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  • Fashion Find: Vera Bradley

    As many of you already know, I’m a fashionista on a budget.  I’m not going to lie and say that I don’t like nice things or have expensive tastes.  However, as a fashion merchandising major I know that I don’t have pay outrageous prices to get nice designer stuff.  And no I’m not talking about buying knockoffs either.  Like I’ve mentioned before online shopping can be your best friend if you’re constantly keeping your eyes peeled.

    So, this week I thought I’d share a few great pieces from Vera Bradley that I’m thinking about adding to my fashion stash.  And believe it or not none of the pieces I’m about to show you are over $25!!  Hard to believe right because Vera Bradley is hella expensive at the mall!  But like I’ve been trying to tell you all online shopping is where it’s at when shopping for designer or big name chain store pieces.

    Boysenberry Slim Case-$18.00
    Boysenberry Zip ID Case-$12.00
    Boysenberry Checkbook Cover-$19.00
    Boysenberry Card Holder-$8.00
    In case, you didn’t notice the Boysenberry print is my favorite!!  Anyways, I hope that you will stop on by Vera Bradley and see what else they have to offer.  And while you’re there enjoy their 10% off all their sale items and FREE shipping on all orders $100 or more!!  Happy shopping everybody!
    Vera Bradley Designs, Inc.

  • I’m Still Me

    If you’ve been reading my blog from the beginning then you know that I started off as a single mom almost a year ago.  Well, since then I’ve reconnected with my daughter’s father and we decided to put all the bull behind us and get married.  I have to admit that being married seems to have changed our relationship for the better.  There’s no doubt that I love married life and being legally bonded to the man who has helped me to be  blessed with soon to be two wonderful children.  He’s always been supportive of me pursuing my dreams, getting an education and having a life of my own outside of us.

    However, while marriage has been great for my relationship with my husband, it seems to have taken a tole on some of my friendships.  Before, I got married and I was just a single mom and even before I got pregnant, some of my girlfriends used to call me and want to hang out all the time.  We all babies back to back. Seriously, I was the first to get preggers and then a few months later my bestie got preggers and a few months after that some of our other friends got pregnant.  Our moms and male friends joked that it must have been something in the water. LOL. They might have been right!!

    Anyways, we all seemed to somehow stay connected even  after I moved almost two hours away to my hometown.  We were constantly calling each other, texting each other and writing on each other’s Facebook walls.  We exchanged pictures of the kids via text.  And being the old soul that I am, I made sure to mail out cards for all the holidays and even just send them letters for the sake of just keeping them updated on other stuff that had been going but that I hadn’t wanted to mention over the Internet.

    So, when I decided to move back to the Queen City, I was thrilled because just about all of us would be in the same city again.  I imagined playdates with all of the kids, mommy afternoons at the nail shop or the mall, joint parties for the holidays, etc.  However, what I noticed when I announced that the hubby and I had eloped was a decrease in phone calls, hardly any text messages or posts on my Facebook wall.  And even though we all live within 30 to 45 minutes of each other, they always seemed too busy to come visit or for me to visit with them.  Then, I got preggers again and was on lock down because of my severe morning sickness. So, of course I couldn’t exactly go to visit them because just riding in the car more than a few minutes made me almost vomit.

    I felt like I had been exiled!  And with my bestie in Philly, I became in more engrossed in my blog and Twitter friendships that were forming.  It still wasn’t the same as having my girlfriends who lived in the same city as me to hang out with though.  I finally came to the conclusion that they figured marriage had changed me.  Not the case, I’m still ME!!  Granted somethings have changed like I have to make sure the hubby doesn’t have plans for us before I commit to going places on his days off, but otherwise nothing has changed about me.

    Our college days

    I still like going to nail shop when I can.  I still like going to the mall. I still like just kicking it with the girls while the kids play and we catch up on some gossip.  So, why can’t they see that?  It almost feels like I suppose to choose between the love of my life or my friends.  I have to admit that this past weekend one of my girlfriends did come by to visit and we’re making progress on trying to get back to the interaction we had before.  It felt awkward at first because honestly I didn’t know what to talk to her about because we hadn’t really talked in so long, but eventually fell back into the swing of things.  Before she left we vowed to keep in touch and visit each other more so that the kids could get used to each other.

    The bestie & I in NYC

    However, I’ve realized that maybe it’s time for me to expand my friend base.  I signed Moo and I up for a local mom & playgroup on Meetup.com and I have to say those women have welcomed us with open arms.  We went to our first meetup this past Tuesday and it felt good to be surrounded by other moms who weren’t judging me or writing me off because I was married.  I bonded with a few of them right away and am looking forward to future meetups.  Moo didn’t quite warm up so easily but that’s because she’s been an only child for two years now and is used to playing by herself or with me.  However, that is another plus of having joined this group.

    She’ll get to interact with kids her age and learn how to socialize on a toddler level and I’ll finally get some female company that I have been craving.  Listening to some of the other moms talk, I know that I’m not alone in having had friendships suffer because of my change in status.   I’m thankful for my God seems to have shown me and led me to a better situation.  After all life is a lot more fun when you’ve got girlfriends you can call and text or just hit the mall with.  And it’s even nicer when those girlfriends know that you’re still you even though your status has changed.

    So, have you encountered any strains on your friendships due to motherhood, marriage, career advancements, etc?  If so how did you deal with it?

  • Thankful Thursday

    It’s Thankful Thursday and I just want to start off by saying thank you to everyone who has been helping me spread the word about March for Charity.  It really means a lot that you took the time to link up your favorite charity and/or nonprofit.  I’m serious about this campaign and will be making it an annual YUMMommy event.  I’m even getting a sign custom made for it.  So please continue to spread the word to your blog readers and Twitter followers to come support this event.  Also, I’m still looking for sponsors to donate prizes for the March for Charity Twitter party coming up.

    Moving on, I am thankful that Moo and I had our first successful meetup with our playgroup this Tuesday.  It was nice to meet other moms and their kids.  I foresee a lot of new friendships for both Moo and I in the near future.  And I was surprised to see that there was some diversity amongst the group.  I wasn’t the only minority there as I had feared.  Although, I was the only Black mother there I still felt comforted seeing some Latinas, Indians and even an Asian mom.  I have a very racially diverse family and my husband is Black, Italian and Native American.  So, this is perfect for Moo.

    I am also thankful that Moo is learning a new phrase or word just about everyday.  It’s so amazing to see her blossoming right before my eyes.  My little baby is turning into a big girl!!  I wanted to cry as I watched her sleeping the other night. I’m not going to blame it on my pregnancy hormones.  The fact is realizing that she’s needing me less and less is emotional. And I know Baby JJ will be here soon, but it’s not the same.  He’s not replacing her and we will have our own special bond. I’m just looking forward to being able to do Mommy-Daughter things with her while the hubby and Baby JJ do their guy thing.

    I am thankful that I finally figured out how to format my eNewsletter.  I have to admit that it looks very nice.  I’m hoping to figure out how to add one of those Subscribe to My Newsletter buttons on here next.  Yes, I’m becoming somewhat of a blog design and html pro.  The hubby suggested I try to that on the side. Idk though, I still have so much more to learn.

    Last but not least I’m thankful that I’m finally taking the steps to get into business for myself.  I will be posting more about that in the future, but I can say that it involves writing, fashion, motherhood and travel!!  Starting any business venure is scary.  And because I will soon have two kids and we’re trying to buy a new house, it is especially frightful because of the financial risk.  But I serve an awesome God and He wouldn’t have given me this vision three years ago if He didn’t know that it would be successful.

    So, thank you all for sticking in here with me. Thank you to all my new followers who have decided to join this journey with me. Your support is greatly appreciated!!

    So, what are you thankful this week?  And did you remember to link up your favorite charity and/or nonprofit?  They could win up to $2000 to help out needy families!!  If not check out the linky below.


    http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=34807

  • March for Charity

    It’s no secret that I enjoy giving back.  I truly believe that the fastest way to improve your life is by improving the lives of others.  Some of you might be saying ‘Yeah right!’  However think about it.  When you help another in need doesn’t it give you a boost in confidence, put a smile on your face and brighten your day?

    Well, that would be an improvement. I think that what gets most people about giving is they usually look to receive something in return materialistically.  And that’s the wrong attitude to have when it comes to being a blessing to others.  I come from a small and economically challenged area that greatly benefits from local charities and nonprofits.  However, some of those charities and nonprofits are struggling and it breaks my heart a little bit.

    It’s not just the nonprofits in my area that are suffering, but even some national charities have seen a decline in their support.  A lack of support means that many charities and nonprofits can’t support as many needy families as they used to.  Therefore, for the entire month of March, I have decided to highlight and bring awareness to one charity a day.  I think that once we educate ourselves on the different organizations out there maybe we will reconsider buying those new red pumps we don’t need and donate that money to a charity to help a family or individual down on their luck.  Maybe, we’ll find more ways to help out in our communities like sending cards to our troops or raking an elderly neighbor’s yard.

    In addition, I’m going to host my first March for Charity Twitter party on Friday, April 1 to help spread the word about some of these groups and inspire some of you to get more involved with nonprofits in your area.  In conjunction,  with the Twitter party, I’m going to be giving away prizes!!  In order to be entered to win a prize, you must donate at least $1 using the ChipIn widget in the left sidebar.  My goal is to raise $2000 and have you all vote on which charity that was highlighted on my blog we should donate the money to.

    I will be writing to each charity to let them know that they are being highlighted on my blog and send them an invitation to participate in our March for Charity Twitter party.  Also, I am seeking to raise funds by offering ad space on my blog and listing in the YUMMommy Business Directory. 60% of the proceeds will go to our charity selected. So, I hope that you will join me in raising awareness and support!

    You can start by entering the link for your favorite charity below.

    Help Spread the Word!
    Tweet: Support @YUMMommies March for Charity http://nblo.gs/eh1qm


    http://www.inlinkz.com/cs.php?id=34807

  • Co-Sleeping Blues

    I’ve talked about the fact that I write a journal for Moo.  I want her to know what her childhood was like and also I share advice and important events in history with her.  Well, I’ve been debating whether or not to share entries I write on my blog.   I decided what the heck, I’ve shared more personal stuff before so this is nothing new.  Enjoy. 


    Dear Moo,

    As I write this you are sleeping.  You’re not quite sound asleep because you keep rolling.  Plus, the slightest move I make causes you to stir.  Not sure if this is your way of signaling that you’re ready for a Big Girl bed.  However, I do know that I’ve enjoyed these last two years of co-sleeping.

    While some people think it’s a handicap, I can say that is has been a great bonding experience.  It’s been a much needed comfort for me.  I try to cherish small moments like these because you’ll be bigger and older before I know it.  Then you might think you’re too cool for slumber parties with Mom.

    I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you won’t though.  Anyways, know that I love you  so very much and you’ll always be welcome to have a slumber party with me no matter how old, big and cool you get!

    I love you Moo,
    Mommy

  • Thankful Thursday

    So, this week has been a long thus far.  Over the weekend, Moo and I both came down with terrible colds.  Turns out hers was due to an ear infection and her wheezing was back.  So the doctor put her on some steroids for her lungs and an antibiotic for her ear infection.  I hate to say it but it seems like every time we visit Grandma’s we both end up sick.

    Personally, I think Moo’s sickness comes from the carpet which my mom refuses to take up.  Trust me is cost her nothing.  She found some carpet at this place she does business with and just laid it down. Yea, she’s some what of a hoarder and we are constantly getting on her about picking up things.  So, I don’t know what to do.  Guess, we’ll be taking a long vacation from staying down there for at least a month.

    However, I am still happy to say that I am thankful for my loving family and that Moo is feeling much better.  Her runny nose and cough are getting much better.  And in three days she gets to come off the steroids and her nebulizer!!  I don’t really like having her tons of medications.  I just don’t believe those things are good for a body so little.  But until I can find a holistic doctor that I can afford, I guess this will have to do.

    I am also thankful to one of my friends for telling me about Amazon Moms.  I can save up to 30% on diapers and wipes and other stuff plus earn a year of free shipping with Amazon Prime.  Can’t be that.  Saving money on diapers and baby stuff is going to come in handy with the new baby.  Kids do cost quite a bit of money and any way that we can save, we do.

    I am thankful that I have finally started work on my book.  Yes, that was one of things from Adventures to Accomplish before 12/15 list.  I’m super excited to finally be starting on it because my creative juices weren’t flowing at all.  I think it’s because of the cold, but tonight I just got motivated and finally picked up a pen and started writing.  Thankfully, the words just started to come naturally.

    I’m looking forward to hopefully finishing it within a month.  And that’s just the writing part.  I know it’ll need to be edited and formatted afterwards.  Then I’ll have to decide whether or not to self publish or try to shop it around to some different agents.  Either way my goal is to have it published and out by the end of the summer.  I would love to start a book tour in the fall.

    So, keep me in prayer that my creative juices will keep flowing and stay tuned to the blog for updates on my progress. Don’t forget to that we are on Facebook and Twitter.  Just click on the icons in the left sidebar.  Also remember to check out our spotlight sponsor too.   She makes amazing diaper cakes, baby slippers and so much more.  Even if you just stop by and see what she has be sure to let her know that you found her on YUMMommy!

    What are you thankful for?

  • Fashion Find:The Children’s Wear Outlet

    Well, I’m officially five months and Baby JJ will be here before I know it.  Since, Moo is a girl none of the baby clothes I saved for her will work her baby brother.  So, I’ve been on a hunt to find some cute and very adorable little boy outfits.  I want him to be just as stylish as his big sister is.  In my hunt, I stumbled across The Children’s Wear Outlet.
    The Childrens Wear Outlet
    This place has clothing for both boys and girls, babies, toddlers, etc.  The best part it’s all priced affordable!!  I’m talking TJ Maxx and WalMart prices.  So, here are some outfits I have loaded in my checkout cart for Baby JJ and Moo.  I couldn’t leave her out.
    All American Baby- $10

    Around the World- $6

    Athletic Department- $10

    Eco Tour- $10

    Afternoon Break- $12

    All Grown Up- $12

    April Showers- $12

    Boardwalk- $8

    Can’t wait for my order to arrive and for warmer to hurry up and get here!!

  • Celebrate Your Love: Leap Frog

    Valentine’s Day is not just about celebrating your love for your spouse or significant other but for your kids as well.  For as long as I can remember my mom made sure to get us Valentine’s Day cards and the small box of chocolates when we were kids.  Now that we’re adults and she is more financially stable, she’s stepped up the chocolates to jewelry.  However, the point is that she used Valentine’s Day as a day to tell and show us how much she appreciated us and noticed the small things we’d do around the house without her asking.

    And if you all know anything about me by now it’s that I am anything but traditional.  Since, Moo has taken an interest in learning and reading and can now count to 5 by herself, I have been looking at some LeapFrog stuff to get her.  Jay and I don’t want her to feel left out on Valentine’s Day and will probably be scooping up one of these cute little items for her to go with her card.

    Explore the outdoors, light lanterns, collect sun fuzzies, watch fireworks and celebrate with Kai-lan and friends!  Five festive activities light the way to learning Mandarin vocabulary, shapes, counting,  letters, colors and computer navigation skills.

    Alphabet Pal has a silly giggle, flashing antennae and comical walk – he’s sure to tickle your child’s funny bone!  Four learning modes introduce letter names, letter sounds, colors and music.  Pull Alphabet Pal’s string to hear the ABC song!  Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog?? Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.

    When an unlikely encounter turns her into a frog, Tiana learns that dreams can come true in the most unexpected ways. Teaches about musical instruments, memory, sorting and classifying and New Orleans culture.  Learn about New Orleans music and instruments with Tiana. 

    This Tag Junior board book springs to life when you touch the Tag Junior book pal to any part of any page.  Introduces animals and listening skills.  Learn about animals wild and free through the wonderful lens of Eric Carle.  More than 24 playful activities and 150 audio responses encourage little ones to explore while helping build confidence with books.

    So, why not check out what LeapFrog has to offer for your little ones.  Instead of getting them a plain ol’ stuffed animal for Valentine’s Day why not get them something that can be put to good use and help them expand their love of learning.  Click on the banner below or any of the pics above to visit their website.

    LeapFrog Enterprises Inc.
    *I was not compensated for this post.  Simply expressing my opinion of what would make great Valentine’s Day gifts for our little ones.*

  • Celebrate Your Love: Leap Frog

    Valentine’s Day is not just about celebrating your love for your spouse or significant other but for your kids as well.  For as long as I can remember my mom made sure to get us Valentine’s Day cards and the small box of chocolates when we were kids.  Now that we’re adults and she is more financially stable, she’s stepped up the chocolates to jewelry.  However, the point is that she used Valentine’s Day as a day to tell and show us how much she appreciated us and noticed the small things we’d do around the house without her asking.

    And if you all know anything about me by now it’s that I am anything but traditional.  Since, Moo has taken an interest in learning and reading and can now count to 5 by herself, I have been looking at some LeapFrog stuff to get her.  Jay and I don’t want her to feel left out on Valentine’s Day and will probably be scooping up one of these cute little items for her to go with her card.

    Explore the outdoors, light lanterns, collect sun fuzzies, watch fireworks and celebrate with Kai-lan and friends!  Five festive activities light the way to learning Mandarin vocabulary, shapes, counting,  letters, colors and computer navigation skills.

    Alphabet Pal has a silly giggle, flashing antennae and comical walk – he’s sure to tickle your child’s funny bone!  Four learning modes introduce letter names, letter sounds, colors and music.  Pull Alphabet Pal’s string to hear the ABC song!  Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog?? Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.

    When an unlikely encounter turns her into a frog, Tiana learns that dreams can come true in the most unexpected ways. Teaches about musical instruments, memory, sorting and classifying and New Orleans culture.  Learn about New Orleans music and instruments with Tiana. 

    This Tag Junior board book springs to life when you touch the Tag Junior book pal to any part of any page.  Introduces animals and listening skills.  Learn about animals wild and free through the wonderful lens of Eric Carle.  More than 24 playful activities and 150 audio responses encourage little ones to explore while helping build confidence with books.

    So, why not check out what LeapFrog has to offer for your little ones.  Instead of getting them a plain ol’ stuffed animal for Valentine’s Day why not get them something that can be put to good use and help them expand their love of learning.  Click on the banner below or any of the pics above to visit their website.

    LeapFrog Enterprises Inc.
    *I was not compensated for this post.  Simply expressing my opinion of what would make great Valentine’s Day gifts for our little ones.*

  • 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.