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  • Celebrate Your Love: Fossil

    So, with Valentine’s Day less than a week away, some of us may still be in search of that perfect gift to celebrate and show our love for our better half.  Well, no problem the good folks at Fossil are offering FREE overnight shipping on all purchases over $100 to help you get him/her something special.  I mean seriously do you want to get your spouse something from your local WalMart that everybody else in your neighborhood is going to be getting for their spouse as well.

    I always like to hunt down specialty boutiques that carry one of kind or customizable merchandise to get something special for Jay.  Or if I can’t do that then it’s off to the internet.  I’m always sure to find something on there that nobody we know will have or be receiving.  That’s why you should check out what Fossil has to offer on their website.  Here are a few selections for both men and women that caught my eye.

    Men’s  Decker Chronograph Black Dial Watch
    $105


    Women’s 3 Hand Rose Gold Tone Silver Dial Watch
    $85

    Men’s Grant 10 Piece Watch Box
    $95

    Women’s Key-Per Frame Cosmetic
    $25


    Don’t forget that Fossil also does clothing and shoes!!  Click on the banner below to see what other great finds you can locate on their website.  Who knows you might want to get a head start on your Christmas and birthday shopping as well.



    Fossil Partners, L.P.
    *I was in no way compensated for this post.*

    ~Don’t forget I’m giving away 25 FREE 4×5 stationery cards from Shutterfly.  Click here for details on how to enter.  Ends 2/9.

  • An Affirmation of My Love

    I’m sure that by now we’ve all seen the mountains of Valentine’s Day merchandise at the stores.  Our CVS started setting their merchandise during the Christmas holiday.  And of course, I’ve already asked the hubby if he wanted anything special.  He said no he didn’t want, but that he’d treat me to a nice romantic dinner, a movie, a card and flowers (if I wanted them cuz I’m not really a flowers type girl).
    His response got me to thinking a little bit.  Exactly what does Valentine’s Day mean to me?  Judging from my husband’s response, I have been putting out this message that it’s all about the gifts and it’s truly not.  He didn’t say that but his rambling off all the stuff he was going to give me and him wanting nothing in return kind of implied that.
    So, I’ll ask again.  What does Valentine’s Day mean to me?  Honestly, Valentine’s Day for me is a day to reaffirm my love, passion and desire for my husband and my gratitude for all that he does.  I know that we should show the people in our lives that we love them all the time, but life gets busy.
    There are days that I don’t tell him how much I love him.  It’s not because I don’t want to but because I get sidetracked with the laundry, mommy duty or we’ve had a fight and I’m mad.  And with him being in law enforcement working around criminals who have stolen, molested and even killed people is the number one reason I should tell him everyday that I love him.  Each day he goes to work and puts himself in harm’s way would be the last we see him (worst case scenario).  Just thinking about it gets me emotional.
    Therefore, I’m thankful that we have a day like Valentine’s Day to make up for all days I missed saying ‘I Love You’ to the love of my life.  The Valentine’s cards, the keepsake boxes, the personalized gifts, etc are all just extras.  They show everything else that I can’t put into words.  So of course rather than get him nothing like he suggested I am going to surprise with a card, breakfast in bed and a few other gifts.
    It just wouldn’t be right to receive and not give to the man who gives so much to me and the rest of this community.  I say to everyone reading this, Valentine’s Day is not about the gifts, but who you spend it with and what they mean to you!  Cherish your loved ones while you can and try to remember to let them know that you love them everyday!
    *This post is sponsored by Shutterfly.  All views and opinions expressed are strictly my own and not influenced in any way by said party above.* 

  • Happy Black History Month

    Yes, today is officially the first day of Black History Month!  And I have to say that this Black History Month is especially special because Moo is finally at the age where she kind of understands what’s going on.  I can share with her stories and picture books about her ancestors and she’ll retain some of what I’m talking about.  I’m really excited to see what kind of Black History shows and programs they have for kids this year.
    I hope and pray that you all will share the importance of observing Black History Month with your children.  I can’t stress enough how imparative it is for our Black children to know that they come from greatness.  So, many times they have it stuck in their mind that because some of us started off as slaves, that we are worthless.  However, that is not the case. Before we were slaves we were the first people to walk the earth.  (Yes, Adam and Eve have been proven to be Africans!)  Then we were and still are kings and queens!
    More importantly besides teaching our children about our past, we need to teach them about our present and our future.  There are Blacks who are making history as we speak.  Look at Barack Obama!  He is our first Black president!  This man is making strides that although some of us said it was possible, others of us didn’t believe until it happened.  He has given knew meanings to the words ‘You can be anything.’
    And remember that Black History doesn’t have to be just one month out of the year, but 365.  Take the time to teach your kids about their history whenever you have an opportunity.  The more they know about where they came from the further they can go and will go in life.
    Oh, did you all know that I come from a family that had two very famous celebrities?  Well, I am a great decendent of Aunt Jemima (yes, the pancake syrup lady) and I’m the great, great cousin of the late Grammy award winning singer Luther Vandross! It’s truly funny when I reveal this about myself because the next question people usually ask is ‘So, you’re rich right?’  Nope! That’s not how it works in this family.  While, I spent plenty of days with Mary Vandross when she resided in her South Carolina residence and Luther would come to visit, we never did the whole can you break us off a couple thousand song and dance.
    His success was his own to enjoy and reap the benefits of.  We were very proud of everything he achieved and treated him like a normal member of the family.  In this family, every man either swims or sink.  Now, we don’t let each other go homeless or starve, but we don’t encourage bumming either.  If you have an able body, then you are expected to go there and make something of yourself just like everybody else did.  We are proud of stake in Black History and are looking forward to the next generation continuing to carry the torch and make more history.
    Happy Black History Month!! 

  • Happy Black History Month

    Yes, today is officially the first day of Black History Month!  And I have to say that this Black History Month is especially special because Moo is finally at the age where she kind of understands what’s going on.  I can share with her stories and picture books about her ancestors and she’ll retain some of what I’m talking about.  I’m really excited to see what kind of Black History shows and programs they have for kids this year.
    I hope and pray that you all will share the importance of observing Black History Month with your children.  I can’t stress enough how imparative it is for our Black children to know that they come from greatness.  So, many times they have it stuck in their mind that because some of us started off as slaves, that we are worthless.  However, that is not the case. Before we were slaves we were the first people to walk the earth.  (Yes, Adam and Eve have been proven to be Africans!)  Then we were and still are kings and queens!
    More importantly besides teaching our children about our past, we need to teach them about our present and our future.  There are Blacks who are making history as we speak.  Look at Barack Obama!  He is our first Black president!  This man is making strides that although some of us said it was possible, others of us didn’t believe until it happened.  He has given knew meanings to the words ‘You can be anything.’
    And remember that Black History doesn’t have to be just one month out of the year, but 365.  Take the time to teach your kids about their history whenever you have an opportunity.  The more they know about where they came from the further they can go and will go in life.
    Oh, did you all know that I come from a family that had two very famous celebrities?  Well, I am a great decendent of Aunt Jemima (yes, the pancake syrup lady) and I’m the great, great cousin of the late Grammy award winning singer Luther Vandross! It’s truly funny when I reveal this about myself because the next question people usually ask is ‘So, you’re rich right?’  Nope! That’s not how it works in this family.  While, I spent plenty of days with Mary Vandross when she resided in her South Carolina residence and Luther would come to visit, we never did the whole can you break us off a couple thousand song and dance.
    His success was his own to enjoy and reap the benefits of.  We were very proud of everything he achieved and treated him like a normal member of the family.  In this family, every man either swims or sink.  Now, we don’t let each other go homeless or starve, but we don’t encourage bumming either.  If you have an able body, then you are expected to go there and make something of yourself just like everybody else did.  We are proud of stake in Black History and are looking forward to the next generation continuing to carry the torch and make more history.
    Happy Black History Month!! 

  • Are You My Dream Home?

    I’ve been talking about how we have decided to take the plunge and buy a forever home.  However, for me it’s much more than finding a place we can live in or at least own forever and pass down to either Moo or JJ.  As a young girl I developed a passion and love for houses.  I mean I even sketched out floor plans, make interior design boards, etc.  What can I say, it’s kinda fashion related?

    So, I’ve always had this idea in my mind about what my dream home needs to have and sorta look like.  And no, I didn’t go overboard with it.  I didn’t come from a rich home and kept a realistic picture when making out my list.  My dream home needed:

    ~4 bedrooms
    ~2-3 baths
    ~a garage
    ~a deck
    ~front porch
    ~a nice size front and back yard
    ~two stories (not required but certainly desired)
    ~in a nice and secure neighborhood

    Well, I think that we have found a dream home that fits all of my requirements!!  I am trying not to get my hopes up too much because I’ve watched enough HGTV to know that just because you put in an offer on a house doesn’t mean you’ll get it.  But I’m faithful.  I trust that if it’s meant to be then once we have taken the proper action and put in the best offer it will be.  If not then I pray for God to lead us on to the next house.

    So, that’s my dream home or my dream home out of all the homes we’ve found thus far.  It has 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, two stories, nice size front and back yard and a huge upper level deck for grilling and entertaining!!  Plus it’s in a nice neighborhood (it’s actually 3 minutes from our current residence) and has a garage.  We’re hoping to be able to add on to the garage in a year because we’re getting a second car soon.  And it’ll be easier to load up two kids in garage as opposed to having to tote one out of the house and then go back for the other.  Moo has not yet gotten over the excitement of running around aimlessly when we go to load up in the car and I won’t be able to chase after her and carry a car seat.

    It’s not a mansion, like some of you may have been expecting because of the words ‘dream home,’ but it’ll be a place where I can host birthday parties, dinner parties, playdates and more.  Not to mention the front yard has tons of curb appeal potential.  I love to garden and can see the drive and walkway lined with beautiful flowers and brush.  And I’d add some shutters to the outside  and maybe change the paint color and add a sitting area since it doesn’t have much of a front porch.

    Yes, my mind is already running wild with all the possibilities that could be!

    What is your dream home?  And did you get it?

  • Thankful Thursday & Giveaway Winner

    This Thursday, I am thankful for my life, health and family.  I currently have 3 people in my family battling cancer.  And all I can do is thank God that I’m not one of them.  It’s scary because cancer is pretty prominent on both sides.  And one of those family members battling cancer just so happens to be my 19 year old cousin.  It just goes to show you that sickness affects the young and the old.  I’m trusting God to bring each of them through it.

    I am thankful that YUMMommy is gaining momentum.  I’ve enjoyed sharing my journey with you all and am looking forward to continuing to do so.  I am also thankful that I can use YUMMommy as a platform to help charities, those in need and do so many other awesome things.  By the way, I have a special giveaway coming up when we make it to 300 followers!!!  So, please spread the word.

    I am thankful that we are making progress on the house hunting front.  It’s slow but progress none the less.  I’m confident that God is going to allow us to get the dream house we need and allow it to be in our price range.

    What are you thankful for this week?

    ~The winner of the Love, Honor, and Betray Book Giveaway is Angiewattie.  The winner was chosen via Random.org.~


  • Fashion Find: Affordable Diamonds from Allurez

    So, earlier this week I talked about designer home furnishings minus the designer price tag.  Well ladies, how many of you out there enjoy being blinged out?  I know that I do.  There is nothing like a little bling to brighten up your day.  And guess what, you can build up your bling collection without breaking the bank.
    Check out these lovelies from Allurez
    Oval Opal and Diamond Ring
    $145.00
    Oval Citrine and Diamond Solitaire Pendant
    $154
    Oval Citrine and Diamond Ring
    $179.00
    Diamond Ring Guard
    $275
    Diamond Cross Disc Pendant Necklace
    $299.00

    Also, Allurez offers Laway!!  This site has some really awesome stuff.  So head on over and pick up something fabulous just in time for Valentine’s Day!
    Allurez.com Valentine's Day Sale

  • Things That Make Me Say Hmmm…

    Let’s see things that made me say hmmm…this week were:

    1. Celebrities in Foreclosure:  Honestly, I don’t really understand how some of these celebrities can into foreclosure if they are claiming to have millions of dollars in the bank and successful businesses.  Now we all remember at the reunion show for the Real Housewives when Andy asked Lisa if the rumors of her and Ed’s house going into foreclosure were true.  And she said no that they just downsized to a house that they already own.  Well, leave it to Yahoo to dig up the facts.  According to them and Georgia court records, Lisa and Ed’s house did in fact go into foreclosure along with a few other celebrities.  Hmmm..why didn’t she just answer truthfully from the beginning?  You can’t say it’s personal because you were on a reality tv show about your personal life.  Check it out here.
    2. MTV Shows:  Let me just say that I am very disappointed in MTV and the direction their shows are going.  Starting last year after Teen Mom started turning into a train wreck with Farrah still acting stupid towards her mom and then Amber abusing her ex boyfriend/daughter’s father, Gary, I pretty much stopped watching anything on their network.  As a mom and having had my grandmother, my sister and a few other relatives be victims of domestic violence I found it hard to sit there and watch that trash.  Yea, I called it trash.

    Domestic violence is a huge problem amongst young people and that little fine print they put at the end of episode didn’t cut it for me.  I remember the days when MTV didn’t allow participates in their shows to be violent towards other castmates.  Now it seems like they encourage it.  I mean you have throw downs on the Jersey Shore, the Gaunlet, Teen Mom and now their new show Skins just takes the cake.  That show is legalized child/teenage porn.  And they have the nerve to say that they are just portraying the secret lives of American teenagers.

    Hmm…bullshit.  MTV was in such a hurry to put out their over sexed up, drugged up version of Degrassi, I don’t think that they even thought about the message they were sending out with Skins.  After Taco Bell pulled their sponsorship and other companies threatened to do the same MTV decided to move the show back to a later time slot.  However, a later time slot does not change the target market of their show.  Just means more kids will be sneaking to watch tv when their parents go to bed to see a bunch of teenage/child actors smoke pot, drink Grey Goose and have girl on girl action.

    3. Gucci-And no I’m not talking about the clothing label, but the rapper.  These nut went out and got an ice cream cone tattooed on his face!!  OMG!  What’s going on with the rappers these days?  Why can’t more of them be like Jay-Z, 50 Cent or Common?  When you achieve celebrity status, it is just manditory that you have to do better.

    Getting a tattoo on your face isn’t really smart.  Let’s start with the fact that you’re putting a needle with ink near your eyes that you use to see.  And then there’s the fact that laser tattoo removal leaves scarring.  So, you’re either going to be old with a wrinkled tattoo or get it lasered off and risk looking like you have African tribal markings (which would be way better) on your face.  Check out a pic of the tattoo here.

    So what things have made you say hmmm…this past week or even today?

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  • Fashion Find: Home Furnishing From Neiman Marcus

    So as you all know we are house hunting.  And let me just say it’s no easy task.  Either we find a house within our price range and it doesn’t have the space we need or we find a house with the space we need but out of our price range.  However, we determined to locate the perfect home and have started working with a real estate agency as well as a first time home buyer program.  So, I am confident that we will find our dream home very soon.
    In the meanwhile, I am getting busy making decorating plans.  We don’t really have a lot of furniture because we’ve pretty much lived in apartments and now am living in a duplex.  So, of course we will need more items to help fill up space in our new home.  Not to mention Moo is transitioning from her baby furniture to Big Girl stuff!!  And we are getting all new everything for the master bedroom. 
    And I’m not going to lie, I have a taste for the finer things in life.  However, as a fashion major, I know that I don’t have to pay the finer price tag.  Shopping online is not only more convient but also you can find some great sales on designer and big name department stuff.  And the latest brand I’m obsessed with is Neiman Marcus.  I fell in love with them on a trip to New York four ago.
    Here are some of the amazing pieces I am looking at adding to my future home and they are under $200!!
    Was $139.00 Now $69.90
    Mikasa “Cheers” Champagne Flutes & Wine Glasses (set of four)
    Was $49.00 Now $32.00
    Cuisinart Soft Serve Ice Cream Maker
    Was $185.00  Now $100.00
    Monogrammed Guest Towel
    Was $18.00  Now $6.00
    16-Piece Reactive Glaze Dinnerware
    Was $100.00  Now $65.00
    Hopefully, you will head on over to Neiman Marcus and see all the lovely items they have on sale.  Remember, quality fashions doesn’t always have to cost an arm and a leg!

  • Daring to Take Charge

    So, I’m reading Dare to Take Charge: How to Live Your Life on Purpose by Judge Glenda Hatchett.   Let me just say that this book is simply amazing!  I’m sure many of you know her from her show, Judge Hatchett, but as an author she is just as inspiring and compassionate.  I’ve been reading a lot of nonfiction inspiratonal books over this past year and this book is just really blowing my mind and moving something inside of me.  And no I’m not just saying this to help promote the book.  I actually received this book as a gift.

    Anyways, I got to thinking that I’d love to share some of my favorite parts and exercises from the book with you all.  This is just too good to keep to myself.  I know that some of you reading my blog are like me and have let the curve balls and surprises of life intercept your dreams.  Many of us have probably even lost control over our lives!  We’re stuck on autopilot being moms, wives, girlfriends, etc.  Well, it’s time to snap out of the trance and break the mold.

    I am a mom and a wife, but I am also an individual outside of those two terms.  I am vowing today to take back control of my life.  Once upon a time I had dreams and then I got sidetracked.  I’m cutting off the autopilot and plotting my own course from here on out!

    I’m not expecting it to be easier but at least it will be what I want.  I can’t let my destiny pass me by.  A lot of people have the misconception that fate just happens.  Sorry to burst your bubble but it doesn’t.  We have to work towards the fate and destiny we want to end up with.

    In Chapter 1: How Dare You Not?, Judge Hatchett talkes about how we have to get up off our butts and dare to dream again.  I admit that YUMMommy is a year old and has done well, but it could have been so much more than what it is now.  I got discouraged, overwhelmed and even scared and lost focus of my vision.  It’s time that I saddle back up and keep it moving.

    I found a comfort zone. Well, I’m about to mix this thing up.  Time to add some real flava in here and really go after what I want for my brand.  I truly want to make this resource for my readers.  I hope that you all will take the challenge with me and rediscover your dreams too.

    Our first exercise is to ask ourselves three questions:

    1-What is the one thing that you have always wanted to do in your life and have not yet done?

    2-What’s holding you back? (Why haven’t you done it?)

    3-How dare you not follow through on your honest ambitions!  Do you dare not try?

    If you have lost sight of your life plan, dreams, goals or are just tired of where you are in your life, I want you to seriously think about these questions and get a journal and write down the answers.  They will come in handy for the next exercise.  Until next time this is our dare from Judge Hatchett:

    ~Do what you dream of doing
       *Work toward the grace of fulfillment.
       *Be clear with yourself about what your life requires or demands of you.

    ~Live out your gifts
      *Depend on and act on the grace of God within you.
      *Increase the amount of time you spend doing what your’re good at.

    ~Reach
      *Take the high road.
      *Expect more of yourself.

    Don’t forget YUMMommy is on Facebook and Twitter!

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