YUMMommy

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  • Game On

    I was talking with my bestie Thursday night and we started talking about weddings.  Her wedding to be exact.  And she drops the bomb on me that they’ve decided that they want to get married in March.  No, not March 2012, but this March.  As in two months and a few weeks away!
    I thought I would have at least four months before I had to be special event ready bodywise.  So, much for wishful thinking.  Looks like it’s game on as far as shedding these extra pounds.  I gotta get it right and get it tight for these wedding photos.  Not to mention, I don’t want to be girdled up so tight I can’t cut a rug on the dance floor.  
    Source
    I’m not saying I’m on Usher or Chris Brown’s dance level, but I can crank dat and Superman it out. LOL.  Well, I recently took on a freelance position away from home. So, that means I won’t be able to hit gym.  Yes, another month of my share of the gym membership wasted. (Sorry honey)  So, the dilemma becomes how do I shed these extra pounds?
    If I had access to FiTv, I would just turn on some Gilead Total Body and get busy.  But I don’t.  So, to all of you fitness gurus and workout at home readers:
    What is your workout at home routine or tips?

  • Team Walgreens

    This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.
    It’s no secret that I am a fan of Walgreens.  I have had nothing but great experiences with their pharmacy services.  I’ve never had any issues with them not accepting or being accepted by my current insurance company or past insurance companies. And with two kids that have major allergies, that aspect is very important to me.
    However, it seems that other users of Walgreens’ pharmacy will no longer be able to enjoy the same great services as me and my family do.   Walgreens and Express Scripts have sadly parted ways.  Despite their best efforts to accommodate Express Scripts, Walgreens was not able to renegotiate another contract.  As a  result, Express Scripts subscribers have been forced to hunt down other pharmacies that in some cases are longer distances from their homes and have not so great hours.  (See more here.)
    And this breakup not only affects everyday citizens but military families as well.  It so happens that Tricare is under the Express Scripts umbrella.  So, as if these military families don’t go through enough, they now have to find new in-network pharmacies.  I think this is one of the issues that upsets me the most because I have family in military who have been Walgreens pharmacy users for years!  And I just don’t think it’s fair for this burden to be thrown on them or anyone else for that matter, especially during these hard economic times.
    However, Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens was developed to help those Express Scripts subscribers who want to continue Walgreens to do so as well as to help make the transition to a new pharmacy as easy as possible.  I for one commend Walgreens on doing this and making it available to not only Express Script users but all Walgreens customers worldwide.  My heart really goes out to those families who are being affected by this.  I really encourage anyone who’s affected by this to speak out via their local media outlets.
    It’s time that we take a stand against all these medical, insurance and pharmacy related companies that make their customers and consumers jump through hoops without any benefits. To stay up to date and show your support you can follow Walgreens on Twitter and like Walgreens on Facebook.
    Visit Sponsor's Site

  • Restless Baby Syndrome

    JJ is almost eight months and we seem to be entering into what I like to call RBS-Restless Baby Syndrome.  Since he’s approaching toddlerhood, he’s taking fewer naps.  And that’s not a problem.  The problem is finding stuff for him to do during those hours that he’s now spending awake.
    It’s hard work keeping him entertained.  I thought for sure that he would be like Moo was.  She was fine as long as she was in her bouncer seat and watching Yo Gabba Gabba.  And once she learned how to make her walker go, she could care less if anybody paid her any attention.  
    This is not the case for my little prince though.  He is a total attention hog.  I can’t leave his sight for more two seconds unless he’s fully occupied with something else.  But the moment that fascination wears off and he sees that I’ve escaped the room, he lets it rip.
    We’ve been trying to get him interested in toys.  It works for a little bit and then he’s like ok, what else ya got ma?  He’s not a fan of tummy time at all.  He simply rolls over and gives me the you have ten seconds to pick me up look.  He’s already mastered the walker.
    I mean he can navigate that thing better some people navigate their cars.  I thought it would have taken a while to get the hang of it.  But by six months, he was already showing off his skills.  My family couldn’t believe how well he got around in that thing.  We’re convinced he’s going to be walking by his first birthday.
    And you would think that the walker would keep him occupied, but not so.  It just allows him to get into stuff like the Mr’s PS3, snatching lamps off tables, knocking over cups, etc.  It also serves as a way for him to tag along behind me 24/7.  He was content with that at first but the novelty of being able to keep tabs on me is wearing off since I’m not actually holding him.
    I’m running out of things and ways to keep this little guy entertained.  I don’t want him getting sucked into tv watching.  However, we’re both going nuts from his restlessness and easy boredom.  I never imagined that I would be the mother of a high maintenance child.
    So, how do you keep your baby entertained?

  • Restless Baby Syndrome

    JJ is almost eight months and we seem to be entering into what I like to call RBS-Restless Baby Syndrome.  Since he’s approaching toddlerhood, he’s taking fewer naps.  And that’s not a problem.  The problem is finding stuff for him to do during those hours that he’s now spending awake.
    It’s hard work keeping him entertained.  I thought for sure that he would be like Moo was.  She was fine as long as she was in her bouncer seat and watching Yo Gabba Gabba.  And once she learned how to make her walker go, she could care less if anybody paid her any attention.  
    This is not the case for my little prince though.  He is a total attention hog.  I can’t leave his sight for more two seconds unless he’s fully occupied with something else.  But the moment that fascination wears off and he sees that I’ve escaped the room, he lets it rip.
    We’ve been trying to get him interested in toys.  It works for a little bit and then he’s like ok, what else ya got ma?  He’s not a fan of tummy time at all.  He simply rolls over and gives me the you have ten seconds to pick me up look.  He’s already mastered the walker.
    I mean he can navigate that thing better some people navigate their cars.  I thought it would have taken a while to get the hang of it.  But by six months, he was already showing off his skills.  My family couldn’t believe how well he got around in that thing.  We’re convinced he’s going to be walking by his first birthday.
    And you would think that the walker would keep him occupied, but not so.  It just allows him to get into stuff like the Mr’s PS3, snatching lamps off tables, knocking over cups, etc.  It also serves as a way for him to tag along behind me 24/7.  He was content with that at first but the novelty of being able to keep tabs on me is wearing off since I’m not actually holding him.
    I’m running out of things and ways to keep this little guy entertained.  I don’t want him getting sucked into tv watching.  However, we’re both going nuts from his restlessness and easy boredom.  I never imagined that I would be the mother of a high maintenance child.
    So, how do you keep your baby entertained?

  • Travel Bug

    When I graduated high school, my dream was to go to college and study fashion.  Once, I finished college I wanted to move to New York and get a job at a big fashion house like Gucci or DVF.  I didn’t care if I had to work in the mailroom.  I just wanted to be in the Big Apple surrounded by fashion, bright lights and being close to my bestie!
    I envisioned climbing my way up the ladder.  It was also my dream to dabble in a little freelance writing for magazines and The Times.  What I really looked forward to most was the travel that comes along with working in the fashion industry.  As a little girl, I would always clip out pictures of places I wanted to visit-the warm beaches of Hawaii, romantic Paris, exotic Spain, etc.
    Well, my life hasn’t quite panned out that way.  Not that I’m complaining or anything.  However, if anything my travel bug has grown.  Day in and day out, I daydream of attending Fashion Week in New York and Paris.  I see myself in a two piece putting on sunblock somewhere in the Bahamas. 
    Now that I have two kids, I find myself wondering if my dreams of traveling are realistic?  I mean with my husband’s schedule, if I went anywhere more than 3 hours away I’d have to go alone.  Traveling with two young kids scares the hell out of me to be honest.  I have fears of losing track of Moo in a crowded airport or train station now that she’s going through her I don’t want to ride in the stroller stage.
    My mom says that I shouldn’t let traveling with kids scare me.  After all, we spent summers and winter breaks in DC all the time when I was young.  We’d be all over the city going to the mall, hitting up museums and amusement parks.  If she can do it with five kids, that means two should be a piece of cake right?
    So do any of you travel solo with your kid(s)? If so, what tips do you have?

  • You’re Invited

    It’s a party. It’s a party. It’s a par-tay!!
    Yes, you are being cordially invited to join 
    Me, The Young Mommy Life and the rest of the 
    This Is How We Do It co-authors
    for 
    a super awesome and amazing Twitter party.
    When: Thursday, January 5th aka tomorrow
    Time: 8-9 PM EST
    Where: Twitter (duh!)/ TweetChat
    Hashtag: #SurvivalGuide
    It’s going to be hour of fun and laughs as 
    we share tips and tricks on how to 
    survive motherhood.
    So be there or be square folks!
    Don’t forget to spread the word too! (Pretty please.)
    See ya there.
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  • Visions For 2012

    2012 is well underway and I’ve been reading and hearing about a lot New Year’s resolutions and goals.  It got me to thinking about what I want to accomplish before this year is out.  So, I decided to create my 2012 Vision Board.  Last year, I got a late start but was still able to get the ball rolling on some things.
    Being able to visually see the goals I want to accomplish this year day in and day out is really going to motivate me even harder.  I’ll have a daily reminder of what it is I’m supposed to be working hard to achieve. Some of these things are a continuation from last year such as;
    ~Buy a house:  We’ve been house hunting for some now.  I did get briefly discouraged.  And we did face a few bumps, but I’m learning to be patient.  This is the biggest purchase and decision of our lives.  I don’t want to end up settling because I was in a hurry.  At the same time though, we are living in the rental from Hell!
    ~Travel:  So, last year I did not travel at all unless going back and forth to my mom’s house counts.  And there was New Year’s 2011 at the beach but that’s about it.  This year I’m going to work hard to change that.    I’ve been researching and traveling isn’t all that expensive if you plan ahead and take alternative transportation like the train.  I’ve been aching to return to New York and visit my family.  And I’m overdue for a visit to see my bff in Philly!
    ~$1500 Emergency Fund:  Sadly, I failed miserably at even closely obtaining this goal.  We had so many things happening like our getting totaled, having a baby, house hunting and more than our share of ER trips.  Plus, I did get a little shopping happy too.  Not this year though.  I’m going to be reigning in my spending and setting aside money on a monthly basis.
    Some things on this board are new like:
    ~Pampering Myself:  I have a really hard time treating myself to nice things.  I’m always coming up with reasons I don’t need a new pair of shoes even though the ones on my feet have about had it.  My kids walk around dressed in Calvin Klien pea coats and Kenneth Cole jump suits (the internet/Marshalls/TJ Maxx are my bffs).  However, I have a hard time buying myself designer things.
    ~Cooking & Eating Healthier:  I love cooking and I love eating just as much!  However, I’m not exactly the most healthy cook.  What can I say, Paula Dean is my kitchen idol!  But if I’m going to leave the plus size section behind for good, I have to make better food choices.  I’m not only helping myself but my family.
    ~Back to College: I’ve mentioned this but I never really put it on my vision board.  Well, now that it’s on there I’m ready to do something about it.  I’m thinking that online classes will be good until summer since I’m still breastfeeding.
    ~Stronger Marriage/Relationship w/ God:  Both my marriage and faith are very important to me.  And they go hand in hand.  Without a strong relationship with God, what will I fall back on when my marriage is in the dumps.  And yes it happens, but divorce is just not an option for us (with the exception of cheating, abuse & drug addiction).  I don’t want to end up like these celebrity couples we see splashed on the pages of magazines.  Married today, out of love tomorrow. 
     And I know God can help me through those times when I feel close to the edge.  I also know that I can be better a wife.  There’s always room for improvement on everything in life.  I plan to take good advantage of that as it pertains to my marriage.
    ~Freelancing/ YUMMommy:  Last year was my first year dabbling in freelancing and I loved it.  I was nervous at first, but now I’m ready to step my game up.  In the words of Drake, “There’s money to be got.  And I’mma get that shit!”  Real talk there is money to be made using your God given talents. You just have come up with a plan to turn it into a profitable hustle and from there a profitable career.
    With that said, I’m going to be working hard to improve and take YUMMommy to the next level.  I’m still researching host sites because I really want to become my own dot com.  So, I want to make sure that whatever route I take to get there will be the right fit.  I’m also working on trademarking the name and logo.  I’ve been toying with the idea of adding nonprofit to the mix but don’t want to take on too much. 
    So, for now I’ll just be satisfied with March For Charity and working with other organizations.
    This is going to be a wonderful year ladies and gentlemen!
    Have you started your 2012 Vision Board?  What’s on it?

  • This Is How We Do It

    Oh my gosh yall!!! I’m now a published author!!  WooHoo!  
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    I’m beyond thrilled because I finally built up the courage to put myself out there beyond this blog.  And for me that is a HUGE deal.  I’m so proud to have been invited to help co-write This Is How We Do It: A Survival Guide For Busy Moms.  I feel so blessed to be able to share the wisdom that I’ve learned from my experience as a mommy of two.
    The Thank You Speech
    First and foremost, I want to thank God because I was super nervous about if what I had to say would be good enough or even worth sharing.  He certainly gave me the faith I needed to sit down and hammer out my story and the strength to hit the send button.  I would like to send out a huge THANK YOU to Tara over at The Young Mommy Life.  I am so honored that she invited me to be a part of this whole project.
    Like she’s been a major key to me even getting my freelance career off the ground. She’s always willing to give advice and share resources and just help me in any way I need her to.  I’d like to thank my fellow co-authors-Rahma, Merlene, Jasmine, Tina, Franchesca and Amie!  Thank you ladies for taking this journey with me.  We will forever be connected because of this book.
    I would also like to thank my family and my husband because they’ve been supportive of my writing from day one.  I’m sure there are times when they’ve read something on the blog and thought I over shared a bit.  However, I know that at the end of the day they have my back.
    Last but not least, I want to thank all you-the readers.  You all are by far my biggest supporters.  Honestly, my family  because well they’re family.  But for you all-complete strangers-to support me, it feels so humbling and a bit surreal.  I hope that you all will continue to take this ride with me because things will continue to go upward from here.
    And don’t forget to cop the book!

  • Hello 2012

    Can’t believe that this is my first post of 2012!  Wow, a new year is officially upon us.  I feel so blessed to be alive and well in 2012 and to have celebrated with my family.
    So, how did we ring in the New Year?  Of course, I had to watch New Year’s Rockin Eve with Ryan, Jenny and Fergie.  My favorite performances were Pitbull and One Republic.  Contrary to what Jenny McCarthy said, Pitbull killed both of his performances.  
    I mean am I the only one who thought she was sipping on some bitter juice halfway through the show?  I don’t know but it started to seem like her happiness was forced after they came back from that second commercial break.  And Fergie’s blue sparkle mini was so stiff as nails. I don’t think she could have sat in that thing. But I loved her makeup.  She always goes for a fresh or natural glam look.
    I didn’t get to see the ball drop because the Mr thought it would be a good idea to head Uptown and see the fireworks.  Only one problem though.  The Queen City did not do fireworks this year!! BOOOOOO!!!  What kind of crap was that huh?!! 
    Disappointed we headed to McDonald’s to get a little pick me up snack.  And on the way there we passed by an apartment complex and some of the residents were shooting their own fireworks. Score!!  We got to see some after all.
    Then we headed back home and watched movies on Netflix until I passed out around 4 AM.  Yea, I’m paying for that now because the kids seemed to have not been affected by staying up so late but I’m seriously dragging.  Still I’m thankful for how my New Year’s ring in turned out. I was with the three people I love the most and that’s more than some people had.
    2012 is going to be a GREAT year!
    How did you ring in the New Year?

  • So Long 2011, Hello 2012

    Wow, it’s almost time for 2011 to chuck up the deuces already!  I can’t believe this is over.  It went by entirely too quick for me.  I feel like I didn’t take enough pictures or write enough journal entries to capture everything.  I’m hoping that 2012 won’t go as fast.
    All in all though, this has been a great year for me and my family.  I’ve met new people, created new friendships and learned new things.  Most importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to share this year with the people I love the most. So, I decided to take cue from Cam over at Bibs & Baubles and a few of my favorite posts to tell the story of my 2011 Year in Review.  Let’s get started…
    January– We found out that are new addition was going to be a beautiful baby boy!!
    February– I reaffirmed my love for the Mr and realized that sometimes friendships fall apart when you have kids or get married. (Sucks, but it’s life.)
    March– I helped a mom in need and had fun shopping for my little prince!
    April– I almost delivered prematurely! (Talk about scary. Oh and our car got totaled. Back to square one.)
    May– I gave birth to the most perfect little baby boy!
    June– My baby sister graduated high school! (*tears* She grew up so fast. I wasn’t ready.)
    July– I took time to focus on my dreams.
    August– We survived a series of some of the worst hurricanes to hit our area since Hugo.
    September– The Mr and I celebrated our FIRST year as a married couple! (Yay, we made it!)
    October– I stopped shopping at WalMart!
    November– Thanksgiving with my loved ones was a blast!
    December– I turned 26! (30, you’re getting closer!)
    Here’s to hoping that 2012 will bring about just as many memories. I hope that everyone has a blessed New Year’s!  See ya in 2012 ladies and gents!