Birthday Prep

Ok folks. My little Moo turns 4 tomorrow! It's a bit surreal. I know I've said it a million times but time flew by. And I'm scared that if I go bed tonight, I'll wake up and she'll be getting ready to leave for college!

I'm trying to prep myself tomorrow so that I don't cry. Yes, I am that emotional mom. The Mr has been teasing about since last week. We started talking about her going to school and well I got a little teary-eyed.

She's my first born y'all. JJ better thank her one day for being my test subject with this whole parenting thing. It's one thing to babysit and help out with siblings but it's a totally different experience when you have your first child.

So, if you don't hear from me tomorrow you'll know I'm balling like a baby with a box of Kleenex somewhere. We've already got her cake and candles. I wrapped her gifts and mixed them in with the gifts underneath the tree. As soon as she passes out I'm off to blow up balloons and hang her birthday banner.

On another note, I made it! Today is the end of the November NaBloPoMo Challenge and I couldn't be prouder of myself!

Thankful Thursday

We're down to our last handful of Thankful Thursdays for 2012.  Can you guys believe it?  I can't.   I'm so happy I made this a weekly feature on YUMMommy.  It's so easy to get caught up on what you DON'T have instead of focusing on and being grateful for what you DO have.

This week I'm thankful that I finally worked up the nerve to cut my hair again.  I had been going natural for a little over three years when I got the genius idea to try out this chemical curl softner.  And I thought since it was designed for kids that it would be perfect to use on my easily irritated scalp.  Wrong!

Long story short, after the second use I started noticing my hair was shedding like crazy.  It had tons of split ends, stayed drier than normal and the ends were a bit crunchy.  In the end, I would have done better just keeping my money in my pocket.  But since I was trying to avoid using heat to straighten my hair some, I thought it would be healthier in the long run to try the product.  Lesson learned.

I'm actually enjoying my shorter do.  It's shorter than the last time I went short.  I've been trying out the Curly Girl Method for about a week and a half now.  And while my hair feels softer, I'm not sure how long I'll stick with it because I enjoy my current shampoos and conditioning products but they aren't Curly Girl friendly.

I'm thankful that Moo will be turning four this weekend!!  Super excited to celebrate her birthday.  I can't believe I'm the mom of a four year now.  It's so surreal.  Looking forward to decking out her birthday cake with tons of princess decorations!!  She's going to go bananas when she sees it.

I'm also thankful that I've survived this NaBloPoMo challenge for the month of November.  It's a lot of work posting everyday.  However, it has definitely made me a better writer.  I've enjoyed sharing more about my personal life and my motherhood experience with you all.  I've gotten so much feedback and advice this month from some of my posts.

I'm also thankful for the new blog followers I got this month..  It's comforting to know that I'm reaching people and not just on here rambling to empty web space.  I'm thankful that the kids are going to bed a little earlier this week. We had a few late nights but for the most part they've been down and sleep before 11 PM!!

Most importantly, I'm thankful to have an amazing husband who knows me better than almost anyone.  He recognized that we've been a little disconnected lately and is committed to rebuilding that connection and becoming more present in the day to day activities around the house.  Marriage and any lasting relationship takes work. I'm always thankful to have a spouse who's willing to do the work with me.

What are you sending up thanks for this week?

Wordless Wednesday

Present Snatchers

We decided to put our tree up before Thanksgiving.  At first, my concern was that JJ would the tree over.  He's more curious about pulling, pushing and tugging things since he's a walker now.  Last year when he was in his walker simply put a few books or pillows around the tree to prevent him from being able to get near it. Yeah, that won't work this year.

Anyways, we've had a few close calls with him trying to tug on the tree when the lights are on.  However, that problem has been solved by either having him in high chair when I plug it up or waiting until he's sleeping to turn them on.  Our current problem is with him snatching the presents from underneath and opening them.  We've already the Bow Ripping incident where he got his hands on some gifts and ripped all the bows off.  Thankfully, new bows have been added.

However, Moo has decided that she wants to be a Present Snatcher too.  While she's not actually unwrapping them, it's only a matter of time before she "accidentally" puts holes or tears in some of her gifts.  The Mr got their big gifts last night and I wrapped them.  Since, then she's been asking me a million times to tell her what she got.

I've caught her shaking presents to see if she can hear what they are.  Yep, she thinks she's smart.  However, anything that makes a noise and has buttons that can be pressed through packaging will be placed in a gift box or I'll take a spare piece of cardboard to cover up the open area.  What I wouldn't give to have a tree gate to keep these little snatchers from snatching our presents.

Here's to hoping we make it to Christmas with no presents getting opened.  I don't want to be wrapping and rewrapping gifts or resticking bows these next 28 days.  Thankfully, we only use recyclable wrapping paper. So, if I do have to rewrap I'll still be being GREEN!

How do you deal with present snatchers in your home?

Manicure Monday: ImPress Press-On Manicure

Happy Monday good people!!  Today I'm taking a break from Mind Right Monday to link up with LA Lynn's and Lipgloss & Binky for Manicure Monday.  So, I recently received the College VoxBox from Influenster.  And one the items I received was the ImPress Press-On Manicure.

So, with Thanksgiving done and over with, I decided to try out my manicure yesterday.  They were really easy to put on.  Each nail is numbered.  So, once you find nails to fit one hand, you go from there and see if those same numbers will fit on the other hand.  Once you've selected your nails, you simply line the tabs up with your cuticles, peel it off and stick your manicure on.

Well, it's been about 24 hours since I put on my manicure.  I really love the leopard print.  Each spot is outlined with iridescent glitter, but with the camera flash you can't really see it.  This a great design that can really go with a lot of different colored outfits.

Now, what I didn't like on this manicure is that once, I got my nails wet a few of them came off.  Thankfully, I had some nail glue handy and glued them on.  I think that adhesive used on these works like a suction cup.  And with my natural nails being short and wide the adhesive didn't have enough nail to grip to.  So, there were gaps that let the water get in.

Otherwise, I have no other complaints.  The nails themselves are flexible and have a little bend in them.  I hit one the other day and it bent to absorb the hit better.  Anybody who has or has had acrylic nails can tell you that those things don't bend.  If you hit them, you will feel pain.

I also like that the ImPress nails aren't sharp.  Acrylic nails have sharp tips.  You can literally scratch your skin off if you're not careful.  These have dull tips.  As a mom with a one year in diapers that's really important because I don't want to accidentally scratch my baby up.

Overall, I am very happy with my manicure. I will be buying some more of these.  So, there are more Manicure Monday posts to come.   If you do try these just remember to keep a bottle of nail glue handy.  And nail glue is not expensive.  You can twin packs of Kiss Nail Glue from a variety of dollar stores for a $1.

Let The Countdowns Begin

Can you believe that December is just days away?!  That means that 2013 is not far behind.  Wow, I feel like I blinked and this year was gone.  Anyways, we've started our countdowns.  December is a huge month for us.

Moo's birthday comes first.  Can't believe that in a few days I'll be saying that I'm the mother of a four year old.  It's just hard to believe.  This whole motherhood thing is still so surreal some times.  I don't take one moment of it for granted. 

I turn the big 2-7 next month too!  I'm not really freaking out with only 3 years left before I hit 30.  Getting older just doesn't bother me like it does others.  I welcome it.  I look it as a blessing to have survived another year on this earth when so many I know have passed on already.

No big plans for the birthday.  Just being my little family will be celebration enough.  I will be doing it up for the 30th birthday though.  Please believe a plan is the works for that.  They involve passports and most likely a nanny!

And of course, today is the one month till Christmas mark!!  Super excited.  Not just because of the presents, but I genuinely enjoy celebrating the birth of Jesus!  He is the ultimate gift of love.  Plus, the shows are more positive around Christmas time.  I've been avoiding cable and rewatching old seasons of Vampire Diaries and reading library books. 

This garbage these networks have on tv now days just isn't fitting to be watched.  There are a few good shows though.  However, once they go off back to Vampire Diaries or my books I go.  I'm also looking forward to cooking Christmas dinner with the Mr and baking cookies with Moo.

Speaking of Moo, she's informed me that I can't be a Santa anymore.  Why?  Because I'm not a man.  Only Daddy can be Santa.  Glad we got that straight.  So, when she's missing a gift off her Christmas list, it'll be because she gave the list to me and not Daddy.

Also happy to report that our tree is still standing.  JJ has been tugging and pushing on it something fierce.  Thank goodness for his chair and distracting toys.  Our tree is already on its last leg, but I want it to last until I can hit up an after Christmas sale and a get a fuller prelit tree for at least 75% off.

Last but not least New Year's Eve will be here in a little over a month.  Not sure what are plans will be.  Might try to go out and watch some fireworks Uptown.  Hopefully, we don't waste our gas like last year.  There were absolutely no fireworks Uptown.  Think I might need to send out a special request letter to the city or something to make sure.

Are you counting down?

I'm A Keeper

"Rejection comes in one flavor and it ain't sweet.  When you understand that someone out there wants what you have, you understand your position of being a KEEPER.  Keep looking, keep asking, keep the faith and focus on being a the KEEPER of the vision even when you are given a bitter taste of Rejection.  Some how. Some will.  Some won't. So what?  Someone's waiting for YOUR something."

~Lucinda Cross

When I saw these words, I knew they were for me. You see I've been dealing with rejection my entire life it seems.  Then again that's nothing out of the ordinary because we all have to deal with rejection on a daily basis.  However, the rejections of my life did make me like I wasn't a keeper.

My familiarity with rejection dates back to my childhood. I can't even begin to take about how watching my parents' marriage fall apart and my father choosing not to be an active part of our lives has had a huge impact on my not feeling a like keeper. They say that time heals all wounds, but I think that some wounds can't be healed.  You get either good at hiding them or you learn how to successfully manage them.

Even with starting this blog, I've had to deal with rejection.  From comments from readers to rejection emails from brands who didn't think YUMMommy was a good fit to help represent their brand.  But you know what?  I've made up my mind that contrary to what Beyonce says, I am irreplaceable!  You are irreplaceable!

No, not everyone is going to see you that way, but like Lucinda says, we have to KEEP our vision.  We have KEEP our eyes on the prize.  So, no matter what your dream or what your situation is, don't be discouraged.  You're not going to fit into every crowd or every circle.  And that's ok.  Create circle and support system you need.

Being a KEEPER means getting outside of your comfort zone.  It means keeping your head up and not taking every rejection personal.  Most importantly it means being able to dust yourself off, get back up and keep moving forward.

Thanksgiving Hangover

I'm sure many of us woke up suffering from a Thanksgiving hangover this morning.  I know that I did.  And I think Moo did too because she didn't get up at usual time.  Not complaining about that though.  All I know is that when the Mr woke me up to tell me he was headed out to barber's, all I could due was throw up the peace sign.

To say I was feeling sluggish would have been an understatement.  My body felt like it weighed a million pounds.  All I could do was snuggle up next to my JJ and sleep my hangover off.  Thankfully by the time the Mr got back, I was able to make it out of the bed.  He had braved the long Black Friday lines still at Walmart and picked up a few gifts for the kids.  So, I wrapped and threw a few bows on those while I waited for our brunch to cook.

Of course, Moo was up by this time and tried to sneak a peak at the gifts.  I was quick covered everything up before she could see it.  Sadly, my baby can't keep a secret sometimes because she would have surely told JJ what his gift was.  I know it wouldn't have been a big deal because he would have been clueless as to what she was talking about but still we're going to have to work on the whole keeping gifts a secret concept.

I decided to stay inside.  No braving the Black Friday madness for me.  Instead, I curled up with my Vampire Empire series and Fifty Shades Freed.  It felt good to enjoy a good paperback as opposed to reading books with my Kindle app on my phone or laptop.  Something about physically being able to turn the pages that heightens the experience for me. 

Yeah, I'm a nerdy bookworm like that.  *Shrugs* And now I'm enjoying some more snuggle time with the kiddies while we wait for Frosty The Snowman to come on.  Oh the joy of the simple things!

Did you participate in Black Friday or were you suffering from a Thanksgiving hangover too?

Thankful Thursday: Thanksgiving Edition

It's official folks. Thanksgiving Day is here!  Today also happens to be Thankful Thursday here on the blog.  So, let's get this ball rolling.

Today, I'm thankful that I got to wake up surrounded by my family.  A lot of people didn't get to do this.  There are so many people still displaced due to Hurricane Sandy, in nursing homes, homeless or in hospitals. I don't take having the chance to be with my husband and kids for granted one bit. I've seen how quickly the people you love can be taken away from you.

And while we're talking about family, I'm thankful that my blogger friend Rebecca from Let Them Eat Cake got a special Thanksgiving surprise today.  Her baby boy was able to come home after having been in the hospital since she delivered him earlier this month!  We had been praying for them that he would be home for Thanksgiving and definitely home before Christmas. It's an amazing feeling when you find out that your prayer has been answered.  Join us in continuing to pray for them and their baby boy that he stays strong and healthy.

Moo and I (mostly I) slaved away in the kitchen today to make a nice feast for the family today.  Happy to report that this may just be the best Thanksgiving dinner I've ever cooked.  We had my lemon herb turkey, baked macaroni and cheese, dressing, green casserole (Moo kept trying to eat the French's onions), collard greens with smoked turkey neck, corn bread muffins, brown gravy and sweet potato pie. Haven't had seconds yet, but I did have a pretty good nap with JJ.

Thankful that the little ones got up in time to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade with me. I thought that Moo was going to sleep in since she didn't get up at her usual time.  However, JJ sounded the wake up alarm and she got up.  We watched in our pjs on the couch.

I'm thankful that JJ didn't completely unwrap the Mr's Christmas present. He got a hold of it while I went to bast the turkey.  Thankfully, he just ripped off the bow.  I can glue it back down and cover up the hole in the wrapping paper.  Y'all know I'm all about being Green and frugal.  If the hole would have been bigger, I had every intention of just sticking more bows on it. LOL.

I'm thankful that we're now enjoying A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.  It's just not Thanksgiving without loved ones, turkey and of course Charlie Brown!  Most importantly, I'm thankful for you-all my YUMMommy readers and supporters. Thank you for riding with me and holding me down!  Many of you have become like family to me.  From my family to yours

Lemon Herb Turkey Recipe

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I know that many of us are getting a head start on the food by cooking our turkeys tonight.  So, I thought I'd share my recipe for lemon herb turkey.  After all the turkey is the star of the meal.  This recipe is simple and easy to make.  Most of the ingredients you'll probably already have on hand in the kitchen.

Ingredients

1 Turkey, rinsed & patted dry

1 tbsp Ground Sage

1 tbsp Parsley

2 tbsp Poultry Seasoning

1 tbsp Paprika

1 tbsp Seasoned Salt

2 tsp Garlic Powder

1 tsp Ground Blk Powder

1 cup Unsalted Butter, softened

1 cup chicken stock or water

1 lemon

1 cup Homemade Stuffing

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  While oven heats up mix sage, poultry seasoning, paprika, salt, garlic powder, pepper and parsley and butter in a small bowl.

Zest lemon lightly.  Then juice lemon and add to butter. Mix well.

Using a rubber spatula separate the skin and breast meat of the turkey.  Then stuff with butter mixture.  Spread evenly over turkey breasts using your fingers.   Save about 25% butter mixture and brush over outer skin of turkey.  Stuff with homemade stuffing.

Pour chicken stock or water into roasting pan.  Add turkey.  Tent with foil and bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or longer if you have a larger turkey.

Bast turkey in 30 minute intervals.  When done, let rest for at least 15 minutes.  Then slice and serve!

Happy Turkey Cooking Everyone!!

My First VoxBox

If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram, then chances are you've seen my posts about my excitement over having received my first VoxBox from Influenster in the mail.  I had been several bloggers in my circle posting about the Beauty VoxBox and decided to check out what Influenster was all about.  I liked it and decided to join.  And last week, I got an email saying that I was selected to receive one of their College VoxBoxes and it I did!

Freshly opened.  

I wasn't the only one excited about my College VoxBox either.  Those little fingers to left in the picture above belong to Moo.  She gets excited when the mailmen leave us packages.  I think I have a mini review blogger on my hands already.

Information Card

I was glad for this little information card that came with my goodies.  Of course, I could identify everything in the VoxBox, but the information card provided a little more details as well as the retail cost for each product included.  The goodies in my VoxBox are $19.58 total.  Add NC taxes and that comes out to $21.39.  Anyways, here's a closer look at what I got.

Energy Sheets 

At $5.95 for a pack of 10 individually wrapped strips, this product is not that bad.  More importantly, while this Energy Sheets does contain caffiene, it's also has Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E and more.  This works to help you get the boost us studying moms need without the crash and jiggers later.  I liked these and even shared one with the Mr.  I think he's a convert!

ImPress Press-On Manicure

I've been wanting to try these since I saw that their spokeswoman was Nicole Scherzinger, formerly of the PCD.  She's such a little firecracker and I still think people sleep on her skills as an entertainer.  Plus, with two busy kids I haven't had my nails done professionally in over two years!!  Yes, that's 731 days folks.  

Haven't tried these yet because I'll be cooking away for Thanksgiving.  But as soon as the last dish is mixed and cooking, I'll be putting these babies on.  They're only $5.99 for solid colors and $7.99 for patterns.  My kind of pricing.  A manicure at the salon with run you at least $15 for a solid color and $25 for a design.  Plus, there's no chipping or drying time to worry about.

NYC New York Color Show Time Glitter Eyeliner Pencil

I've never really worn a lot of eyeliner, but as of late I've been thinking about it.  So, I was glad when I saw this one in my  VoxBox.  I can't wait to test it out.  Since, I'll be taking a few on-campus classes, I need to make sure that my look is polished and has a glam feel to it.  And nothing screams glam and fashion more than glitter, bling and sequins.  This retails for $2.49 per pencil.

Pentel EnerGel-X Campaign

I love love love gel pens!!  True story. When I first moved in with the Mr, I had a ton of them.  He witnessed my obsession first hand.  But after writing with one, he understood what all the fuss was about.  I was already a Pentel gel pen fan, but this EnerGel-X is one smooth writing machine right here!

I dare you to find a smoother writing gel pen on the market.  If you do send it to me and I'll do a comparison test on the blog.  Seriously, this pen will make taking notes and writing rough drafts feel less like torture.  And the violet ink is nice too!  Been signing my Christmas cards with this bad boy since today.  For $1.90 per pen, I think it's worth the money if you're a pen person like me.

Necco Tropical Wafers

These are what Moo was trying so hard to get her hands on.  She would have ate the whole roll in ten minutes if I let her.  These little wafers are yummy.  With flavors like Coconut, Passion Fruit, Strawberry, Lime, Banana and Mango, these wafers are good for those who like candy that is not overly sweet.  Be on the lookout for this treat soon.   Just $1.25 per roll, $24 per box or $37.50 per tub, I'll be stocking up on some of these.

Overall, I'm very happy with my first VoxBox.  I can't wait to get more and try out some new products.  Also, I'll be back in the following weeks to post official reviews and pictures for the eyeliner and press-ons.

What product from my VoxBox would you be most interested in trying?

Mind Right Monday

I'm so proud of myself. I did almost everything on my list except work on my manuscript. I didn't get to add any new chapters to it but I did get to some brainstorming on it in my head though. Not sure if that really counts. Otherwise, though I got everything else done. It feels great to see so much crossed off my list! Here's to hoping for an even more productive week this week!

My goals this week are:

1. Work on manuscript
2. Research more magazine layout software
3. Wrap presents
4. Read library books with Moo & JJ
5. Put turkey on over night on Wednesday
6. Get started on Hurricane Sandy charity project
7. Perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe
8. Spend quality time with Mr YUMMommy
9. Get started on Christmas cards

I am grateful for:

• Life, health and strength for me and my family
• Good books
• Surviving the turkey madness at the grocery store today
• Being able to have Thanksgiving with the Mr
• Netflix
• Christmas decorations
• Knowing right from wrong
• Knowing my worth and not settling for less

Mini Sweet Potato Pies Recipe

Since Thanksgiving is coming up on Thursday, I thought I would share the recipe for my mini sweet potato pies.  It'll be a nice treat for your guests and family in lieu of making traditional large pies.

I'm sure your crusts will be prettier.  I had a 3 yr for my helper.

Ingredients

Filling

20 oz can Sweet Potatoes

1 tsp Vanilla Extract

1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (optional)

3 tbsp Light Brown Sugar

1 Egg

2 tbsp Butter

Crust

1 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour

1 Egg

2 tbsp Granulated Sugar

7 tbsp Butter, softened

Directions

In a large bowl, mix flour and sugar for crust.  Add butter and use your hands or rubber spatula to work mixture until butter is fully incorporated.  Then add in egg and mix well.

Roll out dough to your desired thickness or 1/4 inch.  Use a cookie cutter (or cup) to cut out circles large enough to line muffin tins.

Bake crusts for 10 minutes in a pre-heated 350 degree oven.

While crusts are baking, in another large bowl add all ingredients for filling.  Using a potato masher or your hands, mash ingredients together.  Be sure to mash the sweet potatoes really well.

Fill pie crusts will filling. You can sprinkle extra brown sugar on the tops of the filling if desired.

Bake for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven and let cool.  Once cooled you can top them with whipped cream or even a scoop of ice cream!

Lazy Saturday

Today was a lazy Saturday.  I didn't answer any business emails or take any calls.  I've been feeling like I'm burning the candles at both ends lately.  And that just can't happen.  So, I took some time to just focus on relaxing and enjoying time with the kids.

We enjoyed some time at the library.  The kids got some cool Thanksgiving books.  Moo's favorite is Nate the Great Talks Turkey.  I picked up a few books too.  I'm trying to diversify my reading list.  And I was pleasantly surprised that the book above is actually turning out to be pretty interesting.  I've already submitted a request for books one and three.

And I also took time out to make biscuits from scratch for both breakfast and dinner.  The Mr was very impressed because I don't often make scratch biscuits.  Plus, I think the few times I have made them he's always been at work or I was out of town at my mom's.  I think this is going to be something I do on a weekly basis.

I feel a little recharged.  Let's hope this feeling lasts until Monday because that's Turkey and Ham Shopping Day!

Tried out the heart shaped cutter from my CCLP conference goodie bag.

Simply Homemade With Fleischmann's

Food has always been something that I've enjoyed.  Besides frying, baking is my second favorite way to cook.  And I've never been one to shy away from carbs.  Needless, to say we are huge bread lovers.  So, I was thrilled when I got to opportunity to test out Simply Homemade by Fleischmann's.

If you're a fan of bakery breads then you'll love the Simply Homemade product line.  They have four delicious flavors to choose from- Country White, Italian Herb, Stoneground Wheat and Multi-Grain.  I'm sure that demand increases they'll be adding more flavors to the line.  I for one wouldn't mind seeing a garlic bread added.

And I can't tell you how easy and simple it is to make these breads.  You literally just stir in the ingredients.  Then you let the your dough rise for about 25 minutes covered up and in a warm place.  Your kitchen counter will do.  Then you put in a 400 preheated oven for 20 minutes and you're done!  Yes, it's just that easy folks.

These breads are served best with soups, stews and chili.  They're perfect for sopping up the juices.  Why settle for some boring soup crackers when you can jazz it up a notch huh?  I haven't had any complaints my family.  In fact, Moo is totally obsessed with these breads.  She ate almost a half loaf by herself just yesterday. True story.  And JJ got in on the action too.

Seriously, if you haven't tried these you should.  And with Thanksgiving less than a week away, it's the perfect time to let your family think you were slaving away making delicious bread loaves from scratch.  I've already purchased some more Country White for our Thanksgiving dinner and know the kids will be delighted to see it!

Disclaimer: I received a free party pack from HouseParty.com to host a party and simply wanted to share this treasure on my blog.  It was not a requirement.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own!

Thankful Thursday

I'm thankful that we're at the one week mark for Thanksgiving!  I'm super excited to be staying home and celebrating with the Mr this year!  And he's happy have us home this year. We're really looking forward to being in the kitchen together as a family and cooking dinner together then settling down for a little football, the parades and Christmas movies.

Speaking of Christmas, I'm thankful that JJ has toppled over the Christmas tree yet.  It's been up for three days and I think he's finally getting use to it.  We didn't put on the glass balls this year because we didn't want him getting hurt in case he dropped one. So, right now we just have lights, tinsel garland and a few non-glass ornaments up.  We're going to go check out some shatter-proof Christmas balls this weekend.

I'm thankful that I have been rocking this NaBloPoMo challenge.  The month is almost half over and I haven't missed a day of posting yet.  Proud of myself because challenges like these really help to shape me into a better and more disciplined writer.

I'm thankful to once again be a part of the Old Navy Style Council.  Be on the lookout for another shopping post about my favorite store.  It's truly a blessing to have this chance to work with one of my favorite brands again.  It's even more of a blessing that I'm get the opportunity to do something related to fashion and use my degree.

And I don't think I've mentioned this but JJ is teething again.  He has one tooth coming in on the bottom and one coming in on the top.  I'm thankful that this teething session is going better than others.  I guess since he's eating table food that helps to scratch his gums and he hasn't been sick which usually happens with teething.  He's had a light fever here and there but nothing serious.

What are you giving thanks for this week?

Thanksgiving Is In The Air

Thanksgiving is officially in the air over here folks.  After a long day of cleaning with the Mr, I had a craving for some sweet potato pie, turkey, ham and all the other Thanksgiving Day fixings.  However, seeing that Turkey Day is a week away (give or take 24 hours) and the fact that we still haven't purchased a turkey there was no way that I was going to do all that cooking.  Not to mention, I would have been starved and ready to pass out by the time I would have finished cooking it all.

So, I compromised with myself and decided to make some mini sweet potato pies or tarts as Moo referred to them.  My little mini chef and I were elbows deep in flour as we made pie crust from scratch and then mashed up our yams and other ingredients.  By far patting out the dough was Moo's favorite part of the process.  In fact, she asked to make more today.

We dusted the tops with brown sugar before baking. Delish!

Then this morning we decided to head to the library.  We were suppose to be going to storytime, but of course we were late.  So, by the time we got there it was almost over.  No worries though, I picked up the Thanksgiving books I had put on hold for the kids.  Then we took advantage of the empty play area.  

Moo and JJ had a blast enjoying the computer center.  They had this really cute ant jellybean maze where you had to navigate the ant across a picnic blanket to eat up all the jellybeans.  Not going to lie, I played that game twice.   Then another mom came and they had a little friend to play with.

While at the library we got to enjoy the lovely fall colors taking over the trees.  This is by far my favorite part of fall.  

Well, we've read Nate the Great: Turkey Talk and I'm enjoying New Moon. Yes, I'm a Twilight fan. And I'm stoked about Breaking Dawn 2 coming out tomorrow. (They're having a 10 PM showing here.)  Looking forward to seeing it on Friday!!

Is Thanksgiving in the air at your house? Are you going to check out Breaking Dawn 2?

Avoiding The News

These past few days I've been doing something that I very rarely do- watching the news.  Now I come from a family that watched the news religiously.  You best believe that when 5 o'clock rolled around whatever tv show or movie were watching got turned off in favor in of watching the local news followed by Inside Edition then followed by the CBS Evening News show.  This was our routine Monday through Friday week after week.

As child watching the news didn't bother me as much because while there was some bad or negative stuff for the most part the 90s was a happy time.  There wasn't quite as much foolishness going down.  But as we crept closer to and entered the 2000s, it seems like our country as a whole just started to decline.  People now days are no longer concerned with treating each other with respect or showing kindness.

So gradually I stopped watching the news in high school.  And in college I stopped completely.  I recently started back to keep track of all the Hurricane Sandy news and then somehow got sucked into watching our local news.  Well, I was watching the news last night and Moo was still up watching with me.  And there was just one negative story after the other.

After a few minutes, the reporter started talking about a recent string of robberies where residents are actually getting robbed in broad daylight in their driveways by teens and young adults armed with baseball bats and guns.  I didn't think that Moo was really listening because she had some toys she was tinkering with.   But then she asked me "Mommy why are the bad people doing that to them?"  I wasn't sure what to say.  I mean how do you explain to an almost four year old the wickedness and evil that now seems to fuel and consume our communities?

After that, I ended up changing the channel because honestly now that I know she understands what's being reported, I don't want her exposed to such negativity.  She's a kid and needs to be worried about making friends, playing with dolls and enjoying her cartoons.  Sometimes exposing kids to adult issues too soon makes them grow up before their time.  They become worry warts way before they need to be. Trust me, I know.

Secondly, after watching one bad story after the other with nothing positive to balance it all out, I was starting to get depressed.  Therefore, needless to say I'll be going back to my usual routine of avoiding the news.  I'd rather catch a 140 character news tweet.  At the end of the day, I truly believe that if news channels balanced out the negative stuff they reported with positive news stories from the community people would strive to do better.  It's just a fact that when you have more positive energy and positive thoughts being stimulated you tend to be a more positive person.  And positive people do positive things.

Do you watch the news?  Are your kids allowed to watch the news too?

Mind Right Monday

I've been snuggled up with my boo aka the Mr today.  Plus, JJ is teething again.  So, that's why I'm posting late today.  I'm proud of myself because I got just about everything accomplished on my list with the exceptions of like two things.  Looking forward to another productive week this week.

This week my goals are:

1. Buy turkey and ham for Thanksgiving dinner
2. Put up Christmas tree Saturday
3. Unpack hidden Christmas gifts
4. Pay late fee on library books
5. Take kids to get their shots and do a check-up on Friday
6. Continue working on blankets
7. Work on manuscript

I am grateful for:

• Spending the day with my husband and the kids
• Being almost done with Thanksgiving shopping
• Putting up Christmas decorations on the door and windows with Moo
• Netflix and unlimited Diego
• Being able to be a friend to my friends as they go through difficult times
• Having found my discontinued yarn (but the price was ridiculous)

What are you putting on your goal list this week? Thanksgiving shopping?

11 Days

Why didn't someone tell me that there were only 11 more days until Thanksgiving?  Here I was posting about how I'm excited to be celebrating Thanksgiving with the Mr this and I didn't even realize it'll be here next Thursday!  For some reason I was thinking that Thanksgiving wasn't until the 29th and it's really the 22nd.  Needless, to say I haven't been looking at turkey or ham prices.

Thankfully, I happened to be glancing at the calendar this morning while making breakfast.  I quickly through together a shopping list since I already had our menu made out and posted on the frig.  I skimmed a few sales papers and flipped through my coupons.  Then after the kids and I finished eating we got dressed and hightailed it to the stores.

Moo was super excited to be going food shopping.  What can I say, my kids love to eat!  And Moo loves to cook and be out of the house.  She's an adventurous spirit, which is why her first name suits her.  Plus, she loves the feeling of being mommy's little helper.  It makes her feel like such a big girl and special because JJ is too young to do it.

Today she was really great at making sure I got everything on my list.  Every time I put something the buggy she would ask "Is it on your list Mommy?"  And she was better at resisting the huge to throw a million and one snacks into the buggy.  Instead, she asked if her chips were on the list.  They weren't but I put them on there and said yes so she wouldn't be sad.

Her response was "Oh thank you, Mommy!"  My heart melted a little bit because as of lately she's thanking me for a lot of little things like doing her hair, making her favorite dinner or taking her to the library.  I'm telling you we adults can learn a thing or two from our mini mes.   What made today even better is that I was able to get everything I needed for Thanksgiving except the turkey, ham and collard greens for under $40!!  Yep!

Don't be afraid to shop multiple stores.  And don't sleep on the dollar stores either.  They carry a few name brand products that are cheaper than the grocery store.  Plus, their store brand products often tastes equal or even better than big name stuff and is half the cost.  Overall, I'm glad I was able to get everything and now I can focus on watching these turkey and ham prices drop.

I wish we had a deep freezer because I would buy two turkeys and two hams and save one set for Christmas.  Oh well, maybe I can keep my eye on those too and hope a find a good deal on one.

Have you done your Thanksgiving dinner shopping yet?

A Grieving Friend

Today was a very sad day.  In fact, this whole week has had a sad undercurrent to it.  One of my closest friends loss her mom earlier this week unexpectedly.  Needless to say she isn't taken this tragic event well.  I was in shock when I first heard her mom had died.

Although, I had only met her mom a few times, the times that I met her she left a lasting impression on me.  She was beautiful and had such a glow and lovely personality.  The times I can remember being around her, I always see her smiling.   And she was so talented when it came to making cakes.  In fact, I was going to ask her to make a Princess Tiana cake for Moo's birthday.

I know she was a great mom because my friend talked so much about her parents and how loving they were.  Plus, I saw first hand how much they adored their children and grandchildren.  During my friend's son's first birthday, I would see her parents glancing her interacting with her son.  The look in their eyes was pure pride and love as if they were saying "We did well."  At the end of the day that's what every parent wants to be able to say about their parenting skills.

Seeing my friend so distraught over the loss of her mom just tugged at my heart strings even more.  To see such a person who I know as being strong, tough and doesn't take shit from anybody in such a fragile state made me tear up.  Today, as I offered my friend words of comfort, I wished I could take half of her pain away.  Even as I type this I'm tearing up.  She was so drained and exhausted.  I can hear the sound of cry and almost childlike voice as she tried to hold it together.

I've been to my share of funerals and memorial services but it's something different when you see your friend grieving so hard and you know the one thing/person that can heal them is never coming back.  I can only pray that God will be a fence around her and her family.  That He will protect them from further hurt and pain and comfort them in a way that I can't.  

Have you ever had a friend grieve the loss of a parent or spouse?  How did you try to help them get through it?

Magazine Madness

I'm going nuts over trying to decide if I should take a leap and start an online magazine.  It's something that I've been thinking about since before I found out I was pregnant.  Then after I got pregnant with Moo, I really started to dream of doing a magazine that combined all aspects of my life-motherhood, fashion, marriage, etc.  I realize that to some reading this I may sound nuts.

After all I've got this blog, my Etsy shop, two kids at home 24/7, a marriage and other stuff. But since I'm kicking my bad habit of procrastinating to the curb, I feel like I could make an honest of go this.  It's more like I need to make an honest go of this.  It's time that I get more serious about my YUMMommy/YUMMommies brand.

This is a legacy that I'm leaving to my kids one day.  I want to make sure that my legacy and work is something they will be proud to carry on and pass down to their kids.  I want to make my mark on this world beyond just being a blogger.  Most importantly, I want to help others fulfill their dreams of getting their voices out there.  

My JET Magazine feature opened so many doors and put me on so many people's radar that I need to pay it forward.  Plus, the upside to all of this is that I've site that where I can publish an online magazine for FREE! That way once I get everything aligned and ready to go for a test run, I'm not really losing any money.  And of course, there's always the old-fashioned way of using MS Publisher and converting it to a PDF.

Either way, I've been praying really hard about this and I think I'm finally building up the courage to start work on the first issue.  I know in my gut that this has the potential to be a success.  However, undertaking a task that will be so time consuming scares me.  Will I find the time to make it work?  How will others respond to this magazine?

Will I be able to find quality writers?  Sponsors?  Sometimes, the road to success is scary.  But the it's time to sink or swim.  And I really want to swim.

What would you like to see in a magazine?

Thankful Thursday

I'm so thankful that things on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the blogs are getting back to normal.  Phew!  The holidays are coming up and we should be updating our statuses and posting about cheery things.  I for one am looking forward to Thanksgiving this year.  I'm thankful that I'll be spending it with my husband.

This will be the first Thanksgiving where it'll just be us and the kids.  Change happens and we're rolling with it.  The most important thing is that my honey won't be without his family like he has been these past four Thanksgivings.  We'll get to watch the parades and rattle pots together! LOL

I'm thankful that it was warm enough for the kids and I to get out in the yard and play this afternoon.  They really needed to burn off some pent up energy.  I was in such awe of the beautiful scenery around us.  Like not to get all preachy but it's amazing to see that God made views so gorgeous.

View from my front yard

I've been working on a blanket and I'm thankful that it is coming along well.  It was originally suppose to be listed in Moo's Closet, but Moo has become very attached to it.  She keeps asking me if I'm done with 'her' blanket every five minutes.  When I told her yesterday that it wasn't for her, she started crying a bit.  So, since most of the items in my shop are made to order, I'll just use this blanket at a display model and list it as made to order as well.

Great color combo huh?

I'm also thankful for the surprise check I got on Tuesday!  It felt a little like Christmas and my birthday.

What are you thankful for this week?

Hate It Or Love It

Hate it or love it, President Obama and his family will be calling the White House home for another four years folks.  Yep, the election day battle is officially over.  However, what's not over is all the ugliness that's been buzzing around since this race started.  I have no idea why elections bring out the worst in grown folks.

Sure, we have freedom of speech.  But we also have the right to agree to disagree.  And it seems from reading Facebook and Twitter updates that some of us haven't mastered that skill yet.  It was said to see people I went to high school with and who have been friends for so long fall out over a difference in opinion about who would do a better job at running our country.

I mean come on folks!  Yes, the election is an extremely serious matter and should be taken with the utmost seriousness.  However, at the end of the day neither President Obama or Governor Romney have lost friends over this election.  And I'm sure they both have friends who voted for their opponent instead of them.  

Hate it or love it, we're going to be electing a president every four years.  There's a 50/50 chance that you're going to have friends and family members who aren't going to like who you like.  That's life.  It wouldn't be much of a democracy or election if everyone loved the same candidate.  There's nothing wrong with a little healthy competition yall. 

Please learn to separate politics from your personal lives.  Don't get caught up in the name calling, back biting and ignorance.  Some words you just can't take back.  For example, I saw a black friend who saw one of her white friends update their Facebook status using the N word towards President Obama and other blacks.  She was very upset because it just showed how little her friend valued her.  Well, of course her friend tried to say that he/she didn't feel that way about her personally, but the damage was done.

Hate it or love it we're going to see even more history being made in the future during these presidential elections as we continue to progress as a nation.  And it saddens me to see this foolishness going on and to think about what kind of foolery will go down if we get our first female or Latino president.  I shiver at the words that will be said, the families that will be torn apart and the friendships that will come to an end.  

I am thankful to that nobody in my circle seems to have sunk to any low levels of craziness.  I have quite a mixture of friends and we didn't all vote for the same candidate.  However, what we did do was show each the same love, kindness and respect that we were showing each other before the election started.  For that I feel truly blessed.  Be smart people.  Be kind to your fellow man/woman.

Respect The Vote!

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Source: MS Clipart

Today is a very important day for us as Americans.  Today is the day for all those 18 and over to get out and  let your voice be heard through your vote!  I can't begin to stress how important it is to not be content to just sit home on your bum.  When you don't vote, you're gambling not only with your future but your family's future as well.

Today, we're not just voting for who our next president should be.  We're voting on congressional representatives, policies and some states are voting on gay marriage.  I urge you to take a few minutes to read up on each candidate and vote for the one whose platform you feel in your heart is best.  Voting is good but an informed vote is better.

I voted early and I am glad that my voice was heard.  I'm blessed to have had my kids there to witness the process. Exercising their right to vote is definitely something I want them to be passionate about it.  We love to look at the Civil Rights Movement as being something that happened way back when.  However, if you think about it's not that far back.  Heck, in some ways we're still fighting for equality.

My women certainly know how hard it is to be considered equal.  We're constantly being referred to as the weaker sex or too emotional or too soft.  Well, ladies make sure you speak up at the polls.  I'm hoping the next time we vote for President, we'll be electing our very first female president into office.  Yes, I'm keeping hope alive on that!

There's just so much riding on your votes.  There are so many people who sacrificed their lives, safety and families to get us to this day.  Please, please, please go and voice your opinion and concerns through your vote today.  And if you know of someone without a ride, volunteer to take them to the polls with you.  

Be an example. Be a light. Vote!

Source: MS Clipart

Mind Right Monday

I've never been more happy to see a Monday! We're getting closer to my favorite holiday-Thanksgiving and Christmas. I'm definitely getting giddier and giddier like a kid in a toy store. So, it's a good thing I have Mind Right Monday to help me keep track of everything I need to get accomplished from week to week. 

This week my goals are:

1. Blog everyday (I'm taking the NaBloPoMo Challenge)
2. Go visit my friend (Her mom passed away yesterday)
3. Spray paint my decorative storage baskets
4. Look for a location for Moo's birthday party
5. Wrap more Christmas gifts
6. Start buying food and ingredients for Thanksgiving dinner
7. Steam floors
8. Join new playgroup (our current one just isn't working out)

I am grateful for:

• A loving husband who always has my back
• The special bond that I have with my baby sister
• The ability and strength to let go of negative family members (Blood is not always thicker than water)
• Reconnecting with friends
• My iPhone and its wonderful selection of apps
• My friends and family surviving the devastation that was Hurricane Sandy

What's on your goal list this week?

Sleep Fighters

This is my second night doing a late night post.  Why?  Well, it seems like my kids have turned into sleep fighters lately.  For example, tonight I started getting JJ settled down for bed around 7:30.  I put on his steroid cream because he was feeling a bit itchy and changed him into fresh clothes.  Since, his bouncer seat incident I've been just bouncing him to sleep on my lap.

He was having no such thing tonight.  He squirmed, twisted around, kicked his legs, flailed his arms and whined off and on for almost 3 hours before he finally fell asleep.  I was feeling proud of myself for not giving in and letting him get down and get crunk again.  I probably wouldn't even be typing this post right now if I had.

And then Moo decides to start up her 'I'm hungry' song.  Ugh..  I have one kid to sleep and another who's now trying to fight sleep by refueling up with food.  I can even get started on how she woke up at 1 AM demanding yogurt.  What is about sleep that kids don't like?  I loved my sleep when I was kid.  It wasn't until my teenage years that I started to enjoy staying up late. 

However, as an adult, I'm not a happy camper when I've been up too long.  My eyes start to burn, I get a headache and things that simple small end up getting blown out of portion.  I'm struggling right now to focus long enough to hit the publish button.  Seriously, I've had to backspace and correct the spelling of so many words in this post. LOL.  

So, tomorrow I think we're going to bundle up and head outside for some extra exercise.  Hopefully, that works and will help to burn off this extra energy that they seem to have built up these last few days.

How do you tackle restlessness in your children? 

Taking The Challenge

It's National Blog Post Month and I am officially taking the challenge to blog everyday this month. This is quite an undertaking for me. After all I do have my hands full chasing after a one year old and keeping my three year old entertained. Then you add on all the other hats I wear during the course of the week and it seems like an almost crazy task.

But I am committed to becoming a better blogger and writer. That is why I made the commit and linked up on BlogHer. You'll be seeing a lot more intimate and personal posts on here. I'm playing around with a few photo editing apps to up my photography skills.

All in all, I can't wait to see if I make it. Life happens but I am confident that I will come out on top!

Are you taking the National Blog Post Month challenge?

Almost 4

My little lady is almost 4!  I can't even believe it because it doesn't seem like that much time has gone by.  But is has and so we're in the thick of birthday party planning.  4 is one of those big birthdays and this year I wanted to give her a nice party that included more than just family.  I also wanted to get some decor elements that would make it even more special for my Moo.

So, when Signazon.com contacted me about an opportunity to work with them again, I knew it was a gift from the man upstairs!  I had already been looking at some banners and getting Moo's input on the designs.  It's her birthday after all.  Anyways, we started browsing through some of the pre-made templates.  They have a blank template feature available for too if you want something 100% unique.

They have a great variety to choose from!

Then Moo finally saw a template she liked.  She loved it actually and refused to consider any others.  So, we selected it to get started on customizing it for her party.

You can customize the font, wording and background color

Once we had all the colors to her liking and the wording to my liking, we added it to our cart and checked out.  Yep, it was just that simple.  The banner editor widget is pretty straight forward and you don't have to be a technology genius or anything to use it.  Anyways, here's a sneak peak at the finished product. 

I got her real name printed on the banner. So, of course I had to blur that out.

We're very pleased with how the banner turned out and can't wait to debut it at her upcoming birthday party!  I highly recommend that if you're thinking about adding elements to take a birthday, anniversary or any event up a notch that you check Signazon.com and consider ordering one of their custom banners.  The quality and selection are great.  Plus, delivery doesn't take a million years either!

Have you ever used a customized birthday or event banner?