as well.  I am thankful for all of you who support me on Facebook and Twitter.  I am just so grateful. I'm looking forward to the future and all that is to come.

What are you most thankful for?