Thankful Thursday

Hope everyone had a really great Memorial Day weekend.  We stayed inside because of course our weather still can't make up its mind and it rained.  Then Moo was sick.  Those two and a half weeks we spent at my mom's sent her allergies in to overload because my mom has a dog and she feeds Moo things she's not suppose to have.

However, I'm thankful that we're detoxing her body and getting her back on track.  We went for her check up Tuesday and the only serious thing was that she was a little dehydrated but not enough that they needed to admit her into the hospital.  So, we've been pumping her full of fluids.  Through it all she's been a trooper though.

And while we're on the subject of kids, I'm really thankful for this whole motherhood experience that I've been blessed to have.  These last few days I've really been thinking a lot about where my life would be without my children.  Being a mom just brings so much more joy and purpose to my life.

Also, I'm thankful that I've found a preschool that might be a great fit for Moo.  It's not an arm and a leg but I still have to talk with the Mr and see how we can squeeze it into our budget because moving day is coming up.  So, I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

I've started work on my third book and am thankful that my writer's block finally broke.  Over the next few weeks, I'll be working hard to get it finished, get a book cover designed, get it edited and then published.  It's really excited because I already have a nonfiction book, a children's book and now I'm working on an adult fiction piece.  Who knows, this could be my New York Times bestseller.

What are you thankful for this week?

P.S.- The Discovery Place is in need of all sized soda bottles, toilet paper & paper towel tubes, milk jugs and cartons, egg cartons, cereal and cardboard boxes and Altoid tins.  So, if you're in the Queen City area or don't mind picking up a flat rate box and mailing your donation, they would greatly appreciate it!

Put A Ring On It

So, my latest obsession has been statement rings.  Idk, my ring hand just feels so naked.  Plus, when I'm out and about I'm always spotting these women wearing the cutest statement rings.  But anyways, here are a few of the ones I've been eyeballing over at JGOOD.  They are my go to now for fashion jewelry.

French Victorian Black & White Ring

Pave Crystal Dome Cocktail Ring

Swirled Micropave Crystal Hematite Dome Ring

Onyx Cab CZ Encrusted Ring

Hematite Emerald Crystal and Enamel Ring

Are you a statement ring kind of gal?

Things That Make Me Say Hmmm...

It's been a while since I've done of these posts.  However, there's been a lot of stuff going on that has got me going hmmm...  What stuff?  Pull up a seat and let me tell you.

1. Don't Be Tardy For The Wedding:  I don't know where to begin.  A lot of stuff on this show has me rubbing my chin. Like how is that Kroy's parents didn't meet their grandson until he was like 6 months old?  Clearly Kroy is balling.  Not Diddy or Donald Trump balling but still balling enough that he could have sprung for some airplane tickets to fly them down after the delivery.

But then, I remembered what Rose, Kim's physic, said about them not liking her and Kroy pretty much confirmed it that episode when they came to visit.  He said that she wasn't at all what they had in mind for him in terms of a wife or life partner.   So, maybe that has something to do with why they waited so long.  And why was Kim acting like she had never used a can opener before?

Manual can openers were around before she met Big Poppa and started being able to afford eating out everyday.  And when she said she had never cooked a piece a meat before, I was giving her some major side eye because I'm pretty sure she's never been vegan or vegetarian.   Then on the most recent episode she got missed off at her maid of honor Jenn because she went MIA. 

Didn't she say in the very first episode that Jenn doesn't like to be in the lime light?  Well, if you have tons of cameras watching your every move and photographers hoovering around, what else did you expect her to do?  She desire to not be in the spotlight wasn't going to change because you made her the maid of honor. Overall, I like Kim away from the RHOA.  We get to see a softer side of her, especially when she's in mommy mode.

2. Mom Wars:  Like really don't we as women have enough stuff to fight over like equal pay, the right for our health insurance to pay for birth control or how about trying to elect the first female president?  So, why are we fighting each other and being so judgmental?  Let me tell you, I have no desire to prove my mommyhood to ANYBODY!!  Just because I breastfeed doesn't mean I look down on those moms that choose to formula feed. To each her own.

Some these moms out here need get off their high horses and go take a long sit down.  None of are in the position to be looking down upon any other mom because she chooses to get plastic surgery, decides that attachment parenting isn't right for her or any of the other nonsense that's been going on.  Just worry about you and your own partna!  Cause in the words of TI "You don't know me!"

3. Duets: Did you all catch the season premiere last Thursday?  I did.  I have to admit that while I love, love, love John Legend, I was very disappointed in him picking Bridget over the blonde haired girl.  Yes, she was more pleasing on the eyes but her voice didn't have that wow factor for me.  I thought she was just ok.  I'm hoping that this doesn't turn into one of those competitions where the judges are going to vote based on who 'looks' like a star.

I was very disappointed when both of Kelly's picks were in the bottom two and a bit confused.  Jason's voice is AMAZING, especially for his age.  I thought he should have been in the top 4 at least.  And everybody kept saying how Jordan sounded just like Kelly but then you vote her dead last?  Like what are you trying to say about Kelly's voice then?

And wardrobe did not do a good job in styling Alexis.  That dress didn't fit her well at all. She could barely move in those heels.  And French roll do gave her a weird profile.  I hope this week they do better at capturing 'her' style.

Anything make you say hmmm... recently?

Shaping Up With CoolSculpting

I'm sure many of you have seen me tweeting about Operation Bridesmaid Dress and even talking about my goal to drop these last few baby pounds.  I have made lots of progress.  I've gone from wearing plus size clothes to a size 7/8.  Before I had kids I was a size 4 sometimes a 2, but I'm a realist and will settle for getting to a size 6.

However, despite all of my progress I'm still not completely happy with physical look of things in the mid section area.  The dreaded mom pooch you hear some women talk about it real yall.  While mine has shrunk,  I'm just ready for it to be 100% gone.  So, I've been thinking a lot about trying out CoolSculpting.  I've read and heard nothing but good things about this treatment.

For those of you who haven't heard about it, CoolSculpting is a non-surgical procedure in which a doctor freezes and destroys stubborn fat cells that just won't go away.  This is great because I'm terrified of doing anything that requires going under the knife and there's little to no downtime afterwards.  What's even better is that each treatment takes about an hour.  So, I can be in and out.  Of course, I would have make a consultation a doctor to know how many treatments I'd need to treat my problem area.

Another great plus is that this procedure doesn't damage the skin.  A special applicator with CoolSculpting technology is used to zap those fat cells and then my body will dispose of them naturally.  And the best part is that with Alive After Five events going on here in Charlotte,  the CoolSculpting team is out and about to give people a little bit more information about what actually this treatment is and how it works.  For me this is perfect because I can ask questions and learn more about the whole process to make sure it's right for me.

I think I could have some really great results with this.  Check out these before after picture below.

What do you think?  Interested in trying CoolScultping?  Click here to find a doctor's office and schedule your appointment.

Be sure to enter the Let's Get Naked in LA Sweepstakes too!  

You'll not only win a VIP trip to LA, but a CoolSculpting treatment as well.  Sounds like a pretty sweet prize to me.  Check out all the details here.

So would you try CoolSculpting?

Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by CoolSculpting. However, all views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Thankful Thursday

Remember, a while back I wrote about how we were trying to find a church up here to go instead of me driving two hours both ways to go to church in my hometown?  Well, I'm thankful to say that I have found the church for us!!  It's been a long time coming (over a year but who's counting).  God and spirituality are very important to me.  Therefore, it was really bothering me about not having found a church here to go to.

Not to mention, one of the goals on my vision board was to strengthen my relationship with God.  So, I'm totally looking to getting more involved in the church.  Plus, now is the time I need to start making sure Moo and JJ have a great foundation on which they can build a relationship with God.  And this church seems to have some really great activities for children.

They also have some great activities and opportunities for couples.  And working on my marriage was another goal on my vision board.  I'm going to keep it one hundred and say that right now things aren't nearly as good as I would like them be.  A lot of that is stress due to this and that.  I think attending some of these marriage building sessions can really help us learn how to not let outside things stress our marriage.

I'm also thankful that both of JJ's top front teeth are almost fully out.  We've been having a time with this whole teething situation.  I think at this point we're both ready for a break from it.  We're on Walk Watch.  He's been itching to get down and do his own thing.  So, hopefully he'll be walking unassisted in no time.

I also did another two interviews this past week about YUMMommy and being a blogger.  So, I'll be sharing more about those over the summer.  I'm just incredibly thankful for everything positive that has been going on.  And if you picked up a copy of the book yesterday, I'm thankful for that as well.  If not be sure to get it or at least spread the work about it! 

I'm also thankful that today I'm featured over at Life of TOI as part of her She Rocks series!! Go check out my guest post here.

What's on your Thankful Thursday list?

Wordless Wednesday

Today only you can pick up our book for FREE!  Yep, it's Free-ninety nine!

Fashion Find: Mini Dresses From EdenFantasys

As of late, I've become obsessed with mini dresses.  I think finally cracking down to shed these last few pounds of pregnancy weight and tone up my body might have something to do with it.  Not to mention, mini dresses are totally cute.  And if you find the right length and style, you can find the dress that is perfect for your body type.

Well, nobody knows sexy like EdenFantasys.  I absolutely love them as you know.  This is the one-stop shop if you're looking to turn up the sexy in your life  Anyways, here are a few of my favorite mini dresses.

Zip Front Vinyl Look Dress

The wet leather/vinyl look is really in this year.  When I saw this, I thought of Lucy Lu from the Charlie's Angels movie where she wore that leather skirt suit.  This dress for me just oozes sexy.  And I think paired with cropped denim jacket, chandelier earrings and nice stilettos this could be a really hot look.

New Amsterdam Mini Dress

What I love about this dress is the draping in the top portion.  Winged sleeves are another big trend this season.  This dress a little bit more causal but as you can see from picture you can dress it up using accessories. Perfect for girl's night out.

White Cross Back Dress

Again I like the draping in the neckline.  It's just the right amount of cleavage showing.  You could also dress this up or down.  With it being white, the color combinations are just endless.

Sequin Strapless Dress (Gold)

Really love this dress!  Sequins are a great way to add shine and bling because they're so good at reflecting light.  And the use of all the different color sequins on this dress give it a classy look.  They also offer it turquoise. 

Pulling these looks off are even easier because EdenFantasys offers a wide variety of lingerie to go underneath.  That way you don't have to worry about hunting down the right bra or a slip to go underneath.  And a little double sided sticky tape can further prevent any wardrobe malfunctions.  And for those who need a little added comfort in rocking such sexy looks check out their selection of tights.

How many mini dresses do you have in your closet?

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by EdenFantasys.com.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own!

Having It My Way With Burger King

When it comes to my food, I like to have it my way.  There's nothing more frustrating to me than not being able to customize meal.  Call me a control freak but if I have to eat it, I should at least be able to some say in it.  That's one of the things I've always loved about Burger King.  Another thing I like about Burger King is that they're always keeping up with the competition and improving their menu offerings.

In fact, they have recently added a few new items to their menu.  Check them out below.

I tried their new Chicken Caesar Garden Fresh Salad.  It's romaine lettuce, topped with tomatoes, shaved Parmesan cheese and home-style croutons and comes with a zesty caesar lemon vinaigrette.  

Before I drowned it in dressing

And Moo is officially hooked on the Tropical Mango Real Fruit Smoothie.  I'm not complaining though because at least she's getting a serving of fruit in.   I also tried the new Caramel Frappe.  While it was good, I do think my server went a little heavy on the caramel.

Overall, I am very pleased with the new salads, wraps, smoothies, frappes and chicken strips added to Burger King's menu.  So, whether you're looking for something healthy or just something quick to eat, Burger King has it!

Don't forget to check out their website, follow them on Twitter and like their Facebook page to stay up to date on the latest happenings.

Are you going to try any of the new Burger King menu items?  

Disclosure:  The coupons, product information, and additional gift pack have been provided courtesy of Burger King Corporation through MyBlogSpark.

Thankful Thursday

So much has happened since my last Thankful Thursday post.  All positive and reasons to be thankful of course!  For starters, my brother graduated from college!!  Can't begin to put into words the pride and joy I feel about him having made such a great accomplishment.  Let's keep it real.

There is so much out there for our young people to get caught up in.  So many teens now days aren't even interested in pursuing a high school education less more a college a degree.  I'm very thankful that he stayed focused and grounded.

I'm sure you've all heard about my JET Magazine feature by now.  I'm beyond thankful for that.  It has certainly put me on the map.  It's opened up some pretty awesome doors and I'm definitely noticing that my inbox is filling up faster than it was before my feature.  I'm going to take some of this new-found fame and do some good with it.  Be on the look out for more information on BackPacks 4 YUMMommies!!

I'm thankful that JJ had a good first birthday!  Being a mom of two has had its share of challenges but it's also made my life better in many ways.

What are you giving thanks for today?  

Prince Of My Heart

To the Prince of my Heart,

It's so hard to believe that on this day a year ago, I gave birth to you!  365 days went by faster than I imagined they would.  In fact, I had to check the calendar on my phone to make sure I wasn't mistaken about the date.  Part of my disbelief is that you've just grown so fast and changed so much from the day we first brought you home.

I remember thinking about small you were in comparison to your sister when she was a newborn.  However, you grew quickly those first few weeks and we were back in the store buying you new oneies.  I remember your first bath after your belly button healed up completely.  You did not like being in the water one bit!  Thankfully, that is not the case today.

The bathtub is one of your favorite places to be.  You enjoy splashing around and sending water flying everywhere including on me!  It's okay though.  I understand that for you being in the water is still new, mysterious and fun.  Let's hope this love of good hygiene continues because I've heard that boys get a little bit more difficult about taking baths once they hit that 2 year mark.

You and Moo are still the best of friends.  She's completely smitten with you and is quick to let strangers (and family) know that you are HER brother!  It's cute and I'm really glad that she's so protective of you because she'll be babysitting you in about 12 more years.  I love that she doesn't mind sharing her toys with you even though you've ripped the heads off some of her dolls.  And she's patient with you even though you're always trying to snatch on her hair. 

You and Grandma have finally bonded.  THANK GOODNESS!  There was a time when you cried every time she got too close to you.  And holding you was out of the question.  I think you all started to make progress after Christmas.  Now, you're totally stuck on her when we go to visit.  Sometimes, you don't even want me to hold you when we're down there.

Daddy has taught you all kinds of stuff like making monster noises and how to fall backwards on the bed.  I'm not sure how I feel about that falling backwards.  I guess it's okay on the bed but I worry about when you start walking and can sit on the floor by yourself.  I will certainly have to break that habit and keep a close eye on you.

He's still counting down the days until you all can go outside and toss around the football or a baseball.  However, we've agreed that we're not going to push you to play football until you're in high school.  We agree that it's just too dangerous.  Trust me your daddy should know because he played his share.

You don't say mama a lot. I guess that's because you're usually always with me.  You've started trying to say stop, no, hey, Moo and have a special sound for when you want us to look at something.  You're completely in love with Chica the chicken from Sprout.  I think it's the squeaking of her voice that enchants you.  You don't like the end of Dora when they do hide and seek sometimes and Swiper pops out from behind bushes and trees.

I've wasted a fortune on baby food and baby cereal because you refused to eat it.  I still have over 25 jars and 4 boxes of cereal in the kitchen now.  I guess I'll check the expiration dates and donate what hasn't expired to a food bank.  You have great upper body strength and your hands are fast as lighting.  I caught you climbing out of your high chair a few weeks ago and almost had a heart attack.

Seriously, the playpen is the only safe place for you because the sides are too high for you flip yourself over. You're under the impression that the telephone belongs solely to you.  Whenever, I'm talking on it you're always trying to press buttons or snatch it from my ear.  Glad we have speaker phone so I can put the phone out of your reach and still talk.

Guess what?  Your top front teeth finally broke through yesterday! So by the end of the month you'll have four teeth total!

I'm telling you, I hope this second year goes by a little slower.  But just in case it doesn't I've stocked up on a boatload of batteries and new memory card so that I can record almost every moment in a photo or video!

I love you!!

~Mommy

Fashion Find: Old Navy Shorts

I was never a shorts person growing up.  In fact, it wasn't until a trip to New York during my second year in college that I started to get into shorts.  A group of friends and I were had just left a donut shop when one of them suggested we duck into the Old Navy next door to kill a few minutes.  Before this trip I'd only been to an Old Navy store twice!

Shocking isn't it?  But in my defense, I grew up in a town where we had a Walmart, Catos, B. C Moore's and everything else was fast food restaurants and grocery stores.  And the nearest mall had Wet Seal and Rave.  Anyways, it was at this Old Navy in New York that my interest not only the brand but in wearing shorts began to grow.

I remember that I found the cutest khaki floral pattern shorts.  I had to try them on.  Sadly, the inseam was too high and the shorts and I parted ways.  Well, this past weekend I headed back to Old Navy in search for the perfect pair of shorts to kick off my Mother's Day celebration.  And I found these cuties below.

Shorts: Old Navy Women's Linen Drawstring  5" inseam Top: Basic Editions (thrifted)  Shoes: Target (gifted)  Eyeglasses: CoverGirl

Here's a better look

After wearing these all day Saturday, I am in love.  These will certainly be thrown into my wardrobe rotation.  The linen fabric is very light and breathable.  The relaxed fit made me feel comfortable that everything was covered in the booty area.  Love, love the drawstring detail.  I just have this thing for clothing with drawstrings or drawstring style belts.

The scoop pockets look small in the picture above but I was able to fit my EVO in there sideways.  And it didn't fall out when I sat.  Aside from the wrinkling, I have nothing negative to say about these shorts.  Linen is one of those easy to wrinkle fabrics but that doesn't take away from the fact that Old Navy has a home run with these shorts.  

Go, check these out if you haven't.  I will be going back for the white pair!  Here a few of my other favorite shorts.

Disclaimer:  I did receive a coupon for this product.  However, all views expressed are 100% my own!

A Mother's Day Reflection

It's hard to believe that this time last year I was 36 weeks pregnant with a 2 year old and a husband.  This Mother's Day, I have a healthy baby boy added to the mix.  I would like to say that since last year motherhood has been a bed of roses.  That would be a lie and very misleading.

However, as I sit here and think about journey as a mom the things that stick out for me the most are the days I gave birth, my children's first words, their first holidays, trips to Grandma's house, etc.  Don't get me wrong, I still have memories of days when I was overwhelmed, trips to the ER and all that other less than stellar stuff.  It just doesn't outweigh the rewarding parts of being a mom and that for me is the greatest part of motherhood.

The truth about being a mom is that having children will change your life forever.  But at the end of the day, you're shaping a life, creating memories that will melt your heart and leaving a living legacy for the world!  The gamble of becoming a mom has been worth more than any worldly possession.  I'm awed, humbled and grateful everyday for Moo and Bud.

The greatest magic trick on Earth is producing life.  And God blessed me to able to perform not once but twice.  After losing my niece a few months ago, I don't need a reminder as to how precious life and being a mom is.

So, to all you moms, mommies-to-be and those considering motherhood, know that the risk is worth it!

I Wanna Thank You

First, I have to give honor and thanks to God for allowing me to receive this great honor.  Without Him none of this would be possible.  My JET Magazine feature is just proof of how awesome He is!  Thank You for such a wonderful blessing.

My JET Magazine Debut

Thank you to my mommy for always being there.  You were the first person to show support and encourage me to write from childhood up to now.  When I came to you and told you I wanted to start a blog you were 100% behind me.  I just to say your love, wisdom and support over the years means more to me than I can ever put into words.  Thank you for shaping me into the woman I am today!

To my wonderful and darling husband, I love you much!  Thank you for taking this ride with me.  Thank you for being supportive, understanding, caring and patient.  You went half on two beautiful children with me.  I cherish you today, tomorrow and forever!

Thank you to my loving angels!  Mommy wouldn't have gotten this honor if it wasn't for you.  Thank you both for loving me unconditionally!  You two are my world and my life.  You saved me when I thought I wasn't worth saving!

You give me so much hope, motivation and inspiration.  Because of you two I feel like I can conquer the world.  Thank you for making me a better person!  I love you two unconditionally and beyond reason.

Thank you to my siblings.  I want to especially thank my baby sister.  Thank you for all the times you watch the kids to give me a moment to focus on YUMMommy and respond to emails.  Thank you for being encouraging and even giving me ideas to write about.  Thanks for all the retweets, Facebook shares, phone calls, etc.  May we all continue to live out dreams and be successful in our rights!

Now to the ladies- Alexandra Elizabeth, Baby Making Machine, Mommy Delicious and The Young Mommy Life- whose blogs I read and inspired me to share my story, thank you for being so helpful!  Thank you for always visiting and commenting on YUMMommy.  Thanks for giving me advice when I ask or just being a sounding board.  To have such wonderful and successful women in my corner means a lot.

Thank you to all my readers.  Truly, you all are the best!  I love it when I get emails, Facebook messages, tweets and blog comments from you guys.  It has been very rewarding to sharing my journey, resources and more with you.  You all are a huge part of my success as well.  I hope that you all will continue to tag along for the ride!

And last but not least thank you to Darralynn and everyone over at JET Magazine! To be featured in such a renown publication and to be named a "Must-Read" is a great and huge honor.   I will be forever grateful!

My JET Magazine Debut

Remember that JET Magazine interview I mentioned about a week ago?  Well this came out over the weekend.

And guess who snagged the number 2 spot on their "5 Must-Read Blogs For Black Moms" list? 

Yes, that is the one and only YUMMommy you see there! *screams*  And what's even more awesome is that my friend Alex, formerly of Mommy Glow, got the number 1 spot! *screams again*  And I know Renee from Cutie Booty Cakes.

I am so humbled and thankful for this wonderful opportunity.  You all just don't know how great it feels to be featured in such a reknown publication that has been and still is a staple in millions of Black households all over the world.  I grew up reading and watching my family read JET Magazine.  Never in a million years did I ever dream I would actually be in it!

And while I do write YUMMommy, I know that this success is not completely my own.  I had help getting to this point.  And so tomorrow I will be posting my official thank you speech.  I'll warn you now and say that it will be a little bit longer than my usual posts but I didn't want to leave anyone out.

Now I'm off to buy up more copies to sign and pass out to family and friends!

Expanding

It's no secret that I've been dying to take YUMMommy to the next level.  After the all the whole reason I started this blog was to share my journey in hopes tha of showing others in my situation that they're not alone.   YUMMommy is already on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.   And now I'm proud to announce that I finally took the leap and joined YouTube!  Check out my first 'video' below.

YUMMommy is expanding!