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  • Fashion Find: Great Buys from Neiman Marcus

    For those of you who don’t know, I’m a Fashion Merchandising major.  In addition to writing, I love designing, styling and shopping!!  In fact, I am the Queen of bargain shopping when it comes to clothes.  If you take a look in my closet you might see labels like BCBG, Anne Klein, and Ralph Lauren just to name a few.  And lets not get started on all the designer stuff you’ll find in Moo’s closet.

    I’ve even taken the time to introduce my mom to Tiffany & Co, Guess, Burberry and decorated her neck and ears with $1,000 worth of real pearls.  Now, if you’ve been reading my blog long enough, you’d know that I’m in no shape or form rich.  And while you can find these brands in your thrift shops or on eBay, you can also shop prestigious brands like Neiman Marcus themselves.  I know I know you’re probably saying yea right, but it’s true.  Online shopping has always been a hobby of mine.

    I’m afraid to tell you that you’re not really getting the best deals when you shop in the store.  See stores sell and price merchandise by demographics (location, consumer makeup, etc).  However, their online shopping sites offers their complete line of merchandise and if you can find free shipping codes or buy enough merchandise to qualify for their free shipping offers then your purchase is that much cheaper.  So, anyways I was thinking that I wanted to add a few more designer pieces to my wardrobe, Moo’s and hubby’s.  And I’ve totally fell in love with the Neiman Marcus at our mall. 

    So, I decided to Facebook their page and visit their website.  You won’t believe the amazing stuff I found for under $100.  Well, I decided to highlight my top ten favorite finds below for you all.

  • Fashion Find: Great Buys from Neiman Marcus

    For those of you who don’t know, I’m a Fashion Merchandising major.  In addition to writing, I love designing, styling and shopping!!  In fact, I am the Queen of bargain shopping when it comes to clothes.  If you take a look in my closet you might see labels like BCBG, Anne Klein, and Ralph Lauren just to name a few.  And lets not get started on all the designer stuff you’ll find in Moo’s closet.

    I’ve even taken the time to introduce my mom to Tiffany & Co, Guess, Burberry and decorated her neck and ears with $1,000 worth of real pearls.  Now, if you’ve been reading my blog long enough, you’d know that I’m in no shape or form rich.  And while you can find these brands in your thrift shops or on eBay, you can also shop prestigious brands like Neiman Marcus themselves.  I know I know you’re probably saying yea right, but it’s true.  Online shopping has always been a hobby of mine.

    I’m afraid to tell you that you’re not really getting the best deals when you shop in the store.  See stores sell and price merchandise by demographics (location, consumer makeup, etc).  However, their online shopping sites offers their complete line of merchandise and if you can find free shipping codes or buy enough merchandise to qualify for their free shipping offers then your purchase is that much cheaper.  So, anyways I was thinking that I wanted to add a few more designer pieces to my wardrobe, Moo’s and hubby’s.  And I’ve totally fell in love with the Neiman Marcus at our mall. 

    So, I decided to Facebook their page and visit their website.  You won’t believe the amazing stuff I found for under $100.  Well, I decided to highlight my top ten favorite finds below for you all.

  • Random Ramblings

    It’s hard to believe that in just 7 more days Christmas will be here!!  I’m tickled with excitement.  I just a few gift cards to pick up for some people that have proven to be a little harder to shop for than I expected.  Besides that I’m completely ready for the Big Day!!  I’m so looking forward to seeing the joy on Moo’s face when she opens up her gifts.  There will be lots of photos posted on Facebook.

    Speaking of photos, we only have two photos in our YUMMommy Facebook page Happy Holidays 2010 album.  So, don’t forget to either upload your photos yourself or you can send them to me via email: yummommy@gmail.com.  Can’t wait to see what everybody’s tree and decorations looks like.  Plus, it’s just a great way to get some conversation going and add some more cheer to the holiday season.

    We did get some snow earlier and I was all excited and thrilled about it until I looked outside two hours later and saw that the rain was washing my snow away.  So, we just have slush instead.  I’m hoping it doesn’t turn into frozen ice because the hubby has to go out to protect and serve tonight.  And I want the roads to be clear when he drives home in the morning.  However, I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that it will snow tomorrow and for Christmas.  Or maybe I should save up and invest in buying a mountain house.

    But then I’ll want a horse drawn sleigh and some horses to go with it.  Yes, I’ve been watching one too many Christmas movies. LOL.  Seriously, though snow and horses are two of my favorite things in this world besides food and the internet.  I’m going to really miss the horses on the farm across the street when we move though.  However, upgrading to our forever home and leaving behind this duplex isn’t a bad tradeoff.

    I already have thoughts of hosting dinner parties, clothing swaps and playdates dancing in my head.  Idk how the hubby is going to feel about that but he’ll get with the program.  I’ll make sure to host my clothing swaps and playdates while he’s out and about.  But I’m looking forward to introducing him to some of the other dads whose wives are in the playgroup  I’m a member of.  I think it’ll be healthy for us to have some friends in common.

    Because as it stands right now we have none.  There are his friends and then I have mine.  Plus, our relationships have changed with most of our friends.  I’m married now and soon to be a mom of two.  So, a lot of my friends have kind of pulled away.  I don’t know what that’s about either.  Lifestyle changes I guess, but I’m glad to be making new friends.

    I’ve talked to my mom a record of six times already today.  I’m sure we’ll talk to each other at least twice more before I go to bed. Anyways, she has tons of stuff for Moo for Christmas. I did inform her that some of that stuff would be remaining at her spot because this duplex just can’t accommadate all of that.  Not to mention, I have this fear about Moo getting too spoiled.

    It seems like my mom was in a competition to out shine us this year.   I don’t mind though, but just wish she would have kept it in moderation.  I’m also going to be donating a few of Moo’s toys to our playgroup’s Charity committee.  She has a million dolls already but I just know she’ll get at least two more for Christmas.  I try to keep Moo humble because I feel like I spoil her enough. 

    She’s the best dressed two year old I know.  Everything in her closet is designer just about.  She has Calvin Klien coats and jean, Kenneth Cole, Baby Phat and more.  What can I say I’m a bargain shopper.  And of course having worked in retail I know to buy a year ahead.  So after Christmas all the winter clothing will be dirt cheap and I’ll be stocking up on her some cute outfits for next year.  Now if only I could do that with shoes.

    I’m also looking forward to Christmas dinner.  That was one of the things my mom and I talked about during our many phone conversations today.  Can’t wait to pig out on ham, turkey, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, green beans, collard greens, yams, corn bread and pies.  I’m keeping my finger crossed that she’ll make her sparkling punch like she used to.  She hasn’t made it since I was in the fourth grade.

    Moo and I have been keeping warm inside watching Christmas movies on ABC Family and the Hallmark Channel.  I’m trying to cure my addiction to the Cooking Channel and Food Network.  So far I’ve done good and only watched one cooking show.  However, I’m sure that will change by tonight.  Gotta get ideas on some holiday pies to make.  It’s time I switched up my usual sweet potato pie recipe.

    Speaking of cooking, did you all know that today is Bake Cookies Day?  Yep, I got this free cool calendar from Oriental Trading and it has all kinds of national holidays that I never knew existed on it.  So, I think that I’m going to pick up some cookies from the store before the hubby goes off to work and bake them with Moo tonight.  Bake cookies with your little ones too.  And if anybody has any good cookie recipes I’d love to hear them.

    Well, I’ve rambled on enough.  Going back to my Christmas movie with Moo.

  • Random Ramblings

    It’s hard to believe that in just 7 more days Christmas will be here!!  I’m tickled with excitement.  I just a few gift cards to pick up for some people that have proven to be a little harder to shop for than I expected.  Besides that I’m completely ready for the Big Day!!  I’m so looking forward to seeing the joy on Moo’s face when she opens up her gifts.  There will be lots of photos posted on Facebook.

    Speaking of photos, we only have two photos in our YUMMommy Facebook page Happy Holidays 2010 album.  So, don’t forget to either upload your photos yourself or you can send them to me via email: yummommy@gmail.com.  Can’t wait to see what everybody’s tree and decorations looks like.  Plus, it’s just a great way to get some conversation going and add some more cheer to the holiday season.

    We did get some snow earlier and I was all excited and thrilled about it until I looked outside two hours later and saw that the rain was washing my snow away.  So, we just have slush instead.  I’m hoping it doesn’t turn into frozen ice because the hubby has to go out to protect and serve tonight.  And I want the roads to be clear when he drives home in the morning.  However, I’m still keeping my fingers crossed that it will snow tomorrow and for Christmas.  Or maybe I should save up and invest in buying a mountain house.

    But then I’ll want a horse drawn sleigh and some horses to go with it.  Yes, I’ve been watching one too many Christmas movies. LOL.  Seriously, though snow and horses are two of my favorite things in this world besides food and the internet.  I’m going to really miss the horses on the farm across the street when we move though.  However, upgrading to our forever home and leaving behind this duplex isn’t a bad tradeoff.

    I already have thoughts of hosting dinner parties, clothing swaps and playdates dancing in my head.  Idk how the hubby is going to feel about that but he’ll get with the program.  I’ll make sure to host my clothing swaps and playdates while he’s out and about.  But I’m looking forward to introducing him to some of the other dads whose wives are in the playgroup  I’m a member of.  I think it’ll be healthy for us to have some friends in common.

    Because as it stands right now we have none.  There are his friends and then I have mine.  Plus, our relationships have changed with most of our friends.  I’m married now and soon to be a mom of two.  So, a lot of my friends have kind of pulled away.  I don’t know what that’s about either.  Lifestyle changes I guess, but I’m glad to be making new friends.

    I’ve talked to my mom a record of six times already today.  I’m sure we’ll talk to each other at least twice more before I go to bed. Anyways, she has tons of stuff for Moo for Christmas. I did inform her that some of that stuff would be remaining at her spot because this duplex just can’t accommadate all of that.  Not to mention, I have this fear about Moo getting too spoiled.

    It seems like my mom was in a competition to out shine us this year.   I don’t mind though, but just wish she would have kept it in moderation.  I’m also going to be donating a few of Moo’s toys to our playgroup’s Charity committee.  She has a million dolls already but I just know she’ll get at least two more for Christmas.  I try to keep Moo humble because I feel like I spoil her enough. 

    She’s the best dressed two year old I know.  Everything in her closet is designer just about.  She has Calvin Klien coats and jean, Kenneth Cole, Baby Phat and more.  What can I say I’m a bargain shopper.  And of course having worked in retail I know to buy a year ahead.  So after Christmas all the winter clothing will be dirt cheap and I’ll be stocking up on her some cute outfits for next year.  Now if only I could do that with shoes.

    I’m also looking forward to Christmas dinner.  That was one of the things my mom and I talked about during our many phone conversations today.  Can’t wait to pig out on ham, turkey, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, green beans, collard greens, yams, corn bread and pies.  I’m keeping my finger crossed that she’ll make her sparkling punch like she used to.  She hasn’t made it since I was in the fourth grade.

    Moo and I have been keeping warm inside watching Christmas movies on ABC Family and the Hallmark Channel.  I’m trying to cure my addiction to the Cooking Channel and Food Network.  So far I’ve done good and only watched one cooking show.  However, I’m sure that will change by tonight.  Gotta get ideas on some holiday pies to make.  It’s time I switched up my usual sweet potato pie recipe.

    Speaking of cooking, did you all know that today is Bake Cookies Day?  Yep, I got this free cool calendar from Oriental Trading and it has all kinds of national holidays that I never knew existed on it.  So, I think that I’m going to pick up some cookies from the store before the hubby goes off to work and bake them with Moo tonight.  Bake cookies with your little ones too.  And if anybody has any good cookie recipes I’d love to hear them.

    Well, I’ve rambled on enough.  Going back to my Christmas movie with Moo.

  • Mommy News

    With the majority of my readers being moms, I know how  important it is to stay up on the latest news in regards to motherhood, family and our kids.  So, I was doing my morning blog reading when I came across an interesting post on Pubix Coupon Queen about drop side cribs having been officially outlawed here in the United States.  I kind of always saw this coming because I never thought though things were safe.  Moo’s first crib was a drop side and I know that’s part of the reason we continued co-sleeping when we came home from the hospital.  Thankfully we have since replaced her old crib with a lovely sleigh crib with fixed sides.

    How will this work you ask?  Well, with fixed sided cribs the mattress adjusts instead of having to raise and lower the side rails.  I think this is better because it’s more secure.  You don’t have to worry about your mattress falling down from the weight of your child.  And you can adjust the setting based on your child’s height and your comfort level.  Moo’s crib came with three adjustable settings for the mattress and because she is rather tall for her age we have it on the lowest setting.  Anyways, to find out more about the crib outlaw check out the offical news article here.  Be sure to pass this information on to your readers, family and friends.  It could save their child’s life because many retailers like WalMart where still selling these cribs as recent as yesterday.

    Moving on, have you heard about the Oprah Winfrey Network and TwitterMoms blogging contest/opportunity?  No?  Well, I hadn’t heard about it either until I saw it on Frugality Is Free.  Apparently, OWN and TwitterMoms teamed up and are asking bloggers to:

    “Create an original blog post on your blog, in 400 words or more, sharing ‘your aspirations and plans for new possibilities in your life.’ Please include a thoughtful introduction and conclusion in addition to the main body of your essay. Give it plenty of thought, and include content that your readers would like to hear about and can connect with! Short or poorly written posts will not be accepted. Copying and pasting does not count. Blank posts submitted to create a blog link on the discussion page will be disqualified. Don’t copy another blogger’s post or ideas. Plagiarism is grounds for immediate disqualification.”

    In return fifty bloggers will be chosen to win a $50 Amazon.com gift card.  Now I think this is a great idea regardless of whether you do it for a chance to win the gift card or just as a personal building exercise.  I mean I recently wrote about how I retook inventory of my life and I think it’d be great to share and kind of inspire others to do the same.  Also, I think sharing our plans and aspirations for 2011 will help us to get more support.  I know that I try to support some of the bloggers that I follow with their personal aspirations and goals.  Sometimes, we don’t always have that support system we need in our family and friends near us.

    So, we have to seek it out through other avenues.  I feel like I’ve made some amazing friendships and blogger bffs.  So, if you see more of these posts take the time to read them and make a mental note to offer some words of motivation and remember to check up on them throughout 2011 to see how they’re progressing with reaching their goals.  For more information on this contest and how to enter click here.

    Now, when Moo was a baby I was very concerned about giving her baby food.  Honestly, with all the chemicals and stuff they put in some foods that they claim help with brain development I was not down with it.  However, after some research I decided to go with organic baby food.  It was just much healthier and the brand we chose was pretty much chemical free.  And now that I’m pregnant with my second child and trying to become more Green and organic, I’m working on starting a garden and visiting our Farmer’s Market on a regular basis.

    I even considered making my own baby food.  I can control quality of the food and make endless baby food combinations.  Yes, my imagination is already running wild.  Lol.  And thanks to The Baby Brezza One Step Baby Food Maker, I’ll be able to do that in one simple step.  This wonderful piece of machinary will certainly be making it on to my Baby Shower Registry/Wish List.  And I can see it getting lots of usage.  What do you all think is this a product you’re going to invest in?

    Continuing on in mommy news, don’t forget to upload your Christmas tree and/or holiday pictures to our Facebook page.    And if you haven’t already checked it out just visit the little widget to the right.  I will be posting events, contests and other valuable information on our Facebook page first.  So, trust me you don’t want to be out of the loop.  In fact, you can RSVP to our 2011 With Love Product Review & Giveaway now on there.  Also, if you have scheduled giveaways during the month of February and would like to join up and be part of this event leave me a comment saying so and with your email.  Likewise, I’m still looking for business sponsors to donate products/services/gift certificates.  So spread the word.

    Only 8 More Days Till Christmas!!!

  • Thankful Thursday

    It’s Thursday and around here that means it’s time for my weekly Thankful Thursday post.  Let’s get started…  This Thursday, I am thankful that my husband has not had to travel off to work in any snow or frozen rain.  Yes, even though I am keeping my fingers crossed for some, I would prefer that it snows on his days off.

    I am also thankful that after much frustration the last of Moo’s gifts have arrived and are wrapped under the tree.  Now if I could just get her to leave them alone.  She can’t wait to start ripping them open.  I’m just glad that she is at the age where she is kinda getting thewhole Christmas thing.

    I am thankful that I have found a new OB/GYN and will have my first appointment with them next week.  Plus, the hubby gets to find out what we’re having after Christmas.  He is just so impatient.  I wanted it to be a surprise but I know he can’t keep a secret. I don’t really have a preference.  A healthy baby with ten fingers & toes all in the right place is good enough for me.

    And last but not least, I am thankful that I am up to 65 GFC followers.  I know that may not sound like a lot but for me knowing that 65 of you out there actually give a crap about what I write is very exciting!!  It means that I am touching people through my words and experiences.  I have made some amazing friends through this blog and hope to meet them all in person at some point.

    So, what are you thankful for this Thursday?  Don’t forget to upload your Christmas tree or Christmas decoration pics to our Facebook page.  Not a fan? Just click on the widget in the right sidebar.

    9 more days until Christmas.

  • Thankful Thursday

    It’s Thursday and around here that means it’s time for my weekly Thankful Thursday post.  Let’s get started…  This Thursday, I am thankful that my husband has not had to travel off to work in any snow or frozen rain.  Yes, even though I am keeping my fingers crossed for some, I would prefer that it snows on his days off.

    I am also thankful that after much frustration the last of Moo’s gifts have arrived and are wrapped under the tree.  Now if I could just get her to leave them alone.  She can’t wait to start ripping them open.  I’m just glad that she is at the age where she is kinda getting thewhole Christmas thing.

    I am thankful that I have found a new OB/GYN and will have my first appointment with them next week.  Plus, the hubby gets to find out what we’re having after Christmas.  He is just so impatient.  I wanted it to be a surprise but I know he can’t keep a secret. I don’t really have a preference.  A healthy baby with ten fingers & toes all in the right place is good enough for me.

    And last but not least, I am thankful that I am up to 65 GFC followers.  I know that may not sound like a lot but for me knowing that 65 of you out there actually give a crap about what I write is very exciting!!  It means that I am touching people through my words and experiences.  I have made some amazing friends through this blog and hope to meet them all in person at some point.

    So, what are you thankful for this Thursday?  Don’t forget to upload your Christmas tree or Christmas decoration pics to our Facebook page.  Not a fan? Just click on the widget in the right sidebar.

    9 more days until Christmas.

  • Wishful Wednesday

    I’m back with another addition of Wishful Wednesday.  And this Wednesday the only thing on my wish list is SNOW!!!  Yes, you read write, I want snow.  I know some of you are thinking that I’m crazy, but I’m a winter baby and I’ve been crazy about snow ever since it snowed on my birthday when I was in Pre-K.  I thought it was a good luck sign from God.

    Plus, snow is just so beautiful.  It’s fun to look at and play in. And if I had a horse and sleigh, I love to bundle up and go on ride down by the country side.  The little bit of snow we did get Sunday night didn’t last because it wasn’t cold enough the next morning.  However, the weather lady says we’ll get a mixture of snow and rain tomorrow and a flurry on Sunday.  Can’t wait.

    Oh, check out some of these awesome blog hops I am across this morning.  Remember, we only have

    10 Days until Christmas!!

    Photobucket

     

  • Wishful Wednesday

    I’m back with another addition of Wishful Wednesday.  And this Wednesday the only thing on my wish list is SNOW!!!  Yes, you read write, I want snow.  I know some of you are thinking that I’m crazy, but I’m a winter baby and I’ve been crazy about snow ever since it snowed on my birthday when I was in Pre-K.  I thought it was a good luck sign from God.

    Plus, snow is just so beautiful.  It’s fun to look at and play in. And if I had a horse and sleigh, I love to bundle up and go on ride down by the country side.  The little bit of snow we did get Sunday night didn’t last because it wasn’t cold enough the next morning.  However, the weather lady says we’ll get a mixture of snow and rain tomorrow and a flurry on Sunday.  Can’t wait.

    Oh, check out some of these awesome blog hops I am across this morning.  Remember, we only have

    10 Days until Christmas!!

    Photobucket

     

  • Things That Make Me Say Hmmm…

    As many of you know, I’m currently pregnant with my second bambino(a).  And of course, I’m always looking for ways to keep the spice in my marriage during this time.  I feel like it’s important for pregnant women to maintain their sexy inside and outside the bedroom.  With all the morning sickness, cankles and weight gain that can be hard.  So, I was tinkering with my profile on the BlogHer website and scrolling through some of the blog posts when I came across 4 Tips to Spice Up Your Sex Life.

    You know we see headlines like these all the time on the cover of Cosmo, Marie Claire and other women magazines.  And I’m always interested to see if they ever put new tips on the list or just rephrase the tips from the previous month.  So, curious me decided to click on the post and read what this author had to say.  Here was her list of suggestions:

    1. Talk Dirty-Ok, most couples do that anyway.  I think we all have surprised ourselves and our mates  with some sassy bedroom talk.

    2.  Act Out Your Fantaties-No shocker here.  This tip makes everybody’s list.

    3. Have Sex With Someone New-Hmmm…yea, this one I will certainly not be trying.  Furthermore, I don’t condone sexual wrecklessness or adultary.  I’m a Christian and the Bible is pretty clear about this.  And even if you’re not a Christian, what about having respect for your body and your mate.   I totally didn’t get how sleeping with someone new would enhance a couple’s sex life?

    I mean honestly, I wouldn’t be feeling too sexy if my husband told me that he needed to screw some other woman for him to be attracted me or stay interested.  Sure, we’ve seen this stuff on Sex & the City and read about it in fiction books, but that’s just it.  Scenerios like these are meant to be just for entertainment, not something you ought to go out and try in your real life. But to each his/her own.  If sleeping with other people is what takes to keep your relationship afloat go ahead.  You’ll have to live with the consequences-emotional, physical and mental-of your actions.

    4. Explore BDSM Communities-Hmmm…idk about getting into that hardcore bondage and pain stuff. 

    So, what do you all think?  What has happened in the last couple of days to make you say “Hmmm…”

    11 More Days to Christmas