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  • Holiday Shopping With BJ’s Wholesale Club: My Ultimate Shopping List For Rocking Holiday Parties & Dinner

    Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by BJ’s Wholesale Club.  I attended a Holiday Preview Event where I either saw and/or got to try out the items listed in this post.  All opinions are 100% my own and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
    Growing up my mom always executed the best holiday parties and dinners for Christmas and New Year’s.  I don’t know how she did because money was always tight.  However, almost every year she’d sit us older girls down and we’d plan out everything from the menu to decor and gifts.  Myself and some of my favorite Queen City bloggers got together to attend the BJ’s Holiday Preview Event earlier this  month at our local BJ’s Wholesale Club.
    I had blast getting to know more about BJ’s Wholesale Club, checking out all of their holiday goodies, and sampling some good eats.  I even got in a little shopping.  Attending this event definitely made me think of my mom’s holiday parties, how much they rocked and that maybe it’s time I start hosting a few of my own.  Therefore, I put together this ultimate shopping list of some of my favorite foods, decor and gifts/favors that I saw and tried at BJ’s.  Having seen their prices first hand, I feel confident saying that I’ll be getting the most bang for my buck.
    What better place to start planning than with the food.  And let me tell y’all, BJ’s has one of the best selections in terms of food.  Meats, cheeses, fresh produce and more.  They were kind enough to put together a little luncheon/taste testing for us and it did not disappoint!  Also, I should mention that BJ’s does accept Apple Pay, EBT and manufacturer coupons!  So, let’s dig into this list.
    Lobster Crostini by Cheating Gourmet–  New to BJ’s this yummy appetizer is made with premium Maine Lobster meat blended with a creamy cheddar cheese spread over a nice toasted French baguette.  I was in lobster heaven.  Since, JJ has a shellfish allergy, it had been well over a year since I’d had any.  You won’t regret putting this item on your menu and neither will your guests.
    J. Scott Bacon Wrapped Tenderloin–  Bite size beef tenderloin sprinkled with steak seasoning and wrapped in a smoked hickory bacon?  Yes, I don’t mind if I do.  These were so flavorful!  Not that I was expecting anything less because bacon makes anything taste good, but the steak seasoning really took it up a notch.   



    Fresh Express Organic Produce–  You guys already know that we are a Fresh Express household.  However, I was delighted to see that BJ’s not only has a great selection of their regular produce products, but their  organic produce as well!  With that said, definitely stock up on the Baby Spinach, which could be used to make spinach dip or sauted to use as a side.  Their Spring Mix salad is great and you can spruce it up by adding walnuts, dried cranberries and your favorite balsamic dressing to make it more festive.

    Wellsley Farms Mini Pastry Platter and Assorted Cake Platter– The Mini Pastry platters include ready to serve Old World pastry treats that offer sweet flavors of tangy fruit, chocolate, mint, toffee and more.  If you’re like me and my little brother, then no Christmas dinner or party is complete without a cake platter, especially one that includes cheese cake and carrot cake.  And oh delicious the Wellsley Farms carrot cake was!  I may or may not be getting one for my birthday this Friday.
    Wellsley Farms Prepared Foods–  Not good at cooking from scratch?  No worries because BJ’s has you covered with a great selection of prepared foods from Wellsley Farms.  From macaroni and cheese to chicken breasts stuffed with asparagus and wrapped in bacon, your guests won’t go hungry.  All you have to do is follow the heating/baking instructions on the packaging.  The kiddies and I had the chicken breasts and they were delicious.  I think I’m going to take a break from cooking from scratch at least once a week now.
    Now that we have the menu nailed down, let’s move on down the list to decor.  I learned from my mom that decor is important because it will keep guests occupied before and after the eats have been served.  How?  Haven’t you ever walked into room decorated so beautifully that you got lost trying to take in everything?  And don’t don’t forget table, it’s like a one big centerpiece for your dining room.
    Gemmy 10′ Animated Lightsync Airblown Frosty–  This BJ’s exclusive outdoor decoration is the perfect way to show your guests (and neighbors) that you’ve embraced the holiday spirit.  Frosty inflates in seconds and will definitely be a showstopper.  Down here in the Carolinas, we love big inflatable decor.
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    Holiday Decor Accent Rug–  If you’re looking a more inexpensive way to add a little touch of outdoor holiday decor, check out BJ’s exclusive selection of holiday accent rugs.  They’re under $20, adorable and functional!  How cute is that Rudolph one above?
    Christmas Tree– Whether you want an indoor or outdoor tree, you will have a wide selection to choose from at BJ’s.  There were pre-lit trees, short trees, and plain trees.  The Sylvania Pre-lit Frasier Fur was my favorite! (Available online)
    I hide to hang this up high out of the reach of little fingers.
    CEMOI Chocolate Tree Decorations– After you’ve picked out your tree, be sure to pick up some of these festive and edible chocolate decorations to hang on it.  It’ll be like a special treat for your guests.
    We had a beautiful tablescape for the luncheon part of our visit.  Be sure to watch the brief video clip below.  Be prepared to see some of the realest looking disposable china and silverware that I have seen in years.
    //www.youtube.com/get_player
    Looked real didn’t it?  Besides the realist look of the plates and utensils, I loved how simple, but festive the overall place setting was.  Want to duplicate this look?  The products are listed below.
    TrendWare Metallic Plastic Utensils–  The shiny on finish on these will definitely have your guests thinking you ran out to pick up an extra set of real silverware.  They’re very sturdy and not flimsy like other brands I’ve tried.
    TrendWare Plastic Dessert and Dinner Plates–  Again TrendWare scores a home run because we all thought that the china was real.  The details on these plates were flawless.  Although, these are not microwave- or dishwasher- safe, you certainly don’t have to worry about your dinner meeting the floor or your lap.  These are very sturdy and will allow you and your guests to move around with your plates in hand without fear of your plate caving in if you’re throwing a less formal shindig. 
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    Living Home Christmas Handmade Gift Tags– That cute name card on the napkins is actually a gift tag!  Super cute, right?!  Just slip your folded napkin through the string, write your guests name on the back and you’re done.  These are also exclusive to BJ’s Wholesale Club.  (Available online)
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    Living Home Set of 2 Porcelain Platters– Exclusive to BJ’s, these serving platters are both dishwasher- and microwave- safe.  They also have side handles for easy lifting.  You get one large and one medium platter. The large is perfect for your meat (turkey, ham, etc) and the medium is great for holding your desserts or sides (remember that baby spinach?).  (Available online)
    Of course, a holiday party or dinner isn’t complete without gifts/favors for your guests.  With over 7,500 in each wholesale club, BJ’s is guaranteed to have a little something for everyone and for every budget.
    Sugar Grove Tapered Nut Tower– Who wouldn’t love milk and dark chocolate covered almonds, peanuts, macadamias and cashews?  This tower is exclusive to BJ’s and comes pre-wrapped.
    Ghirardelli Mug Gift Set (4 count)– One can never have enough mugs.  This is especially true when  said mugs come stuffed with Ghirardelli cocoa and chocolate, Walkers cookies and a peppermint stick.  You can break this set up into four individual gifts or wrap and give as one gift.  The best part is that these are gender neutral.
    Satina Cosmetic Brush Set with Case–  I actually received this set my secret santa, My Mommy Brain, the of the Holiday Preview Event and I love it!  It comes with a full-size and travel-size set.  Both have their own storage cases and could easily be broken into two different gifts/favors.  The perfect gift if you’re throwing a party for your girlfriends. (Available online)
    Lindor Party Favors (6 count)–  That gold box with the bells on it from the tablescape clip earlier we the Lindt Chocolate Lindor Party Favors.  Each box comes with four truffles and they literally melt in your mouth.  If you love rich flavors of chocolate and buttery caramel, then your guests will too.  You could either set these out on the dinner table as part of the decor or line them up on a table by the door to pass out as your guests head home.  
    This gift is gender neutral and even a great favor for kids, but be sure to ask their parents if they’re allowed to have candy first!  This set is exclusive to BJ’s.
    Gift Cards–  From Burger King to AMC and Spa Wellness, BJ’s Wholesale Club has one of the best selections of gift cards.  I loved that some of these gift cards were sold in three-packs for example for $30 you could get a set of three gift cards and each card will have $10 on it.  Perfect for kids and teenagers as well as adults and your wallet.  Also, be sure to check out their Extreme Value gift cards.  (Available online)
    And there you have it folks!  I do recommend that if you live near a BJ’s that you go and check them out.  Membership starts at $50 and will pay for itself with all the savings you will rack up.  Also, you guys know that  I have talked a lot on here about giving back and BJ’s does a great job of giving back to the community. 
    They have grant program for nonprofits, sponsor schools and even participate in Toys for Tots.  Lastly, just a tip for all of my NC readers, if you are a state employee you can log into your SEANC account and get a BJ’s Wholesale Club membership at a discounted price!  Be sure to visit them on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on all happenings.  Happy shopping and check out my recap video below and more pictures from trip here!
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi7EV77e380]

    Do you host or attend holiday parties?  If so, what do you enjoy most about them?




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  • Strawberry Shortcake Party Kit: Birthday Party Decorating Made Easy

    Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Birthday In A Box.  I did receive the products below to facilitate this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
    So, what do you do when your daughter decides she doesn’t want a birthday on her sixth birthday, but you want her to have one anyway?  If you’re me, you try to meet her somewhere in the middle and opt for having a small family gathering.  Once you’ve invited everyone at the last minute, you then start to panic about decor.   Birthday parties have to have decor, right?  This is where the lovely folks from Birthday In A Box come.  They have pretty much anything you could ever need or want to throw fabulous parties.

    I’m talking balloons, plates, cups, pinatas, toys, etc.  The list goes on and on.  Birthday In A Box is truly your one stop shop online for all of your party decor needs.  They even themed merchandise, which was perfect because I wanted Moo’s mini-birthday party to have a Strawberry Shortcake theme.  That was the theme we had originally talked about earlier this year before she decided that she didn’t want a party.

    Since, we were keeping things really small, I decided to order one of the smaller Strawberry Shortcake decoration kits.  Our kit came with:
    1 Strawberry Shortcake Jumbo Letter Birthday Banner Kit
    1 Strawberry Shortcake Table Decorating Kit
    1 Strawberry Shortcake Swirl Decorations Value Pack
    10 Lime Balloons
    1 Red Curling Ribbon
    1 Red Streamer Roll
    1 Hot Pink Stars Confetti

    By far the birthday banner and swirls were our favorite items.  The banner comes with numbers which makes it reusable for years and years to come.  Likewise, the swirls are reusable as well.  Once, you take them down, the metallic part will curl back up and you can place them back in the bag until you’re ready to use them again.
    If you’re looking for girly party ideas (or boy party ideas), I would definitely recommend that you check out Birthday In A Box.  Their prices are reasonable. They have pretty much all of the cartoon/animated characters that your child would ever want. The decorations are of great quality.  I’m already excited to plan JJ’s birthday party and order his decorations!
    How do you decorate for your kids’ birthday parties?
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  • Thankful Thursday

    Happy Thankful Thursday YUMMs!  I’m so glad this week is coming to a close.  Stressful doesn’t even begin to describe how this week has been going.  Yesterday, my head felt like it was going to explode at any moment.  However, bad times don’t stop the show and I still have lots to be grateful for.
    Over the weekend, Moo got into some food she wasn’t suppose to have due to her allergies.  That led to her getting really sick, swelling up, breaking out in hives literally from her head to her toes and having a fever for three days straight.  It was nuts.  She had to miss her first day of school and that bummed me out because I was hoping she would have perfect attendance the entire school year. I’m thankful to report today that she is doing much better!
    God is good and her hives are almost gone.  The swelling went away completely Wednesday and her fever finally broke late Monday night.  I thought for sure we’d have to spend a few days in the hospital, but thankfully we didn’t.  Food allergies make it so rough around these parts sometimes.
    JJ is like a talking machine now y’all.  I think it amazes him just how much he’s progressed in his speech and he gets in this moods where he’ll be really chatty for like hours.  Although, it’s not fully sentences and some of it is still very much gibberish, he’s trying and for that I give thanks.  That’s leaps and bounds from where we were this time last year.
    He’s also being more affectionate and covers me kisses in random spurts.  On the flip side, he has been bumping heads with Moo a lot lately for some reason.  So, there has been lots of timeout and putting them in their separate spaces.  I’m pretty sure this phase will pass quickly because as soon as they’re out of timeout, they hug and start playing together.  Those two have a bond like no other.
    I finally found a craft project to do with Moo’s class.  Thank goodness because I wanted to choose something that would be fun, but simple and not too messy.  So, we’re making Santa Snow Globes using paper plates, sandwich bags, glitter and food coloring.  Can’t wait.  And the best part is that I’ll get to spend more of my birthday with Moo since that’s when we’ll be making these. 
    JJ’s tagging along and I hope he doesn’t turn that classroom too upside down.  He’s not destructive, but he likes to dig.  Whenever he sees drawers and cabinets, his curiosity gets the best of him.  I can’t even be mad at him because he inherited that trait from me.  We’re investigative people by nature.
    I’m thankful that I will soon be living in a gated community!  Out apartment complex was recently acquired by a bigger management company and y’all they are pulling out the stops.  We have nice fence going up around the complex and will soon be receiving gate remotes and keys.  Today they trimmed all of the overhanging branches on the trees and planted new flowers.  I’m honestly thinking of sneaking some of the wood back to the apartment to use as kindling for the fireplace.
    I’ve seen that a few apartments have already gotten new appliance deliveries.  I’m excited and grateful that for the few months we have left on our lease, we will get to enjoy these upgrades. I’m even more excited that I’ve found some reasonably priced houses and land lots in one of our dream neighborhoods.  
    If we go the land lot route and build a home, we’ll be in this apartment another year, but I won’t mind because the neighborhood is great and I’m close to all of the malls.  They’re all just a 30 minute drive away.  I almost wish we could move our dream schools closer and find a house in this area that’s in our budget.  Anyways, this next few months is going to be all about keeping a stricter grip on our funds so that we can have a good down payment or be able to pay cash for the land lot depending on which route we take. 
    I’m grateful for the blessings that God has worked out for certain members of my family.  There have been quite a few storms brewing behind the scenes, but we shall rise and come victorious as always.  I’m grateful for seasons of rain because they remind us to stay humble.  They remind me where my help and miracles come from.  They bring us closer.
    I’m grateful that the Mr and I are coming up on our ten year anniversary of being a couple.  TEN years y’all.  That’s almost unheard of with couples my age and his age.  Also, next year we’ll celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary and I can’t wait.  The vow renewal ceremony is back on and so is my planning hat.
    Be prepared to see my Pinterest feed, the blog and my YUMMommy YouTube channel flooded with wedding stuff!  Lastly, I’m most thankful that I won a Facebook cover redesign from Kokoa Magazine!  I can’t wait to unveil the finished product on Monday!!  Thanks again Kita!  And if you guys haven’t checked out Kokoa Magazine, hop on over there and gets to reading.
    What are you giving thanks for this week?

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  • Prepping For The Holidays With Smile Brilliant

    Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Smile Brilliant.  I received a free professional tooth whitening tray creation kit.  However, all opinions expressed are 100% my own and do not necessarily reflect those of the brand.
    They say a smile is worth a thousand words. With the Christmas and New Year holidays coming up soon, I want to make sure that my smile is extra bright!  Thanks to the awesome folks over at Smile Brilliant, I’ll be prepping my “thousand words” smile for the holidays using their professional teeth whitening tray creation kit!  They reached out to me before Thanksgiving to ask if I’d be interested in reviewing their home whitening kit and I said yes.  I’m no stranger to teeth whitening, but I’ve never tried whitening my teeth using a custom made whitening tray.
    The previous methods that I tried were whitening strips and whitening gels.  With the strips there was a lack of tooth coverage since the strips didn’t stretch to the back teeth.  Using the gel, I had to hold my mouth in the widest and most uncomfortable position for upwards of 30 minutes.  Talk about my facing hurting.  So, I’m super excited to try this kit out.
    Something new this around besides the trays, is that this will be my first time using the desensitizing gel.  I have sensitive teeth and have experienced mild discomfort using other whitening products.  I’m anxious to see how much of a difference in discomfort using this gel will bring me.  However, what really sold me on using this tooth whitening kit is that fact that Smile Brilliant has their very own registered dental hygienist.
    She’s familiar with their products and the ingredients that are in it as well as what the possible side affects are.  Also, she writes articles about all things related to tooth whitening on the Smile Brilliant blog.  Their blog is a great place to start if you have any questions on things like tooth sensitivity to whitening, enamel damage, and more.  
    In the YouTube video below, I unbox my Tray Creation Kit and show you what products are included in each kit.  Be sure to check it out. 
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3XqE9WC7d0]
    I hope you enjoyed the video!  If you’re interested in purchasing a Smile Brilliant kit to try out for yourself, use the coupon code MCCOY5 to get 5% off your order.  Don’t forget to check them out Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.  I can’t wait to come back in a few weeks to show y’all my results.  Stay tuned!
    How are you prepping for the holidays?  And have you ever tried tooth whitening before?
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  • Thankful Thursday

    Happy Thankful Thursday YUMMs!  Today has been a busy day for sure.  However, I’m not complaining.  It was busy in an awesome type of way.  I got to hang out with my favorite Queen City bloggers at the BJ’s Wholesale Club Holiday Preview event.
    I’m thankful that I was invited to this event because I never heard of BJ’s until maybe like three or four years ago.   Needless, to say I had never been inside one either.  So, I didn’t know what to expect, but let me tell y’all, I’m a fan now.  Yes, the prices are amazing and cheaper than what we currently pay at the regular grocery stores, but it was the staff that sold me.
    When I say these people care about more than just making money, I mean it.  They give back so much to their communities and I to see the passion in their eyes today as they shared their personal experiences.  At one point, things got a little emotional when the subject of autism and special needs children came up.  I’m super excited to be partnering with them.
    I’m grateful that I attended the CRUSH Academy webnar hosted by Lamar Tyler co-founder of Black and Married With Kids.  He kept it all the way real about how it is possible to make six figures blogging and being an entrepreneur.  His best quote of the night was, “You can’t be part-time hustling expecting full-time results!”  You have to put in the long hours if you want your business to flourish.
    I’m thankful that JJ is now starting to be able to not only identify his numbers, but he’s able to actually look at two of something and count that it’s two.  He has his colors down. So, we’ve just been working on shapes, numbers and ABCs as well as using his words in a sentence or small phrase.
    The Nature Sounds with Music station on Pandora has been a god-send because it helps to lull the kiddies to sleep.  JJ falls right out usually by the end of the second or third song.  Sometimes, I have to battle not to fall out with him.
    This week I’m most grateful that our new washer was delivered on Monday!!  Y’all we had been without a washer since the week of Halloween and it took forever for it to get here because it shipped from Canada.   Talk about somebody doing a praise dance, I gave God all the praise.  With the way sick germs float around here and Moo wearing uniforms, a washer in the house is needed.
    Plus, we had been going all the way to a laundromat when we have a laundry room at our apartment clubhouse.  Neither I nor the Mr realized that until today.  Talk about a face-palm moment.  And it’s cheaper.  Y’all we were passing right by it everyday and I’ve even seen people carrying clothes in there, but it just didn’t click.  Mommy brain is real and the Mr’s brain is exhausted from his job.
    Lastly, I’m grateful that I found a really cool editing software for my vlog videos.  The good news is that it’s free and has been highly recommended by a few YouTubers.  The bad news is that my computer may not have enough space for me to download it.  I’ve been watching the tutorials on their website so that I will know how to use it.  I’ve also been transferring files from my computer to make space for it.
    I know I just got a new laptop for my wedding anniversary, but I think that next year I’m going to invest in a MAC.  I hate to leave Dell and HP behind, but I keep hearing that MACs have better storage space and can handle a lot more usage.  I stay on my computer quite a bit and need something that can keep up.  So, every dime I make from here on will be going into savings because MACs are also not cheap.
    What are you thankful for this week?

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  • Staying Grounded With #JesusDailyBook

    Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Faith Words.  I received a copy of this book to facilitate this review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
    Mommy of 2.  Wife.  Blogger.  Writer.  These are just a few of the hats that I wear on a daily basis.  By far one of the best hats that I wear is being a Christian!  For me, part of being a Christian is making time for God’s word and finding a way to put that word into action.  I have admit that doing so can be challenging, especially now that we’re in the thick of the Christmas holiday season.
    This is where having a great devotional comes in handy.  Recently, I received a copy of Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions by Dr. Aaron Tabor from the lovely folks at Faith Words.  (Yes, he is a real MD and graduated from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine.)  They also sent me an extra copy to share with a friend or family member and a Jesus Daily tee shirt.  You can find out who I’m gifting the extra copy to in the YouTube video at the end of this post.
    Faith Words couldn’t have reached out to me at a better time to review this devotional.  As mentioned, the Christmas season is one of the busiest times of the year, making it easier to get caught up and neglect your Bible studies.  Jesus Daily is perfect for those of us who want to get in a daily word and lesson, but find that some days we are more pinched for time than others.  
    Each day is broken down into three sections: key scripture, devotion (message) and Daily Interaction (Connect mission/call to action).  My favorite part of this devotional, besides the message of course, is the Connect/Daily Interaction.  I don’t want to only study God’s word, but I want to put what I’m learning into action and it was a challenge for me figuring out a way to do so besides what I’m already doing.  The Connect gives me a starting point.
    Also, I love that this book is not littered with biblical jargon.  I’ve read books like that before and it was hard for me to connect to the overall message.  Dr. Tabor was definitely thinking of the everyday person when he wrote this.  I’ve been reading this book to Moo and JJ during bedtime and they love it, especially Moo.  Because the words are simple and easy to read as well as understand, she’s been able to get a good understanding of what’s being said.
    I can’t tell y’all how much it warms my heart that she’s even more interested and inquisitive about our faith.  I think every parent desires for their children to show an interest in whatever their faith is.  As JJ continues to progress, I’m sure the message will sink in more for him too.  Lastly, I love that this book was inspired by the 27 MILLION fans of Dr. Tabor’s Jesus Daily Facebook page.  
    Being a Christian isn’t just about inspiring non-believers, but believers as well.  I think it’s absolutely awesome and amazing that Dr. Tabor was touched by either something someone wrote on his page wall or through a private message.  He then channeled the inspiration to in this book.  
    I’m really looking forward to starting from the beginning of this book when January 1st rolls around in a few weeks.  And if you’re looking for a devotional book for yourself, your family or a loved one try this one.  Or maybe you’re just curious about the Christian faith.  You’re not sure if you want to believe.  Give this book a try.

    You purchase your own copy of Jesus Daily: 365 Interactive Devotions from Walmart, Barnes & Noble and ChristianBook.com.  You can also use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter my giveaway for a chance to win your copy of Jesus Daily and a Jesus Daily tee shirt.  Yes, Faith Words was nice enough to throw in a giveaway as well. (Thank you!) 
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7lUmaJmuMaw]

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  • And Then She Was Six

    Dear Moo,
    I’ve been trying to weed through the jungle that is my emotions.  I knew this day was coming because it comes every year, but still I feel unprepared.  My little girl is growing up.  Fast!  It drives and drives me crazy that I can’t slow time down to better savor these years before you hit the teenage ones followed by adulthood.

    What I can say is that I’m oh so proud to your mommy!!  Never doubt that for a minute.   I wouldn’t trade you for anything or anyone in the world.  Six years ago today, you turned my world from upside down to right side up.  You gave my life meaning and purpose.

    Watching you grow and come into your own thus far has been one of the greatest blessings I’ve gotten from God.  I love your compassionate spirit and your humble, but confident nature.  I love that you always strive to see the good in everyone even if when there’s not much good to see.  I love that you don’t let things keep you down for long periods of time.

    I live for your smile because it warms heart.  You’re the bestest big sister JJ could ever ask for.  Your patience and fierce love for him is beyond amazing.  It grows daily.  My hope that you’ll always look out for him and any other future siblings you may have, especially in years after I’m gone.

    I promised I wouldn’t cry as I wrote this, but I can’t help it.  You’re so awesome and wonderfully YOU!  You started in the womb and now you’re six!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

    Love,
    Mommy

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cV6tvIrhTYc?list=UUh8RKv9xob4T_Hu3NpBtw-Q]
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  • Thankful Thursday And Happy Thanksgiving

    HAPPY THANKSGIVING YUMMs!  This Thanksgiving a little bit bittersweet in light of everything that’s happen in the  Mike Brown case and Ferguson.  It’s hard for me and my family to not be affected by these situations.  And of course, all of the media craziness doesn’t help.  My heart goes out to all families who are having to mourn the loss of a loved one, especially a child, this holiday season.
    I know their pain.  I’ve loss people very close to me and that first holiday without them is always the hardest.  I wish I could say that the next year gets easier, but the truth is that it could take years before it gets easier.  So, my request to y’all is that you’ll keep these families in prayer.  Whatever your religion, just send up a prayer or put a positive thought out into the atmosphere for these families.
    That brings to me the thing that I am most thankful this week.  Usually when Moo wakes up in the mornings, her first request is something to eat.  What can I say, my child loves to eat.  Well, this morning her first request was to pray.  She wanted to pray that everyone in the world had a great Thanksgiving today.
    I swear her compassionate spirit always amazes me!  She’s teaching me so much about how to be selfless and truly caring.  Others, even strangers, are always on her mind.  I definitely pray that she always keeps this trait as she grows up because this world can really change you.
    I’m also thankful for all of the answered prayers I received these past few days.  I had been in prayer on some stuff for months and God opened up some doors.  He may not be there when we want Him or think He should be, but He’s always right on time.  We just have to remain steadfast and patient in our faith.  Also, we have to understand that He knows better than us and sometimes, the answer to our prayers will be a resounding NO.
    This week and I grateful for the opportunity I had to volunteer at Moo’s school.  Someone from the school district reached out to me and asked if I would like to read to a few classes and I said yes.  While I was there a little boy asked me why I and the other volunteers had come out to read them.  I simply told him it was because we cared about them.  He got a confused look on his face like he was trying to figure out why a group of strangers would care about him and his classmates.
    So, I took it a step forward and told him that he was important.  His face lit up like that was the best thing he’d ever heard in his life.  That brief interaction both melted and broke my heart.  What kind of world have we created where kids don’t think others would care about them or think that they are important?  For me this is the root of the issue in cases like Mike Brown, Trayvon Martin and Jonathan Ferrell.
    We have to do better.  If nobody else tells your child that they care about them or that they are important, as their parent, you should make it your mission to tell them on a daily basis.  I don’t want to hop on my soapbox in this post, but y’all the lip service has got to stop.  Time for putting our monies and time where our mouths are is now.
    I started today off with my sink being clogged thanks to my ancient garbage disposal.  It does not actually chop as finely as I’m used to garbage disposals chopping.  So, last night Moo had stuffed some of peels from the potatoes down in there and of course, I wasn’t exactly going to stick my hand down in there.  I turned it on thinking clearly, it should be able to chop peels, but no.  It ended just flushing them to sink and down the drain to create a clog.  Thankfully, I got it out!
    As much as I complain about my husband always working, I’m grateful for his job nevertheless.  A young lady from one of my Facebook groups lost her job yesterday.  Yes, her boss fired her the day before Thanksgiving and she’s seven months pregnant!  I wanted to be upset, but she explained that business had been incredibly slow and since she was one of the last employees hired, it only made sense that she would be the first one to get fired.  Pray for her and her family.
    I personally plan on reaching out to her and seeing if she would be okay with me putting together a gift basket of baby things and some stuff for her toddler son.  It won’t be much, but I can’t stand by knowing times are about to get really tough for her, her husband and their children.  Too many people have been an angel for me when I was in need for me to turn a blind eye.
    Lastly, I’m thankful for you guys!  You’ve been rocking with me for almost five years now and I’m out of words to express how awesome I feel to have have had your support and I hope that you will continue to supporting me in the years to come.  Speaking of support, I recently converted the Young Urban Modern Mommies Facebook page into a general community page.
    When I first started blogging, YUMMommy was taken.  I checked last weekend on a whim and it was available.  So, I snatched it up and that’s the official page for this blog from here on out.  I’d love it if you would stop by the YUMMommy Facebook page and give it a like!
    What are you giving thanks for this Thanksgiving?
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  • Mary J Blige: The London Sessions Album Review

    Disclosure: I participated in the Mary J Blige The London Sessions album review program as a member of  One2One Network.  I was provided a free album to review but opinions are my own.
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    Mary J Blige’s The London Sessions drops December 2nd on iTunes and Amazon , but when I got offered the chance to get advance copy, I was beyond excited.  It felt like Christmas had come early.  Y’all don’t understand, I grew up listening to the Queen of Hip Hop Soul.  My sisters and I used to get our paddle brushes and sing our hearts out.
    Whatever we going through, hard times or good times, Mary had song that was perfect for conveying just what we wanted to say.  More than 15 years later Mary is still making songs that can serve as the soundtrack to our lives.  Having sold more than 50 million albums worldwide, I’m sure other fans feel the same.

    https://members.one2onenetwork.com/embed/5472a8452ac13bfa188fdfb8

    What most excited me about The London Sessions was the fact that Mary recorded this album in London and collaborated with some of my favorite artists including Sam Smith.  So, I knew going in this album was going to have a different sound in terms of melodies and tempos, but I had no doubt that Mary would still deliver with the heartfelt and soul touching lyrics we the fans have come to love and expect from her.  Below is the official track list for her latest album and my first impression/thought of each song.

    Track List

    1. Therapy:  My first impression of this song was that it reminded me of the late Amy Winehouse’s Rehab and that Sam Smith must have helped to write it.  It has a similar bluesy jazz feel, but unlike Winehouse, Mary is all for her therapy as she sings, “Why would I spend the rest of my days unhappy?  Why would I spend the rest of this year alone, when I go [to] therapy?”  This is my second favorite song on The London Sessions.
    2. Doubt:  Underdog anthem.  Those were the first words that came to mind listening to Mary sing about how so many people doubted she’d find success or achieve her dreams.  While this song is inspirational in its own right, it’s also bittersweet listening to Mary talk about how she had to shed some of her friendships along the way due hateration from her own crew.  
    However, despite the lack of support, Mary urges us to not doubt ourselves, but keep on persevering because one day we’ll be calling the shouts and pulling the strings.  I really loved the clip of Sam Smith talking about how down earth Mary is and that it’s her humbleness that allows her to connect with her fans.  Without a doubt this is my number one favorite song on this album and it will probably get the most play.
    3. Not Loving You:  The piano on this song is beautiful.  Not Loving You definitely struck an emotional cord with me and I found myself shedding a few tears.  This is a song about others not being able to love you until you love yourself.  At the end of day no amount of faking it can truly cover up the essence of you truly are.
    I connected with song instantly on a personal level because I can relate to not letting people love me because I didn’t love myself.  Also, I watched the same situation with my parents growing up.  Mary has this way of taking you to these raw places in your life with her lyrics and that’s what this song did for me.
    4. When You’re Gone:  I’m a sucker for a good guitar sound/rift and this song has it.  “I’m not alone until you leave me,” Mary sings and I know that feeling.  Relationships are rocky and sometimes you never know what you have until it’s gone.  Don’t sweat that small stuff and allow it to turn into huge blowups. 
    5. Right Now:  Can I just say that after hearing her slay this pop/dance club record, I have no doubt that Mary is one of the few artists who is truly versatile when it comes to switching up music styles.  It still had a little blues in it and complemented the soulfulness of her voice.  Right Now is that song you dedicate to that boo that tried it.  You have to let him/her know, you ain’t wit the drama.  You can check out the video below.

    https://members.one2onenetwork.com/embed/5472a86e2ac13b25198fdfb7

    6. My Loving:   Think of a toned down Beyonce’s Partition with the tempo of C&C Music Factory’s Do You Wanna Get Funky, this what it would sound like.  My Loving is definitely a grown up love song that you can send out to your husband/wife to let him/her know that “ain’t nothing good as my love” to quote Mary herself.  With it’s very upbeat tempo you can really get your groove or voguing on.
    7. Long Hard Look:  “Every life is different like every love is different, you never could judge them by another.”  The grass is not greener on the other side and when relationships get hard before you walk away, “take a long hard look” at the situation.  Nine times out of ten, your marriage/relationship will be worth saving.
    8. Whole Damn Year:  Mary got real on this one with lyrics like, “Winter took most of my heart/And Spring punched me right in the stomach/ Summer some looking for blood/And by Autumn I was left with nothing/It took a whole damn year to repair my body/It took a whole damn year.”
    If you know anything about Mary’s past then you’ll definitely get the impression that this song is almost like a letter to or conversation with her husband explaining that while she wants to be all in, it’s still scary giving so much of herself because she’s been seriously hurt in past relationships repeatedly.  Bad relationships, especially those where physical and emotional abuse are present take a long time to get over and when do meet The One, we need them to patient with us because we’re still healing.  And yes, it might just take a Whole Damn Year, but hang in there because it’ll be worth it once you earn our trust.
    9. Nobody But You:  A mid tempo boo thang shoutout song is how I like to think of this one.  Let your boo know that he/she is the only one and they don’t need to have any worries because you’re not going anywhere.  In you’re in it for the long haul.
    10. Pick Me Up:  OMG!  The horn on this song is everything y’all.  Just like the title, this song has a very Pick Me Up feel that will make you feel like you’re in paradise on the beach sipping something exotic with your love.
    11. Follow:  I consider this to be a warning song about following the crowd.  Life is too short to be doing what everybody else is doing, especially if they’re not doing the right thing.  You have to be you and either “Give it all or give it nothing.  Give it all or give it up.”  Two snaps and a handclap for this one!
    12. Worth My Time:  Of all the other blues/ R&B-ish songs featured on The London Sessions, I thought this one felt the most like a signature MJB love ballad.  “I won’t give up if you make it worth my time.”  Love is worth fighting for, but we have to give our spouses or significant others a reason to fight for us and vice versa.
    Overall, I feel like this one of Mary’s more intimate albums and I’m very excited for other MJB fans to hear it in its entirety.  This is definitely one of my top 3 favorite albums of 2015 hands down.  She took a chance and stepped out of the R&B box a little bit.  While a lot of the songs are mid to up tempo beats, that didn’t take away from the personal connection I’ve always felt to her song lyrics.  In my opinion this risk paid off.
     Don’t forget to follow the Queen of R&B on Facebook, Twitter and the Official Mary J Blige website as well as checking out the Mary J Blige Vevo channel on YouTube for music and more.
    What is your favorite Mary J Blige song?  Are you planning on picking up The London Sessions?

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  • Take On Tough Messes Like A Pro With Zep

    Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Crowdtap. I agreed to sample the products below and share my honest opinion.  All opinions are 100% my own and do not necessarily reflect those of Crowdtap or Zep Commercial.
    Before having kids, keeping a clean house was not too hard.  For the most part it was just me and the Mr, with occasional overnight guests here and there.  Now let’s fast forward to the present.  I have two kids, who make more than their share of messes.  Also, with Moo being in school, we have more than the usual amount of germs coming in.
    So, I was glad when I got the opportunity to try out the Zep Quick Clean Disinfectant and Zep All-Around Oxy Cleaner and Degreaser from Zep Commercial.
    I was really looking forward to trying out the Quick Clean Disinfectant because y’all have read all about how the germs swarmed down on us like the plague for weeks after Moo started kindergarten.  It was not the business at all.  Other disinfectant and anti-bacterial cleaners can take up to 10 seconds to kill cold and flu germs, but Zep’s only takes 5 seconds!  That matters to me.  That’s five less seconds that I have to worry about germs spreading.
    I’ve been using this on the kitchen sink after washing dishes, spraying down the door knobs and even cleaning the toilet.  You can also spray a little bit on a cleaning cloth and wipe down your remotes, video game controllers, etc.  Anything we’re touching on a frequent and day to day basis, I wiped down.
    The All-Around Oxy Cleaner and Degreaser definitely got put to use last week when Moo got sick.  We’re sitting down enjoying a Christmas movie in the living room when out of the blue she just started throwing up everywhere.  None of us had time to react.  We rushed her to bathroom as quickly as we could but as you can see on the picture on the left, we weren’t quick enough.
    We’d had spaghetti with a tomato meat sauce lunch and I’m sure I don’t need to tell y’all that tomatoes or anything red will stain light colors.  Then throw in the little bit of grease from the meat and I was just wondering how we were going to get up the stains from the carpet.  And the smell was just as awful.  I remembered the Zep All-Around Oxy Cleaner and Degreaser could be used on carpet (and couches) and gave it a try.  I think the results speak for themselves.
    I’m really glad we had it on hand because the Mr was running late for work and did not have time to stop by the store and come back.  It worked beautifully on the couch and didn’t leave any discolorations.  Once the spots dried, I did hit them a spray of the disinfectant.
    I’ve used the All-Around cleaner to scrub sticky jelly from the kitchen cabinets and counters when Moo tried to make herself a sandwich on Monday.  I’ve been using it to degrease the stove after I cook in the evenings and it holds its own compared to other cleaners and even works faster at cutting through grime and dried on stains than a few.
    Overall, I am satisfied with these products and would recommend them.  Be sure to follow Zep Commercial on Facebook and Twitter to stay up to date on all discounts and new product releases.
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