Romance Wednesday: Couponing

You know how they say that a family who prays together stays together?  Well, one of my new mottos is that a  couple who coupons together saves forever.  There are so many different things that I love about husband and one of those things is that he's always been supportive of my couponing and helping us to save money.  And as of late he's been taking an interest to learning how to coupon as well so that he can do some of the shopping.  

There are times when I don't feel like going grocery shopping.  So, it helps to have a husband who will pick up that slack and do it for me.  You don't have to try to be like those extreme couponers but if you use a certain brand and there's coupon in the Sunday paper for it why not save money on that item.  Over time that money adds up.  You could use that to take a second honeymoon or even plan a vow renewal ceremony.

Whatever the case is, just know that money issues are the number one cause for marital issues.  And if you're both on board with saving money then you're minimizing your chances on arguing over money.

Queen City Deals

As many of you know I am quite the frugal diva.  I'm always posting about great fashion finds and online sales.  But what some of you don't know is that I'm a huge couponer.  Very rarely do I shop for groceries or other household products without a coupon.  No, I didn't start this because of the extreme couponing show.  My couponing days date back to the summer of my freshman year of college.  

I wasn't living on campus with free food from the dining hall anymore.  I had moved in with my husband and noticed that we were spending a lot on food and stuff.  That was money we could be saving for date nights and other forms of entertainment.  So, I started my ritual of buying a Sunday paper and hunting down sales.  I kept old receipts and jotted down prices of products that we frequently purchased and noted when they went on sale.

And with times still being hard for some I've decided to start posting some of awesome deals and matchups for here in the Queen City/Charlotte, NC area.  I'm going to show you how you can get everything from clothing to food to household supplies and not spend over $50 a week.  I'm bet you're thinking that you can't get much, but I'm going to prove you wrong.  Hope you all enjoy!

Visual Luxe

I'm sure that by now many of you have noticed the new logo.  It's pretty right?!!  Yea, I love it. What's even better is that I can actually pretty much put it on anything I want to now thanks to Visual Luxe.  What am I talking about?

Well, you see the design of the logo itself I've had for a while now.  It started as sketch on paper, got scanned and uploaded to my computer and that's where I got stuck.  I had no clue how to turn it into a format that would allow me use it.  I couldn't put it on business cards, merchandise or anything because it would end up distorted and funky looking.

Feeling frustrated, I took to Twitter pleading for help from a graphic design expert.  As much as I've had fun playing around with html and blog designing converting this file seemed a little too challenging for me.  I was out of my league.  Thankfully, Christina saw my cry and came to my rescue.  For those of you in the blogging world that don't know Christina, she's the lovely owner and creator of Visual Luxe, a graphic design studio.  I emailed her my logo and she worked her magic on it and turned it into a file that I can now put anywhere.

Christina started Visual Luxe in 2010 after she gave birth to her beautiful baby girl.  "For years, I've had a passion for graphic design," she says.  "I taught myself using Windows 98 and free graphic programs."  What started out as just a hobby eventually blossomed and bloomed into a profession for her.  And let me tell you all, she's talented!  Check our her design portfolio here.

She designs it all from blogs to business cards and printable invitations.  So, if you're thinking about redesigning your blog or need help with a logo like I did visit Christina over at Visual Luxe.  Be sure to tell her that YUMMommy sent you!!  Also while you're at it you can check Visual Luxe out on Facebook and Twitter.  You can also find Christina blogging about motherhood, beauty and more on her personal blog, Being Mrs Jones.

We're Ok

Just wanted to let everyone know that all is well in the Queen City.  Looks like we were far enough inland to avoid any major damages from Hurricane Irene.  We haven't had any rain but the has been very gusty and the clouds were unusually grey today.  I'm thankful that we didn't get any tornadoes or twisters either.  

I heard that Belhaven, a town not too far from us, got some.  I heard that it didn't too much damage though.  So, I am very thankful that this wasn't another replay of the awful storms, tornadoes and flooding we had earlier this summer.  God was certainly watching over us and I am glad.  I hope that everyone else is as blessed as Hurricane Irene continues to make her way up the east coast.  

I will be continuing to be prayerful because we have taken quite the few beatings over here on the east coast when it comes to severe weather.

Thankful Thursday

This week I am very thankful that YUMMommy is a finalist in CBS-Charlotte's Most Valuable Blogger contest!!  That is a huge honor for me.  It just further proves to me that YUMMommy is touching others and that's most important.  While we're on the subject I would love it if you could swing over there and vote.  Click here.

Also, if you have blog on one of CBS's local sites that's up for Most Valuable Blogger please be sure to let me know in the comment section so that I can go and vote for you too!!  I'm all about bloggers supporting bloggers.  We have to spread the love people.  Also, if you wouldn't mind use the share buttons to either share the word to Facebook and/or Twitter friends, I would appreciate that too! Thanks!

I'm really thankful that Tuesday the kiddies and I got to spend time with my younger sister and her husband. They treated the kids and I to lunch and a mini shopping spree.  I thought it was super nice and thoughtful of them.  And no it's not anybody's birthday or anything.  They did it just because.  They love kids but don't have any of their own.  They also offered to babysit if ever we needed sitters in the future.

With my one year marriage anniversary coming up, I might have to take them up on that offer for a few hours.  I'm thankful that my mom is feeling better.  She really has to start taking it easy and taking better care of her body.  I keep telling her that she's not a spring chicken anymore. 

I'm thankful that JJ and Moo are doing well.  They're both growing and thriving quite well developmentally.  And I have finally got Moo's nose bleeds under control.  We have to stay in the house or wait until it cools off in the evenings to go out but it is what it is.  Thank goodness for coloring books.  And we finally got a little regimen that has been working well for JJ's eczema.

And as always, I'm thankful for you guys for hanging in here and reading what I have to say.  I'm thankful for all the comments and feedback and support.  It truly means a lot.  YUMMommy is still growing and the best is yet to come.

What are you most thankful for this week?

Romance Wednesday: Candy

Today, I got my husband one of his favorite candies.

Some time it's the small things like doing this that helps to keep a marriage fresh.  It shows your spouse that they're always on your mind and that you do notice the little unspoken things.  

My Weekend WrapUp

So, it's been a while since I've done a weekend wrap-up.  I kinda miss it and think I'll be bringing this feature back.  Anyways, this weekend was particularly interesting.    Saturday, I got sleep in late because Moo didn't get up extra early like she usually does.  And my husband had the day off.  So, we got to hang out and watch tv together.

That same afternoon Moo and I went out for a little mommy and me time.  We were suppose to go to the store to pick up some beef broth for gravy but ended up with a lot more in our cart.  Thankfully, though it was all stuff we needed with the exception of the candy.  I've been working really hard on not spending money carelessly.  I've been doing some freelance blogging for this UK site called ccMyself.com and have been trying to save the money from that gig.

I'm desperately trying to take a family vacation next year.  My husband and I haven't been on a vacation together since we started dating.  I've been on several with my family but he seems to always be working when we go.  So, he's agreed to not take his vacation time until like May or early June and I want to do a cruise or a road trip.  I know you're thinking I'm nuts doing a road trip with two kids.

But the fact of matter is that Moo will be three and JJ will be one.  It's time to start making memories that include the house, Grandma's house or anybody else's house.  I'd like to start taking them to places like Disney World, the Martin Luther King, Jr Monument and more.  I want to expose them to different cultures and environments.

Sunday, I got late and didn't make it to church. I've finally found a church that is a good fit for us to go to up here when I don't head back home to go to my home church.  And I didn't go out to get my Sunday paper so I missed out on my coupons. Maybe, I can hit the recycling center and see if they still have some Sunday papers they haven't shredded up and started recycling yet.  Also, Sunday, I found out that YUMMommy was a finalist in Charlotte's Most Valuable Blogger Contest hosted by CBS Radio. (Vote if you haven't already. Please and thank you!!)

  

Next weekend I'll be attending my great cousin's wedding.  Looking forward to it because I'll get to see some of my distant family that I don't get to see on a regular basis.  Plus, my mommy is coming up since the wedding is going to be here and it'll be good for her to get out of the house a little bit too.

And heads up, I'm working on doing a College Supplies Scholarship for next fall.  I'll be releasing more details this week.  Also, in the process of working on turning Young Urban Modern Mommies into a foundation/registered nonprofit. I'm researching the best way to go about it and brainstorming about the programs and services I want to offer.  As always thanks for all of your support.  And I love your comments!!  Keep them coming!!

I'm Nominated!!

Yay!!!  I got nominated and made it as a finalist CBS Local Most Valuable Blogger here in Charlotte in the Lifestyle and Family Blog category!!!  I'm beyond stoked!!!  Pretty please vote for me by clicking on the button below.  You can vote once per day or twice if you vote from your computer and smart phone.  Voting ends September 9th.  

If I win this will open up so many more doors for YUMMommy.   Spread the word please!!!

Rough Start

I remember walking in my house and telling my husband I was going to breastfeed.  His reply, "I didn't know you were pregnant."  I wasn't.  I had just returned from visiting my cousin, Veronica, who had just had her daughter.  (You can red her story here as well.)  She was in so much pain from her c-section and from breastfeeding, yet she sat there and explained to me the importance of breastfeeding.  I knew then and there that if a woman could be in so much pain and still stand behind breastfeeding, it was something that shouled be important to me as well.

When I had my son, Jadyen, I immediately started nursing him. I was so relieved when he latched on and it didn’t hurt one bit. Then things took a turn. The day I was discharged the nurse explained to me that he hadn’t urinated yet so that must mean that he is not getting “enough” breast milk. She suggested I try alternating with formula. I started to cry, had I been starving him the first two days of his life? I went home and waited for him to pee. Nothing. I gave in I didn’t want to starve my baby. My husband fed him formula and I cried on the bathroom floor. 

I woke up the next morning so discouraged. My husband fed him formula again as I cried. My wonderful and encouraging husband knew how important breast milk was for our son so he told me that would be the last bottle he would give him. He encouraged me to call someone for advice, so I did. I called a La Leche consultant and she explained to me that my milk hadn’t come in yet and that my son was getting “enough.” She told me the most important action I could take was to continue nursing. She also explained my body would produce as much as Jayden needed. Two days later I awoke to a completely soaked t-shirt, MILK!

My son is now six months and I am still breastfeeding. I love looking down and seeing his eyes stare at me. I love when his tiny hand caresses my breast as if to say, “thank you mommy.”   My eyes water when I look down and see how healthy he looks and see the little rolls on his legs and thinking I did that. And then, just when a tear starts rolling down my face he bites down on my nipple with his strong gums and smiles. Holding my breathe in pain all I can do is smile back.

My boobs are for my son who is my whole life. I only want the best for him and because of that I choose to breastfeed. I love every minute of it and I am grateful that I have such strong women by my side to encourage me, thanks cuz, thanks tia (I bought myself “one cheapy watchcloth” and scrubbed my tetas.”) And even though my mommy didn’t breast feed me (at that time formula was big and they didn’t know all the benefits of breastfeeding – or so she says lol I'm only kidding mom I swear) thanks for supporting me now.

Martiza lives in Browns Mills, NJ with her son Jayden, her Rottweiler Brooklyn (her first baby) and wonderful husband Edward. She is a legal assistant in a law firm in NY.  She says, "I didn’t think I would love being a mom so much but I do and breastfeeding is just icing on the cake!'

Thankful Thursday

Today, I have a lot to be thankful for.  Yesterday afternoon my mom got really sick and had to be admitted to the hospital overnight.  It was really scary for me because I wasn't there.  She was home alone with my niece since my baby sister is away at college now.

My aunt called and asked if I heard from my mom and I said not that day.  I had spoken with her the night before and everything was fine.  My aunt told me that she had called them to come take her to the hospital but that she wasn't answering the phone anymore. They were calling to let her know that they were almost to her and needed her to have the front door open.

I began to panic myself.  Immediately, I thought that she might have been passed out.  Then, I wondered if my niece was freaking out.  She's only 6 and my mom has been taking care of her since she was 6 months pretty much.  I frantically called the home phone.  No answer.

I prayed silently as I called her cell phone. She picked up right before it went to voicemail.  My mom was attempting to drive herself to the hospital and didn't even make it five miles from her front door before she had to pull over.  I thanked God that she wasn't passed out and called my aunt to have her come pick my mom up from down the street.

I felt bad about not being able to be there at that moment.  My mom was having severe chest pain, throwing up uncontrollably and she was seriously out of breath.  We thought she might have been having a heart attack.  Her left arm wasn't hurting but we know enough people who've had heart attacks to know that you can't always wait for that sign to happen.

I am so thankful that God watched over her and my niece until my aunts were able to get to her.  I'm thankful that someone was close enough to be able to get to her in a timely manner because I live almost two hours away in another state.  And thankful she gets discharged today.  The doctors say they think she was having a severe case of acid reflux combined with a severe allergic reaction to an insect bite!!

They ran tests, did blood work and gave her a full body scan to make sure that they could rule out a heart attack and stroke.  This has been another wake up call to further push me to cherish the moments with my family.  If acid reflux and an insect bite can cause of that, then I hate to imagine how she would have been feeling if it was really a heart attack.  So, I'm looking forward to going home today and helping her rest.

I'm thankful to have more time to spend with her and this reminder that we need to making the most of our family times.

Have you had any wake-up calls that have made you more thankful this week?

Romance Wednesday: Motivation

When it comes to motivation, some people are motivated by money, fame, food, etc.  But nobody motivates me harder than my husband.  He's always in my corner and has seen me through some of the darkest times in my life.  Plus, he works and hustles so hard for our family.

Likewise,I know that motivate him.  He knows my story and all that I've been through in my life. He knows that  I need safe and secure.  So, he makes sure that he is providing that in any way that he can.

When you motivate each other you become better people.  And can truly say that we are both better people.  Nothing sums it up better than this throw back from Fabolous featuring Ne-yo.

Next week, I'll post a linky so we can all link up our Romance Wednesday posts.

Rental Disaster

If you're in the market for a new rental, I highly recommend that work with either an apartment complex or real estate agency.  We took a chance on working with an independent landlord and now we're in rental hell!!  Turns out our landlord does not believe in fixing anything.  First we had an issue with the heat.  Thank goodness that problem was resolved with a flip of a switch and changing the filter.

Then there was the bug problem. We solved that ourselves by spraying and putting mess screen in all of our vents and caulking all the cracks.  Now we're battling a leaky roof and some serious mold issues.  A few weeks ago we had a very bad storm and the ceiling in the kitchen started leaking in two places.  One of those places was just over the stove. (Can you say dangerous!!!)  And the other was over the frig.

Huge mold, leaky spot over the stove.  See how the tiles are hanging low?

Mold spot over frig.

Well, my husband called the landlord, who lives one house down, and got no answer.  Called him again a day later and still no answer.  Finally, that evening he comes by.  He doesn't come in but stops my husband in the driveway.  What does he think about our leaky roof and mold issues?  Absolutely nothing.  

He said that his own house is having the same issues.  Honestly, I don't give a damn about his house.  We're renting from him.  Giving him money and signed a lease that stated he would be responsible for all repairs being made in a timely manner.  Now, mold and water leaks are serious issues.

It's been almost a month and our roof is still not fixed.  He claims that he called his brother to come fix it but he hasn't gotten around to it.  Plus, I don't even think his brother is a licensed contractor.  At this point, I'm about ready to start raising hell.  Moo's room is pretty much off times because her ceiling has some funky orange mold spot on it and it's giving off this toxic smell. 

Mold spots in Moo's room. Flash has them glowing white but they're a funky orange color in person.

Mold from those spots on broom handle.  Nasty!!

So, this week we will be trying to figure out what we're going to do with all her stuff because we absolutely no room to move it anywhere else.  Next on my list is filing a complaint with the Department of Health.  He is not following landlord-tenant laws and with the toxic mold he legally isn't suppose to be collecting rent from us. (Yes, I'm somewhat of a law whiz.  I may or may not have considered criminal justice as a career.)

I've also found some pretty awesome places for us rent while we continue our house hunt and save to up our down payment amount.  After the last disaster of losing our dream house, we want to be prepared.  I'm learning that patience is key when house hunting.  Plus, renting is fine because it gives us more time to figure out which neighborhoods we certainly want to consider living in.

Please rest assured that by the middle of next month we will be outta here!!  I can't live like this and neither can my kids.  Most importantly, I'm allergic to mold and I'm pretty sure that's the reason I've been sick and the reason the husband is getting sick.  Thank goodness Moo's allergy test revealed that she's not allergic to mold.  Shocker I know since she's allergic to everything else.

This situation just sucks.  Just beware when renting.  Talk to other tenants first and get the real skinny on the landlord or just still to legit rentals from an apartment complex or agency.  I wouldn't wish this mess on my worst enemy.

Print Craze

Lately, I've been super crazy about prints. I'll admit that my wardrobe is a little blah.  And that just doesn't fly for me.  I'm a fashionista and fashion student. I can't be walking about in all black from head to toe.

So, since I'm revamping my wardrobe (gotta keep it haute), I'm thinking that the best way to incorporate more color is by getting a few bold and unique print pieces.  And you all know me...  I'm not about to break the bank.  That's exactly why I was happy to hear about some of the great deals going on at deLias like:

15% Off any dELiA*s order over $75! Code DCK15A

And here is a sneak peak at some of the items you can expect to see me sporting.  Yea, you can expect more fashion & beauty posts with pics coming soon.  Now on to the clothes.

What do you think of my selections?  Pretty good start huh?

Thankful Thursday

For some reason, it seems like this week has gone by fast.  Just another sign I guess that we should be cherishing the time spent with our loved ones.  This week I'm thankful for and truly humbled by the success of YUMMommy.  No, I may not have 500 followers, but still this blog is a success.  Why?  Well, honestly while my mission was to touch others with the sharing of my experiences, I never expected even 50 people to care about what I had to say.

Your continued support and adoration means the world to me.  This blog has opened up the door for so many of my other projects that I have in the works right now.  It's allowed me the opportunity to meet some very amazing people.  I've been through some really dark moments in my life and this blog is showing me that there is sunshine and happiness.  In a way, this blog is helping me to prove to myself that despite of my past, I am worthy of good things.

I am also thankful for my loving family as always.  My mom called me earlier this week.  She knew that I had an issue that was bothering me and she called to let me know that she keeping me in prayer.  When she told me what her prayer was, I was shocked to learn that it was the same thing that I had been praying to God.  Talk about Him sending you signs.

I'm thankful that my mom is my prayer warrior (look it up if you don't know).  I'm not holier than thou but I take my relationship with God seriously.  I'm thankful that He is showing me how to go deeper in my faith and let Him move my mountains.

I am also thankful that JJ's eczema is clearing up on his face.  The pediatrician had to put him on a stronger steroid for his body but the one for his face is working very well.  He's also sleeping completely through the night at two months!!  People say that I have miracle babies because most babies don't start sleeping through the night until after 3 months.  I like to credit our co-sleeping arrangement to that.

I am thankful to all my guest bloggers for sharing their breastfeeding adventures with us.  They're keeping it real and giving you other moms and moms to be the real skinny on what breastfeeding and pumping is all about.  It's not all rainbows and skittles like the magazines try to portray it.  It's work.  Hard work but well worth the benefits if you can do it.

What are you thankful for this week?

Romance Wednesday: Hustle

One of the things that I love and found attractive about my husband is that he's a hustler.  He's gets his hustle and grind on everyday.  No, I'm not talking about the slinging dope or selling crack type of hustle.  Trust me, his hustle is all 100% legal and legit. 

Growing up without his parents having any positive involvement in his life, he pretty much raised himself.  He decided that instead of going down the wrong path like those around him, he was going to hustle in a positive way.  He was going to hustle and make something of himself.  And he did!!  So, I'm sure that a few of you might be familiar with this song below. 

I dedicate it to my hustler-my husband. Thank you for always holding it down for the family!!

Thank you mama for giving me the boob……

I figured that nursing was just one of those things that I being a Latina “had” to do. Of course I would nurse, my family for generation upon generation nursed all their babies. I almost felt obligated to do so. I knew that nursing was good and yada, yada yada but I didn’t see what the big deal was honestly speaking.

Now to put this in perspective, my mama gave birth to all 4 of us sans epidurals and nursed all of us until we were at least one. The minute I told her I was preggers she said “buy jourself one cheapy watchcloth and scrub your tetas’”. As wonderful as that sounded…..I never did it and boy did I live to regret it. Nursing was what the women in my family did. It was expected. I figured I would give nursing a shot and that was that.

The day I delivered my beautiful daughter Camilla via an emergency c section due to “fauilue to descend” (yeah….we will talk about this load of crap on a later date) I was almost in a fog right after surgery. I remember being wheeled into recovery and seeing my husband and asking him to leave me and go be with Camilla. After about 45 minutes, I was brought to my room, which was now filled with about a dozen friends and family. As my daughter was brought into my room, my mother tells me to “get ready”. I didn’t know what she was talking about…I just could not believe I had “real”  baby. “Get ready” meant take my boob out. So I did and carefully placed Camilla into a “football” hold that I had seen in one of my pregnancy magazines. My mother looked at me with a bewildered look “what is that??”  “La football hold” I muttered. That lasted all of 2 minutes before the women in my room told me to hold her cross body so I did.  Camilla ate furiously. I thought “wow this is great….pretty easy”. Then came the next day…….

So up until 24 hours after my C-section, nursing really wasn’t too bad. Then the drugs wore off and my mid section felt like someone had sliced me open and ripped a baby out of me.  Every time Camilla ate I wanted to quit. Every time she cried for milk…I cried. My nipples hurt so bad. The nurses helped, a lactation consultant helped…but NURSING STILL HURT!!!

When we were all finally sent home my mama was there waiting for us. Almost immediately after getting home, Camilla cried because it was time to eat and yup I started to cry anticipating the pain. My nipples were raw! I wanted to quit so bad. Here is where my wonderful mama came to my rescue. Whenever I complained she said to me “that’s Camilla’s milk not yours..give HER, HER milk”  and “soon it will not hurt anymore."

When I thought about the milk rapidly filling my boobs as my baby’s milk, it all of a sudden was not about me anymore. I would prop my feet up, relax my shoulders and nurse. I wanted Camilla to have “her” milk. I felt like I finally understood why the women in my family nursed….it was because what else would your baby eat?  I have to say that all the pain was gone in about a week and now that I am on my second 100% nursed baby….I LOVE NURSING. I love that semi smilie face my 9 month old son gets in his sleepy eyes after getting a full tummy of his milk. I love that nod and smile you get from other moms when you are nursing in public. I love that my kids can be around sick adults and fight the germs. I love everything that breast milk has given to my children. But most of all, I love you mama for helping me, coaching me and just being their for me and my boobs.

PS. When your about 8 months pregnant, don’t forget to “buy jourself one cheapy watchcloth and scrub your tetas.”

Veronica Avery lives in Hillsborough, NJ with her two children Camilla and Caden and wonderful husband Rodney. She teaches elementary school in Newark, NJ.  She loves all things nursing and is living proof that nursing mamas can wear heels, make-up and skinny jeans.  

The Best Start

When I found out I was pregnant with my first child, I quickly purchased all the books I could to prepare myself for my impending motherhood.  After thorough research, I knew that breastfeeding would be the choice for me.  But, when my daughter was delivered by emergency C-section 3 weeks early, she struggled to latch on that first time and her tiny preemie mouth couldn’t seem to make it work.  Thankfully, I had wonderful lactation nurses who helped me, not just in the hospital, but also after we went home.  As frustrating as it was at times, I refused to give up.  

We finally got the hang of it and I proceeded to nurse her exclusively for an entire year.   As she grew older, I found it odd that all her friends were sick so often and she never was.  She had the occasional cold here and there, but no allergies and she didn’t get the stomach flu until she was 4.

I found out I was pregnant with my son in 2007 and immediately, I knew it was time to pull out my Boppy pillow & Medela pump again.  But, little did I know what a challenge lay ahead of me.  He made it full term, unlike his sister, but he had several medical problems.  Breastfeeding him was the most difficult experience…not at all the special bonding time I had experienced with my first.  But, again, I steeled my will and continued to try everything I could to make it work. 

 He was later diagnosed with GERD (a severe case of acid reflux), which was why he would scream when laying down & nursing.  I had to buy a different nursing pillow that helped prop him up and I learned to burp him more frequently for relief.  Even though we had found our rhythm, he abruptly decided he was done with nursing at 6 months old.  But, instead of giving up, I kept pumping (up to 6 times a day during growth spurts) – even when it meant setting my alarm for 4:00am to pump the milk he would need for breakfast.  I continued this until he was weaned at the 1 year mark.

Looking back on it now, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t do it any differently.  My kids are some of the healthiest in our circle of friends and I truly believe it is because I gave them the best start they could possibly have.  Even though I have battle wounds from my years of nursing – going from a C cup down to an A and nearly destroying my breast tissue from all that pumping.  It was a sacrifice that I would gladly make again – because motherhood is about being selfless, caring for your kids no matter what the cost & giving them all that you can.  And, let’s face it…they’re worth it!

---

I am a wife of 11 years and a stay at home mom (kids ages 7 and 3).  I write the blog Penny Pincher Fashion, where you will NOT find me talking about breastfeeding or my adventures in mommy-hood.  But, as much as I love all things fashion & beauty, my family will always come first!http://www.pennypincherfashion.com/

New Look

How do we look?  Yes, this is the new look for the time being at least.  I like to keep things fresh, fashionable and fun around here.

Monday, YUMMommy will return with another guest post for National Breastfeeding Awareness Month.  So, join us.  

The Big Reveal

That ladies and gentlemen is the new logo of Young Urban Modern Mommies.  Many of you don't know that YUMMommy is just one of the projects under the YUMM Brand umbrella.  I have such big dreams for YUMM and this logo and blog are just the beginning.  So, save this logo in your memory because you will be seeing it around. A lot!

Thanks again to @beingmrsjones, owner and creator of  Visual Luxe for your help!  Another special thank you to my dear friend and bff Khermeishia for listening to me bounce ideas around and helping me get this logo drawn and on paper from the jump.  You ladies have been miracle workers!!

Thankful Thursday

You all already know what time it is around here.  It's Thankful Thursday and as always I'm just going to jump right in it.  This week I am thankful that JJ's eczema is getting better. We went to the pediatrician and she gave him a wonderful cream that seems to be easing his itchiness.  We've also been just hanging out on the inside and avoiding the heat.

I'm thankful that I'm getting back on track with the whole potty training thing with Moo.  We were on a roll but then she just stopped being interested.   Well, she'll be three this winter and we are not going into 2012 still wearing diapers at age three. Not going to happen.  So, I got her a cute little Dora potty sit that fits over the toilet and we are back to making a progress.  Some days are better than others though.

I'm thankful that I'm finally getting a lot of new opportunities as far as writing, brand promotion and partnering with businesses.  I'm truly just jumping in with both feet now and not looking back or siking myself out.  If I get rejected fine, I just move on to the next one.  I'm turning 26 in few months and I have still have to accomplish stuff from my 5 year list. 

And while I'm talking about projects and progress, I have knew project in the works called Kolour Kraze.  I promise that more information is coming as soon as I get everything set up.  I'm really excited about it.  The idea just kind of popped into my head and now I'm running with it.

And I'm most thankful that tomorrow I will be able unveil the new and improved Young Urban Modern Mommies   (YUMM) logo.  I want to send a huge thank you and shout out to @beingmrsjones for helping me bring it to life and making it usable.  I had previously collaborated and brainstormed with one of my bffs and we came up with a cute logo but aside from drawing it on paper, I had no clue how to make that logo usable.  So, thank you Christina!!  More to come about this talented mommy.

What are you thankful for this week?

Romance Wednesday: Support

As you all know, it's National Breastfeeding Awareness Month!!  And I am a breastfeeding mom.  Today also happens to Romance Wednesday.  So, I've decided to combine the two.  

I started breastfeeding in 2008 when Moo was born.  For me formula wasn't even an option.  It's my belief that breastfeeding is how God intended for us to feed and nurture our children if were able to.  Not to mention, I had an allergy to diary throughout my entire pregnancy and figured that my baby was most likely allergic.  I'm not even sure how my strong desire to be a breastfeeding mother started or where it came from.

I just know that one day my husband and I were talking about things we wanted to do after the baby was born.  He asked if I was going to breastfeed or use formula and I replied "Breastfeed."  I didn't even take a moment to think about it.  The words just kind of rolled off my tongue.  I was kind of shocked at how certain and confident I felt about my choice.

At first, my husband wasn't on board with the whole idea of me breastfeeding.  His fear was what every man's fear is---the changing of the boobs. LOL. I just had to break it down to him that I was breastfeeding end of discussion.  If my boobs changing was going to be an issue then he could walk.  He sobered up quickly.

Knowing how he felt about breastfeeding, I was kind of shocked that when I came home from the hospital he was so supportive.  That first night was rough.  I was sore from my stitches and the whole getting up and out of bed was not going to work.  Thankfully, my husband did all the getting up and out of bed.  We weren't initially going to co-sleep, but it somehow morphed into just that. (Later post.)

I kept waiting for him to pressure me to switch to formula but he didn't.  He stuck right by me.  He kept my ice packs frozen to help with my engorgement, made sure I was comfortable and did store runs for milk pads and nipple cream.  And when my mom (who I thought would have been my biggest supporter) turned out to be the one who kept hounding me about putting Moo on soy formula or pumping only, it was my husband who stood up for me.  

Breastfeeding showed us both somethings.  It showed me that I could follow through on a long term commitment and that he really was my biggest supporter.  It showed him that he wasn't with me because of my boobs.  He was with me because of who I was and not what my assets looked like.

Here I am on round two and he's even more supportive than ever.  We did have a little power struggle early on but like last time he realized breastfeeding was truly what was best for us and JJ.  So, ladies don't give up on breastfeeding if it's what you want to do. So, what your partner or family doesn't support you.  Keep doing it and eventually they'll either get on board or shut up about it.

Men, the same way you like for us to be understanding of your video game and sports habits, we expect the same when it comes to breastfeeding.

Pumping Only

Being pregnant with number two everything is different. I so thought I was having a girl, because this pregnancy was so different from my first son. It's so different that I want to give him the best life I can give him. That's why I am choosing to pump.

When I had my first son at 18 years old, I knew that breastmilk was what was best for him, but I felt overwhelmed by the whole process. I wanted him to have the best life, but I was going through postpartum, I already felt like he was ruining my life, I just wasn't into the bonding thing yet. That is when I was given a pump. I didn't know ANYTHING about pumping. I wanted him on formula, but my husband wanted him on breastmilk. So I made a compromise. I said I was going to try it for 2 weeks and if I didn't like it back to formula he was going. Well I was not educated enough to know that 2 weeks is not long enough time get your milk in, or that the pain eventually goes away.


I am now more prepared. I feel more educated. I am choosing to pump only because I will be gone from him 4-6 hours a day. I also have a very active husband who really wants to be involved. Pumping gives me the best of both worlds. I give him the best milk, and he can still get a bottle so my husband can give that to him and still get his bonding time. Do I advise everyone to pump? No. If you can get the bond with your baby and he or she latches on by all means breastfeed.

If you are like me and only thinking about pumping I am across this posting for us. I think this posting really gave me the info I needed and the confidence I needed to make pumping happen. I will be in school pumping and I thought it would be awkward. I know understand that breast milk is a beautiful thing and instead of being embarrassed to pump in class I  think I am going to be proud.

Did you pump or breastfeed? Any advice for a pumping mother?

Kanesha Morrison lives in Oklahoma with her husband and one-year-old son. She loves to speak on parenting, marriage, school, but most of all MONEY. She is a full-time stay at home mom, who blogs about her journey through life. Please check her out and read her atMoneyMattersMama.com

Bred to be Epic

This post brought to you by Express. All opinions are 100% mine.

I've always know that my husband was bred to be epic.  It can be seen from his epic struggle to survive his bad childhood to his journey of trying to live out of his dreams.  However, what you can't see it in is his wardrobe.  I know it's a pity, especially since I'm such a fashionista myself.  His entire wardrobe isn't all fashion don't.  It's mostly just his jeans.

Seriously, he hasn't purchased a new pair of jeans in ages.  And I'll admit that when it comes to men's jeans I am not the most confident shopping.  I know how hard my struggle was to find jeans that fit me. So, I can only imagine how hard it would be to find the perfect pair for him.  Thankfully, Express jeans are great for suiting all body types.

Therefore, I have decided to take a risk and get him a pair of the Kingston in their Classic Fit style.  He has football player type body and I think the Kingston will be perfect for his shape.   I want to get him a few dark washes for those evening when we are able to go out for a bite to eat minus the kids and a lighter wash to wear everywhere else.

And guess what ladies?  With the Express giveaway your man can be rocking a pair of Kingston Classic Fits too.  So, be sure to have him enter the giveaway for a chance to one win one of fifty pairs of jeans that Express will be giving away.  Don't forget to enter for yourself as well.

So, tell me, do you have a favorite pair of Express jeans?  Which ones?  And what do you like about them?  If you don't have a pair of Express jeans.  I highly recommend that you go try a pair!