Christmas Shopping Plum District Style

It's crunch time in terms of finishing up my Christmas shopping.  I still have a few people to cross off my list.  And while the Black Friday madness is behind us, I still don't feel like searching store aisles for presents my family doesn't already have.  We all live pretty much in the same region so our Walmarts, Targerts, and malls carry the same merchandise.

Therefore, nine times out of ten they've already seen the gift that I'm giving them.  Or they've probably purchased that same gift for me.  So, this year I'm Christmas shopping Plum District-Charlotte style.  I've been checking the site out on daily basis to stay up to date on all the new deals that come available and so far I've scored some sweet beauty products from Bloom (stocking stuffers) and a magazine subscription deal that I used for my husband's birthday.

Anyways, JJ's going to be 7 months by the time Christmas gets here and he's already showing quite an interest in toys.  So, I was thinking that the $25 for $50 Worth of Plush Adorable Rockers from Rockabye[.com] would be a great deal to pick for him. 

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How cute is that Baseball Glove rocker?!!  I love it.  Since, my mom is always complaining about the lack of pictures she has of the grandkids, I thought that the $39 for 16x20 Chic Canvas Photo ($99 value) would be a great gift and very worth the investment.  Canvas photos are much better than photos we put in picture books because you hang them on the wall and can see them daily without having to hunt down a book.  Nothing mention, they're just an unspoken elegance about canvas photos, especially when they're framed nicely.

And my sisters and I are all into natural beauty products.  Therefore, I'm eyeballing the $15 for $35 Worth of Holistic Lani B Lip Care Products and the $30 for $60 Worth of Brown Bag Botanicals Skin Care Products.  

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So, if you're like me and you're looking to get gifts for your family and friends that really truly surprise them and for an amazing price, I HIGHLY recommend that you scoot on over to Plum District-Charlotte and check out the great deals they have going.  Check out their $25 for $50 Deals. There's only 8 more hours to scoop those up before they're gone!

YUMMommy

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Plum District Charlotte.

iPhone on the Brain

I have to admit that I do spend a great deal of time of my cell phone.  I'm texting to keep up to date with my girlfriends from college, sending emails when I'm away from the house and adding events to my calendar.  And if that isn't enough, my phone currently serves as my personal digital camera.  While, I do love my phone for the most part, the one thing that really annoys me is all the unwanted apps that are on it.

Seriously, this phone would be perfect but there are apps on there that I don't and have no interest in using but can't be removed.  And this sucks big time because it's eating up my phone memory and prohibiting me from being able to download apps that I really want and will use.  So, I've been thinking that it might be time to switch over to an iPhone.  It seems to be getting some good reviews.

I just a phone that will allow me to choose what I do and don't want  on it.  Too much good money is paid on cell phones themselves and cell phone bills to not be able to have the option of choosing something so simple as what apps I want on my phone.  So, I'm going to search buy iPhone4 San Francisco ( heard the West coast has some good deals) or something along those lines to see what kind of prices I can find. 

Do you have an iPhone?

Disclaimer:  This post is brought you by our friends Zaarly.com.

Saved By The Shirts

Men are always talking about how complicated we as women are.  However, I've found that when it comes to holiday shopping, it's the men who are the most difficult to shop for.  Do you buy them something for the car?  Or do you get them a new accessory for their video game?

And if you're like me, you don't really believe in giving gift cards because it seems too impersonal.  Unfortunately, I sunk to that level of gift card giving one year with my husband.  I had struck out earlier that year with not so good gifts for our anniversary, Valentine's Day and his birthday.  Who knew he would be so picky when it came to gifts?  Whoever, it was, they really left me out of the loop.

I purchased a chair warmer for his car only to never have it get used.  I got him gourmet chocolates before only to find out that he doesn't like chocolate all too much because it breaks him out.  So, it was gift card to the rescue that Christmas.  However, last Christmas I hit the jack pot when I got him two graphic tees.

If I had known all along that a few guys shirts would have put such a lovely smile on his face, I would have been started getting them for him.  So, there will be no running around going crazy over what to buy this year.  I'm saved by the shirts from buying another gift card this year. Can you say excited?!

So is your guy hard to shop for?

Disclaimer: This post is brought to you by Aeropostale.

Thanksgiving Recap

I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  I know that I did.  It got to a rocky start because my mom's car broke down the night before Thanksgiving Eve.  It was just a whole lot of stress that I didn't really need or want.  Anyways, the situation got worked out.

I ended up cooking a full Thanksgiving dinner that consisted of a small turkey (lemon & herbs seasoning), mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, corn bread, stuffing, apple pie and a sweet potato pie complete with a scratch made crust.  Let me just say that my first attempt at making a pie crust did not turn out too well.  I think that I didn't put enough flour in it.

Thankfully, my second attempt was a success.  Moo enjoyed playing in the flour and kneading the dough.  She's really been taking an interest in helping me cook.  I'm thinking about getting a little step stool and apron for her.

My brother and baby sister spent the night Thanksgiving Eve.  We had a blast catching up and telling funny stories while I finished the pies and wrapped up Christmas presents for the kids.  It had been three months since I'd seen my brother and one month since I last saw my sister.  We do enjoy being spread out in different cities but we miss being in each other's company too.

Thanksgiving day was fun.  We went to my younger sister and her husband's apartment for dinner.  Moo was beyond happy to see her Grandma and my niece.  JJ wasn't too thrilled to be away from his bouncer seat.  Not to mention, with all his teething, he just wasn't having it.

We made back home in time to see the Mr off to work.  I hated that he had to go but it's life.  That's the one thing I don't miss about working in retail. Working on the holidays.  And I'm looking forward to the day when my husband won't have to either.

I didn't even bother going out for Black Friday.  It's not what it's cracked up to be.  I can personally say that half stuff that was on sale will be cheaper after Christmas or after New Year's.  When I worked in retail I loved being able to give my family and friends a heads up on what stuff to wait on.  I think that a lot of people just blow Black Friday out of portion.

You had grown people behaving like rabid animals for some video games, toys and clothing.  That to me is just plain disgusting.  Especially, when some of those people know they can't afford any of the stuff they got and will end up returning or pawning it.

Anyways, I'm glad that my family and I are able to keep the holidays in perspective.  I'm looking forward to Christmas and being with my loved ones again.

How was your Thanksgiving?

Like A Turkey

Well, Thanksgiving is literally a little over 24 hours away!! Aren't you excited?  We are!!  We're having house guests.  My brother and baby sister will be crashing here at my spot since we're doing Thanksgiving at my younger sister's place.

I'm also running around like a turkey with my head cut off trying to clean up and make sure that everything is straight.  I'm also getting together all my ingredients for the dishes that I'm making.  I have to hunt down a recipe for a pie crust and finish cutting up my collard greens.  While we're on the subject of collard greens, how come the ham bits seemed hella expensive this Thanksgiving?  Anyways, I will still be having some pork dripping to season my greens with.

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We're planning on going Black Friday people watching.  I don't buy into the whole savings scam.  You'll find the same things you're getting enticed into buying will be even cheaper the week before and of Christmas.  When I worked in retail, I used to try to share this with my friends who I knew would be racing to store to get something.  A lot of stores will say that they won't get those items back in stock but that's just another ploy to get you to shell out big bucks.

But that doesn't mean that I can't check out the craziness that will be surely going down.  I also have a lovely gift card from Starbucks that I won over at Mrs. AOK's blog.  I will be using it to enjoy some yummy coffee and a cheese danish.

Oh, I enjoyed my few days of being unplugged from the internet.  I had a blast spending time down at my mom's house with her and my niece and seeing the Christmas parade.  And did you all notice the Holiday Gift Guide Posts from last week?

What are you running around like a turkey doing last minute?

Fit For Tea

When it comes to children's clothing, I like to buy items that look fit for tea.  It doesn't matter if we're going to the park, shopping or to church, I just have make sure that Moo and JJ are looking their best.  After all, you never know what opportunities might present themselves.  First impressions are everything.

And with Christmas coming up, I can truly that say that I won't be one of those parents fighting over the last doll baby.  With Moo seeming to outgrow her tomboy stage, I figure now is the perfect time to start investing into more girly pieces for her wardrobe without having to worry about her ripping something from rough housing.

Love this shoe!!

Likewise, I think now is a good time to enjoy dressing JJ up because he's still a baby and he can only get into what I let him dig with.  So, now is the time that I don't have to worry about him destroying his clothes.

How cute?!

This holiday season why not cut back toys and invest in sprucing up your little one's wardrobe.

Disclaimer: This post is brought to you by TeaCollection.com

About That Time

This week is coming to a close and it's about time for families to get together and break bread, carve turkey and prepare for all those Black Friday sales.  I'm especially excited because my baby sister and younger brother will be crashing at my spot.  Yeah, it's going to be a tight fit but we always have a bomb ass time when we're together.  I'm talking about laughing to our stomach hurts over funny stories from the past and present.

There's no denying that being around my family brings me great joy.  I hope that my kids will have an even stronger bond than I have with my brother and sisters.  I'm looking forward to capturing some memories to go in the scrapbooks.  It's not often that we get together since we all live in different cities now (and states too).

Anyways, I'm hoping to wrap up my food shopping tomorrow.  I'm responsible for doing pies, mashed potatoes, gravy and a homemade punch.  Not sure what kind of punch yet but I've got a few recipes flowing through my mind.  Then of course, I'm cooking something for husband because he has to work.  Booo..... but that's just the way it is.

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His job is important and he's contributing to making society a better place.  So, I won't complain.  I decided to skip the midnight showing of Breaking Dawn and wait to see it with my brother and sister when they get here.  It'll be JJ's first movie theater experience.  Hopefully, he'll do well I won't have to watch the movie from the door.  Moo will be fine. All she needs are some snacks and a soda juice to keep her quiet.

Have you gotten started on your Thanksgiving plans, menu, etc?

Made With Love

The most happiest holiday memories that I have of my childhood are when I came home with handmade gifts and/or cards from school to give to my mom, dad or a sibling.  I especially loved the way my mother's eyes would light up and this huge grin would spread across her face.  I remember one year I thought myself how to cross-stitch and I made her a tapestry of different angels and in the middle was scripture about moms.  Oh the joy, delight and pride that shown on her face that Christmas will forever be imprinted on my memory.

I made that gift with love.  I put everything I had into making sure it was perfect.  No stitch was out of place.  And knowing that she loved that gift because I had put so much love and effort into making it just made me feel something that I can't quite put into words. I know it's cliche but it's true. 

Even though years have passed, I still enjoy lighting up my mom's face with gifts made from the heart rather than some store bought jewelry, clothing or book.  Thankfully, companies like Vistaprint help make easier for a busy mom like myself to still be able to the same effort but half the time into creating these kinds of gifts for her.  And I highly recommend that you all give them try this holiday season.  Why not make your loved ones gifts that are truly worthy of being cherished?

From personalized greeting cards/money holders,

calendars,

and t-shirts

to customized mugs

and Christmas ornaments.

Don't let the opportunity to really show your family how much you care about them and love them by creating something that is one of kind.

And don't forget that even after the holidays, you can still visit Vistaprint to make business cards, letterhead, labels and any other printing need that arises

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by our lovely friends at Vistaprint!

Dressing Up For The Holidays

If you're like me and didn't have time to hunt through racks and racks of Halloween costumes for yourself this year, fear not.  You don't have to wait until next Halloween to get dressed up.  The lovely people over at Halloween Mart have wide selection of costumes to choose from for just about every holiday.   And of course, would could make your Thanksgiving more festive than you and your family dressing up in one of these cute costumes?

And why not ditch the traditional holiday wear for Christmas?  Instead, you can have a party and ask guests to get creative by wearing costumes.  It'll not only set for a less formal  mood but the kids will get a kick out of seeing Santa, Rudolph and elves!!

Even the pets can get in on the action.

And for those just looking to stay ahead, get a start on Halloween 2012 by checking out the amazing selection of kids Halloween costumes.  And don't forget about yourself again.  They have a great adult Halloween costumes too.

Happy Holidays!

Disclaimer:  This post is brought you by our friends over at Halloweenmart.com.

Saluting Our Vets

I just want to say THANK YOU to all the men and women who have served and are currently serving our country.  We live in a day and age where so much is taken for granted.  However, I'm truly grateful for my continued freedom and overall safety.  And I know that these things are partly made possible by our military men and women.

Don't forget to wish all the military men and women in your family and friend circle a very Happy Veteran's Day!!

Impact Signs

Signs and plaques are everywhere. They're in the doctor's office, boutiques, the lawyers office and government buildings. They're even in churches, libraries and outside at parks and nature trails.  And I'm a firm believer that the condition and quality of a business's signs and/or plaques says a lot about the quality of service I can expect.

Think about it.  The first thing visitors notice about a place is its appearance.  The way a business or office looks is its first impression and if the owners don't care enough to make sure that their business or office looks good, how can I expect them to care about me?  A bad looking sign tells me that the owner is clearly not passionate about what she/he is doing.

That is why I would recommend anyone who's thinking about opening up an office or new business or just needs to upgrade and replace their current signs and plaques check out Impact Signs.  Seriously, when it comes to signage Impact Signs is one of the best.  They do everything from custom sign designs and plaques to bronze letters.  Check out some of their amazing work in the video below and see for yourself what they can do.

Another reason, I like Impact Signs is that they're Eco-Friendly.  And you all know how I feel about products that are good for the environment.  LOVE them!!  So, I encourage you all to head over to Impact Signs today.

Disclaimer: This post is brought to you from our friends at Impact Signs.  

Gimme, Gimme

Moo has been bitten by the Gimme bug because that's all she has been saying lately.  She knows that we are Santa and hasn't been the least bit shy about telling us what she wants for Christmas.  Just the other day she told me that she wanted "some diamonds!"  Yes, diamonds!!!

Well, clearly diamonds are out of the question but here is the rest of her wishlist.  I haven't promised to get anything but simply told her that we would think about it.  While, she doesn't believe in Santa, I still want there to be an element of surprise as to the gifts she's getting.  Also, I want her to know that Christmas is not about the getting but giving and celebrating Jesus' birthday.

Leap Frog Reading Tablet. (Ok, I want her to get this one)

Stroller and Diaper Bag Set

Dora Kitchen

Pucci Pup

        

Disney Princess Costume & Doll Set

I'm not going to lie, she has pretty good taste in gifts.  And a few of these are currently on sale.  Who's knows. I may have to get her one of these for her birthday which comes before Christmas.

Thank goodness JJ doesn't really get the whole toys concept yet. LOL. 

Have your kids already started their wishlists?

Oh here's the winner of the My Memories Suite Giveaway

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Yes, it's starting to look like Christmas over here!  We decided to get a head start because with my husband's work schedule and chasing after two kids it's easier to get things done when you have the time.

Have you started decorating?

Chasing the Call

As I write this, it's a little after 1 AM and while I know that should be sleeping because the kids will be up bright and early, I can't sleep.  Ever since my high (not from drugs) from earlier yesterday, has got me thinking. I've been talking these few moments of quietness while my little ones sleep to dig deep and ask myself what do I want to do with my life?

Seriously, this is a question I have been pondering for quite some time now.  And as I approach my 26th birthday, I can't help but wonder why I haven't figured this out yet?  Or better yet why aren't I doing it?  Yes, I love blogging and freelancing every now and again but I can't help but to feel like there's some bigger picture.  There has to be.

I've been chasing my calling for years it seems.  And for years it seems to keep eluding me like a thief.  When I look back on my life, I don't want to have regrets when it comes to this area.  More importantly, I don't want to look back and wonder if the example I set for my kids in this area was a good one.  Being a stay at home mom has been blessing, especially with Moo and her many allergies.

However, it's not enough.  I don't feel complete.  I feel like something's missing.  And because of that I feel like I'm chasing the impossible.  I thought I had my life all mapped out.  Well, I did have it all mapped out but then I went off course.  Things changed. Heck, I changed.

So, having pondered this until I'm quite honestly pondered out, I've come to this conclusion:

My calling is to help others.  At the end of the day, nothing gives me more joy (except motherhood) than helping others.  I think the fact that growing up so many people stepped up for me, now I want to return the good karma to the universe by doing the same.

I want to make a difference on a bigger scale but now I just have to figure out how.

Make Me Proud

We all like to feel to be shown some type of praise or hear that we're doing a good job.  And this especially true when it comes to doing things that you're passionate about.  For me, YUMMommy has been the one thing in my life that has been the most passionate for me because it was truly other blogs that kept me sane through my pregnancy and even afterwards.  I knew that I wanted to share my story with others and be of assistance in some way.

And I have to admit that there have been times, I felt like my blogging was in vain. However, today I heard four simple words that made my day.  I was talking with my older cousin aka my big brother when he said "I'm proud of you."  If you all could have seen the smile that overtook my face.  He was proud of me for everything that I'm doing with YUMMommy!

Yea, I've had other family members say "Oh, that's good you're well with YUMMommy" but it's just not the same as hearing that somebody is proud of you for going after a dream that you've had for a while.  For me those simple words were more rewarding than any free product or type of compensation that I've gotten in conjunction with YUMMommy.  This is a moment that will stay with me forever.  This is a moment I can look back on when I'm feeling discouraged or like I'm not being of help to another person out there and think "I can do this because I'm making somebody proud.  I'm making a difference."

So, I say to all of you other bloggers out there that I follow, you have made me proud.  In some way, you all have helped me along this journey.  To my readers, I want to say that you make me proud for even just taking the time out of your day to read what I have to say.  I'm even more proud of those of you who have the courage to comment and give me your feedback.  You're making a difference in my life as well.

So, let's all continue to go forth and make each other proud!

YUMMommy Weekly

Hi Guys,

Can you believe that November is already here?  It seems like time is soaring by.  A new year will be here before we know it.  Anyways, hopefully everyone had a fun Halloween.  Moo was a princess complete with tiara and JJ wore a pumpkin themed outfit.

We went to a festival at church and then came home and trick or treated with the neighbors.  Moo had fun.  She got to have most of her candy.  A few pieces had peanuts and I helped to dispose of them for her.  JJ just wanted to get his sleep on.

Speaking of festivities, who's started planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas?  I have!  I wrapped my first Christmas this week.  I guess you could say that we're getting into the holiday spirit over here.  For those of you who haven't started shopping yet or still have shopping to do, don't forget that I'll be doing weekly gift guides soon with some awesome deals and sales. So, be sure to check back daily.

And don't forget to enter the My Memories Suite Giveaway, I have going!

Have a  great weekend,

YUMMommy

Worth A Read

Romance Wednesday: Do You Know your ABC's? by The Yeyo Diaries

On Learning to Truly be Yourself by Mommy Delicious

Mommy Peer Pressure by My Life

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