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  • Thankful Thursday

    “Life without thankfulness is devoid of love and passion.”

    ~John Henry Jowett 

    This Thankful Thursday is very special.  Why?  Well, two years ago today, I gave birth to my handsome and amazing JJ!  I am beyond thankful to be celebrating his second year of life.  He’s given me so much joy and showed me that there’s always room for a heart to grow.
    He keeps me on my toes because he’s way more adventurous and outgoing than his sister was at his age.  And he’s showing no signs of slowing down.  I’m thankful that he’s healthy, smart and very loving.  He’s changed the lives of this family forever.  He’s made me more confident in my parenting skills.  He’s taught Moo how to share and what bonding is really like.  And for my husband, I think that the birth of our son is helping him to prove to himself that he’s not his past.
    I’m also thankful that today we’ll be heading to New Orleans to celebrate with my older sister and soon to be bro in-law for their wedding this weekend.  I haven’t been to New Orleans in a while and I’ve missed them both terribly.  I’m over the moon happy for them and that I get to take part in their special day serving as her matron of honor.
    I’m thankful that she’s found her life partner and that he appreciates her.  I’m thankful for this opportunity for our family to get together and enjoy a mini vacation together.  It’s going to be memorable for sure and a weekend we’ll all cherish.
    What events in your life are you thankful for?

  • Sugar ‘N Spice

    So, I know that I’m late posting this but I got this sweet (and I do mean sweet) Sugar ‘N Spice VoxBox from Influenster not too long ago.  Let me tell you, these voxboxes just keep getting better and better.  I’ve already gotten a third one, but we’ll talk about that one next week.  For now here’s a peak at what the goodies from the Sugar ‘N Spice one.
    Being the foodie and lover of food that I am, the first thing I tried was the package of belVita Breakfast Biscuits.  You get 4 biscuits in each pack and there are 5 packs per box for $3.69.  Not going to lie, i was little worried if these were going to have a medicine type taste to them because some breakfast biscuits/bars with vitamins do.  But I was pleasantly surprised.  They tasted great!  
    In fact, I was a little sad when realized I had eaten all 4 of my biscuits.  I did go to my Food Lion to hunt these down but they didn’t have them.  Never the less belVita Breakfast Biscuits not only have a good source of fiber, but you also get B-vitamins which are great for energizing your body.  And there’s no high fructose corn syrup because we’ve all seen the commercials and/or read some of the controversial research about high fructose corn syrup in food and drinks.
    These Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Towelettes couldn’t have come at a better time.  Heaven knows my face has been showing out.  My forehead broke out while I was down visiting my family and since I’ve been back home using these it’s already starting to clear up some.  My pores are looking much better.  What I really like about these is that they’re perfect for on the go use.  (Wish I had of taken some with me).
    They’re individually wrapped.  So, you don’t have to worry about any bottles coming open in your purse or suitcase.  They retail for about $5.99 for a 20-count box.  Totally worth the money in my opinion.
    I’ve never been a part of the Splenda craze, but I have to admit that this Nectresse tastes pretty good.  I definitely prefer all-natural sweeteners if I can’t get my hand on some pure cane sugar.  This stuff is the closest thing to tasting like cane sugar that I’ve tried yet.  And guess what?  It has zero calories!
    Once again proof that healthy foods taste good too.   I’m not giving up my cane sugar for this but I am definitely open buying this once in a blue moon to sweeten up my smoothies.  Nectresse retails for $6.99 a container or $3.99 a 40-count box.
    We all know about the importance of a good moisturizer.  And being a brown skin woman, it’s really important that I use products that can help me from looking like somebody spilled their ashtray on my feet, knees, elbows and the backs of my shoulders.  Those are my problem areas when it comes to moisturizing.  I’ve talked about how I use the Vaseline Brand on my kids to keep their eczema at bay.
    So, I wasn’t expecting anything but good results from this Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer.  I liked it. I did have to reapply it but that’s to be expected.  I’m a little heavy handed when it comes to sprays.  So, the $7.99 for 6.5 oz can price tag will makes you remember that less is more sometimes.  I would certainly buy it on the regular if I could find some nice fruit scents and had a coupon though.
    Growing up my mom always purchased Crest toothpaste.  I went off to college, met husband and he got me hooked on Colgate products.  Colgate has been hands down better than Crest for me.  Y’all know I’m about that coffee life and well coffee isn’t so good teeth because it can stain.  Using the Optic White Regimen, I don’t have to worry so much about drinking coffee a few times a week.
    I love that you can feel the mouthwash tingling and foaming a little when you rinse.  Kind of reminds me of the Pop Rocks candy.  You can feel it working. And speaking of working, brushing and rinse twice a day you’ll see whiter teeth in as little as five days!  Can’t beat that.  All of these products retail for $2.99.
     Thanks again to Influenster for the goods!  As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own!

  • Sugar ‘N Spice

    So, I know that I’m late posting this but I got this sweet (and I do mean sweet) Sugar ‘N Spice VoxBox from Influenster not too long ago.  Let me tell you, these voxboxes just keep getting better and better.  I’ve already gotten a third one, but we’ll talk about that one next week.  For now here’s a peak at what the goodies from the Sugar ‘N Spice one.
    Being the foodie and lover of food that I am, the first thing I tried was the package of belVita Breakfast Biscuits.  You get 4 biscuits in each pack and there are 5 packs per box for $3.69.  Not going to lie, i was little worried if these were going to have a medicine type taste to them because some breakfast biscuits/bars with vitamins do.  But I was pleasantly surprised.  They tasted great!  
    In fact, I was a little sad when realized I had eaten all 4 of my biscuits.  I did go to my Food Lion to hunt these down but they didn’t have them.  Never the less belVita Breakfast Biscuits not only have a good source of fiber, but you also get B-vitamins which are great for energizing your body.  And there’s no high fructose corn syrup because we’ve all seen the commercials and/or read some of the controversial research about high fructose corn syrup in food and drinks.
    These Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Towelettes couldn’t have come at a better time.  Heaven knows my face has been showing out.  My forehead broke out while I was down visiting my family and since I’ve been back home using these it’s already starting to clear up some.  My pores are looking much better.  What I really like about these is that they’re perfect for on the go use.  (Wish I had of taken some with me).
    They’re individually wrapped.  So, you don’t have to worry about any bottles coming open in your purse or suitcase.  They retail for about $5.99 for a 20-count box.  Totally worth the money in my opinion.
    I’ve never been a part of the Splenda craze, but I have to admit that this Nectresse tastes pretty good.  I definitely prefer all-natural sweeteners if I can’t get my hand on some pure cane sugar.  This stuff is the closest thing to tasting like cane sugar that I’ve tried yet.  And guess what?  It has zero calories!
    Once again proof that healthy foods taste good too.   I’m not giving up my cane sugar for this but I am definitely open buying this once in a blue moon to sweeten up my smoothies.  Nectresse retails for $6.99 a container or $3.99 a 40-count box.
    We all know about the importance of a good moisturizer.  And being a brown skin woman, it’s really important that I use products that can help me from looking like somebody spilled their ashtray on my feet, knees, elbows and the backs of my shoulders.  Those are my problem areas when it comes to moisturizing.  I’ve talked about how I use the Vaseline Brand on my kids to keep their eczema at bay.
    So, I wasn’t expecting anything but good results from this Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer.  I liked it. I did have to reapply it but that’s to be expected.  I’m a little heavy handed when it comes to sprays.  So, the $7.99 for 6.5 oz can price tag will makes you remember that less is more sometimes.  I would certainly buy it on the regular if I could find some nice fruit scents and had a coupon though.
    Growing up my mom always purchased Crest toothpaste.  I went off to college, met husband and he got me hooked on Colgate products.  Colgate has been hands down better than Crest for me.  Y’all know I’m about that coffee life and well coffee isn’t so good teeth because it can stain.  Using the Optic White Regimen, I don’t have to worry so much about drinking coffee a few times a week.
    I love that you can feel the mouthwash tingling and foaming a little when you rinse.  Kind of reminds me of the Pop Rocks candy.  You can feel it working. And speaking of working, brushing and rinse twice a day you’ll see whiter teeth in as little as five days!  Can’t beat that.  All of these products retail for $2.99.
     Thanks again to Influenster for the goods!  As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own!

  • Bible 365: Week 19

    Happy belated Mother’s Day and sorry for the late Bible 365 Week 19 recap.  However, I’ve been a little down because I received some horrible news this past weekend.  Miss J died last Friday.  While I’m sad and heartbroken, I know that she’s in better place now.
    Most of the Psalms from week 19 had to due with suffering and keeping the faith during troubled times.  So, I truly believe it was a sign all things considered.  And what I learned is that God is always there for us even when it seems like to us, He has hung us out to dry.  Psalm 37:7-8 tells us to “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way.  Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.  Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret–it only causes harm.”
    These verses couldn’t have spoken to me more.  Whether it’s dealing with death or people who seek to cause drama in our lives, we often don’t get the positive outcome we seek because we haven’t given God a chance to act on our behalf.  We’re too busy letting our frustration and anger get the best of us.  So, in the end we end up causing more harm than good and digging the our pit of torment a little deeper.  I’ve had a lot of hurt in my life and I’m finally at a place where I’m making the wiser choice to not react negatively or in my anger to bad situations.
    I pray the answer and wait for God to guide me and resolve issue.  And because of that I’m not putting myself through unnecessary stress, jeopardizing my character/reputation and I genuinely feel happier.  “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined me, and heard my cry.  He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps,” says King David in Psalm 40:1-2. There’s your proof that if you just hold out and give God time to do what He does, things will be okay.
    If don’t remember anything else, remember that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear, even though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though its waters roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling” (Psalm 46:1-3).
    Week 20 Readings
    5/13: Psalms 63-65
    5/14: Psalms 66- 68
    5/15: Psalms 69-72
    5/16: Psalms 73-75
    5/17: Psalms 76-78
    5/18: Psalms 79-81
    5/19: Psalms 82-84

  • Thankful Thursday

    “Pride slays thanksgiving, but an humble mind is the soil out of which thanks naturally grow.  A proud man is seldom a grateful man, for he never thinks he gets as much as he deserves.”

    ~Henry Ward Beecher
    
    I’m so thankful that I have a humble mind.  It’s so easy to get caught up and let our pride get in our way sometimes.  I know a few people who have done well in life for themselves and have forgotten where they started from.  Their egos and arrogance now is out of this world.  I’m constantly praying that no matter how much success I see in my lifetime that God will keep me grounded.
    At the end of the day, if you can’t appreciate the simple things in life any more you’ll eventually stop appreciating the bigger things when they come along.  I’m thankful for the time I’ve had to spend with my extended family.  We’ve shared laughs and tears.  My children have gotten to bond and know their great aunts and cousins a little bit better.  Both happy and sad memories have been made.
    I’m thankful that I will soon to be celebrating one of the most important days of my big sister’s life-her wedding!  So looking forward to being back in New Orleans and seeing old but familiar faces and friends again.  While I’m a little stressed and worried about this trip in terms of the travel, I know that God will let everything go smoothly.
    I’m thankful for those of you who faithfully continue to read YUMMommy and leaves comments.  This blogging journey has truly been a blessing for me.
    What are you thankful for this week?

  • Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

    Mother’s Day is right around the corner.  If you’re anything like me, you’ve been super busy and running around like a chicken with its head cut off.  Chances are you haven’t had time to really shop for gifts for all the special moms in your life like you planned on doing.  Or maybe, you’re so overwhelmed that you just don’t have a clue where to start.  Here are few gift ideas to get you up and on your way to crossing off names on your gift list.
    Books
    There’s nothing like a good read.  Trust me on this one.  One year I got my mom a book that I knew she would never get for herself because it wasn’t written by James Patterson or Bible related.  However, I had read it and thought the main character reminded me of her a little bit.  She ended up loving it!
    So, if you have a fashionista on your list maybe a copy of Burgdorf Blondes will be interesting to them.  And if you have a mom who’s really into e-reading then don’t forget to gift them a copy our book! (Yes, I’m doing a shameless plug.)
    Plants
    Although, bouquet flowers are nice it’s more cost effective to invest in purchasing rooted flowers and plants from a local farm nursery or the garden department.  This is a perfect gift if you have someone who’s really into gardening or whose yard is always on point in terms of landscaping.  Your gift recipient will always have something to remember you by, especially if you purchase a plant the re-blooms year after year.
    Beauty Treatment
    I can’t even remember that last time I’ve been in a nail salon.  Most likely, my other mom friends can’t either. So, I’m pretty sure they’d love a a trip to get a manicure, pedicure or even a facial.  And with all these discount sites, it’s easy to find a coupon or great deal on spa services.
    Gift Card
    If all else fails and you absolutely have no clue what get a mom on your list, just pick up a Visa gift card.  This way they can spend the money on whatever they want without being limited to a specific store.  Who knows they might have bill that needs paying or something.
    Happy Mother’s Day Shopping!

  • Bible 365: Week 18

     Week 18 was all about the book of Psalms.  This is one of my all time favorite books of the Bible.  Psalms is a collection of songs mostly written by David.  Think of it as a greatest hits album.  There are Psalms about thanksgiving, anger, joy and more.  Most importantly there are lessons and truths to be found throughout the book of Psalms.

    For example, Psalm 9:1 says, “I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.”  Many times we forget to and like we are too cool to testify when God has moved in our lives.  It’s really sad though considering the fact we aren’t scared or too cool to call on Him in our times of trouble.  I’m not saying you have to shove God down their throats but it’s ok to brag on Him every so often.

    And with all the talk of “haters” and enemies, Psalm 10:8-9 reminds us that our enemies “are secretly fixed on the helpless.  He lies in wait secretly as a lion in his den; he lies in wait to catch the poor; he catches the poor when he draws him into his net.”  So, you have to be on guard.

    And is it me or does it seem like sometimes the most worldly or evil people appear to have it all?  They’re rich, sport the latest designer clothes and live in big houses.  But what we have to keep in mind is that one day they will get their just reward (punishment).  “But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand” (Psalm 10:14).

    They think (and we think) that just because they have it all they are untouchable.  But not so because God sees and keeps record of their evil doings.  And for all their unkindness Psalm 11:6 says that their punishment is to be a rain of “coals; fire and brimstone and a burning wind…”

    At the end of the day we have to remember that “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want” according to Psalm 23:1.  Despite what we may go through in life He will continue to “prepare a table before me” (Psalm 23:5 and that “goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;” (Psalm 23:6).  We have tasted and saw that the Lord was good (Psalm 34).

    Hope to see ya next week!

    Week 19 Readings
    5/6: Psalms  37-41
    5/7: Psalms 42-45
    5/8: Psalms 46-49
    5/9: Psalms 50-53
    5/10: Psalms 54-56
    5/11: Psalms 57- 59
    5/12: Psalms 60-62

  • Who’s That Mom

    We as moms are among the hardest working people on the planet!  Seriously, have taken the time to sit down and make a list of all that you do as a mom?  I know that have.  Let me tell you that list is long- cooking, cleaning, monthly (sometimes bi-weekly) doctor office visits, play dates, peace maker, PTO, school conferences, etc.  That’s exactly why I’m thankful for holidays like Mother’s Day to celebrate our awesomeness.
    However, why just celebrate our awesomeness one day?  I’ve decided to introduce a new series called “Who’s That Mom.”  One of the reasons I started YUMMommy was not only to share my journey but also to help others share theirs too.  Being a blogger and philanthropist, I have come in contact with some amazing women from all walks of life. Some of them just so happen to be moms and I’m reaching out to them to give them a little spotlight and talk about why I think they are so awesome.
    It is my hope that through this series others will be touched by the stories of these  moms.  I hope that “Who’s That Mom” helps us to really not take for granted our role as moms.  Trust me sometimes with all the craziness going on it’s easy for motherhood to become just another ‘thing’ we do.  The reality is being a mom is one of the greatest honors and privileges that life can bestow upon us.  So, I hope that you will join me and support this new series.

  • Thankful Thursday

    “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.”

    ~Jean Baptiste Massieu 
    Happy Thankful Thursday. Can’t believe May is already here! Do you all realize that this year is almost half over? Also, JJ will be turning 2 in 2 weeks! I can’t believe that time is flying by so fast still.

    This week I got a bit of bad news. My cousin in-law passed due to complications from a heart attack. He was only 34 and a coach at my old high school. He was in pretty great shape and lived a normal lifestyle. Nobody saw this coming. And while this is very sad, I am thankful that before he passed his family did a chance to spend time with him.

    So many people don’t that opportunity to say good-bye or tell their loved one how they feel. I didn’t get the chance to tell my Ma (my aunt) good-bye and that’s been my biggest regret to date. As Boyz II Men sang, “It’s so hard to say good-bye.” However, if ever you are in a situation where you have the chance to do so do it. We all hope for the best in life or death circumstances but death doesn’t care about our hopes.

    I’m also thankful that I was able to catch up with a close friend of mine. Life has us both pretty busy these days but it felt good to reconnect. I’m thankful for the reminder that I need to take more time out to keep up my friends and what’s going on in their lives. I’m thankful that JJ is finally done teething. All his teeth are in and those sleepless, fever filled days and nights are behind us.

    I’m thankful that my cold is gone. As my friend pointed out, I sound so country when I’m sick. Plus, I’m not the least bit sad to be seeing this sore throat go!

    Be on the lookout for a special post tomorrow!

  • Bible 365: Week 17

    Yay, 17 weeks down!  We’re closer that halfway mark.  I already feel like I’ve learned so much thus far.  Thank you again to everyone who stops by and supports my Bible 365 posts!   I greatly appreciate it.
    In week 17, we finished reading about Job.  Last week we read how, God had asked Satan if he’d tried his servant Job.  Then Job lost all of his riches, his children and good health.  Hid friends tried to talk him into cursing and forsaking God, but Job wasn’t having any of that.
    Anyways, I guess since he refused to forsake God, his friends decided that Job had caused this terrible fortune on himself.  They accused him of not being a good Christian, but having turned his back on those in need, being a thief and more.  Of course, Job (and God) knew this all to be lies.  Job defended himself saying, “My foots has held fast to the His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.  I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:11-12).
    I know it sounds like Job was tooting his own horn, but he really wasn’t.  Job was indeed more righteous or obedient than the average man during his time.  Somehow, Job knew that this was test of his faithfulness because he told his friends, “When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
    Don’t know of many of you have heard the gospel song goes “have you been tried in the fire/did you come through as pure gold,” but that verse made me think of it.  We all go through fires (trials) in our lives.  And we all have the ability to come through them as pure gold and not faltering in our faith in God and His word.
    We live in a time where evil is no longer confined to the dark.  Job 24:14 says, “The murderer rises with the light; he kills the poor and needy; and in the night is life a thief.”  After the Boston bombing and all the recent murders I have heard about, I couldn’t agree with this verse more.  Crooks aren’t scared of getting caught anymore.  They boldly attack and destroy in broad daylight where they can be easily recognized.
    It’s almost like they’re taunting us and daring us to take a stand against them.  “The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight saying, ‘No eye will see me,’ and disguises his face,” reads Job 24:15.  You all already know that adultery is something that has affected my life.  Needless to say, I wondered if my father had this same thought of logic when he stepped outside of his marriage with my mom?
    I wonder if he even cared if would get caught.  We lived in a very small town where everyone knew us because both my mother’s and father’s family had good reputations.  He had to have known that the truth would come out at some point, right?  I digress.  That’s another post for another day.
    In the end, God sat the record straight and told Job that he was indeed a righteous and faithful man.  He also told Job that his friends were pretty much haters who had no clue what they were talking about.  If you think about it they weren’t really good friends at all.  God restored everything Job had lost twice over.
    He had more children, got his health back and his possessions plus extra.  I’m definitely striving to have faith like Job.  I’m not saying that I want God to test me in the same way He did Job, but when hard times strike I want my faith to be unwavering and not falter.  I don’t want to doubt God for even a millisecond.
    If you were Job, how would have reacted if your friends started accusing you of being bad Christian/person?
    Week 18 Readings
    4/29: Psalms 9-12
    4/30: Psalms 13-16
    5/01: Psalms 17-20
    5/02: Psalms 21-24
    5/03: Psalms 25-28
    5/04: Psalms 29-32
    5/05: Psalms 33-36