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  • Thankful Thursday

    “Never doubt in the dark what God has shown you in the light.”
    – Unknown
    I feel like these last almost three weeks have been some of the most challenging and trying this year.  There definitely hasn’t been any shortage of rain (literally and figuratively).  Looking back on the awesome things that having been happening, I feel like I should have been expecting the other shoe to drop because life is all about balance right?  Surely, we can only have but so many positive and amazing things happen before the negative comes crashing down.  True but how we choose to respond to the bad times is what really matters.
    For me and my family that means not giving into doubt (and fear).  It means keeping our faith firmly planted like a tree by the still waters instead of throwing in the towel or tugging our tails to runaway.  Life is going to be tough.  This I know very well.  For everything there is a season and right now we just need to push through.
    This week I’m thankful that all of my family and friends who were displaced by the flooding in the Carolinas earlier this month are back in their homes and back to their jobs.  Some are the process of cleaning up and doing repairs, while others had no damage at all.  Either way I’m just grateful that lives were spared.  
    I’m thankful that Moo is still loving first grade.  I mentioned on here when school first started that I wasn’t sure how well she would mesh with her teacher, but they seem to have a really great bond so far.  Her teacher has actually loosened up a bit and has grown on me.  We had our first parent-teacher conference and as I expected my baby is acing everything with flying colors.  In fact, it’s still the first half of school and she’s already almost reached all of her end of year goals!
    It’s been a joy to listen to her excitedly babble about her day when she gets in the car.  She’s making some new friends because none of her friends from her old school got rezoned to her new school.  I was worried about that at first, but she told me that she was going to come out of her shell more and she has.  I’m so proud of Moo.  I will say that since starting first grade, she has become a lot more opinionated at home, but we’re working on that end. 
    JJ hit a milestone this month.  He’ll now be decreasing his speech therapy sessions because he’s made so much progress with his vocabulary that his therapist and I both believe he’s ready to start being weaned from it.  We will use those days to schedule his OT.  I’m excited for him and love watching his excitement over the fact that he can communicate more clearly with us.  It amazes (and scares) me how quickly he can pick up phrases now. 
    Also, I haven’t talked about this on the blog yet, but I’m most thankful that after a hit and run since my last Thankful Thursday post, the kids and I made it out okay.  It could have easily been worse than what it was and I’m still a little ticked that the driver who hit us took off without so much as seeing if we were okay.  However, another mom saw us stranded and waiting for the police to arrive and she stopped.  She even got the kids snacks and juice to help them settle down and stayed until help came.
    It’s just a reminder that there are still amazing, kind-hearted and generous people still out there.  I’m so grateful she stopped when she did because I was just about to have a meltdown myself.  The sound of my kids screaming in the backseat and the flash of seeing the other driver run a stop sign while trying to cut across three lanes is still fresh in my mind.  All in all, we’re alive and no one was seriously injured.  My hope is that the police catch her and get her off the road because clearly she’s an endangerment to others. 

    What are you giving thanks for this week?
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  • Letters To My Children: My Heart Runneth Over

    “Making the decision to have a child is momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”
    – Elizabeth Stone
    Dear Moo and JJ,
    When it comes to parenting, no truer words have ever been spoken.  Seeing those double pink lines was nothing short of lifechanging.  Moo, when I found out I was going to be a mom for the first time, I was a bag of mixed emotions.  If I could go back in time and give twenty-two year old me some advice, it would be to relax and enjoy the journey.
    But as I stared at that counter full of positive pregnancy tests, I couldn’t help but be terrified that I was going to screw this motherhood gig up.  You see once the initial wave of shock/surprise wears off and it finally hits you that there’s a life growing inside of you that you’re going to be responsible, fear kind of paralyzes you for a little bit.  Your mind starts to think of all the things that could wrong.  One of the happiest days of my life will forever be the day we finally met face to face- your birthday!
    Your birth was peaceful, serene and near perfect minus the allergic reactions I had to the pain medications and the long labor (22 hours).  You came into this world so quiet, they thought something was medically wrong because they couldn’t get you cry or open your mouth so that they could suction it out.  Eventually, you let a couple of wails.  They placed you on my chest and you got quiet again.  It was looking into your eyes for that first time that I knew all my fears had been for nothing.  It was like you were silently telling me, “You’ve got this, Mom!” 
    JJ, when I first found out you were growing inside of me, my first thought was how do I show him that he loved too?  I can’t speak for other moms, but my biggest fear about having a second child was that you’d end up feeling like you were second best.  There were plenty of nights and stolen moments during the day that I would talk to you while you were in my womb and I’d always make sure to tell you that I loved you.
    Your birth was quick and fast.  You came a whole three weeks early.  That should have been my sign that you were going to end up being an endless ball of energy and motion.  Like your sister, you made your debut without a cry.  Your little legs were just a flailing a though.  It was almost like you were quietly trying to kick-fight your way to me.
    That first snuggle with you holding onto my finger, I knew that I could never love you any less than I already loved your sister.  In many ways, you are my miracle baby.  There was a time when we thought you were going to come much too soon and have to fight for your life.  God had His angels looking out and you stayed put until you were nice and healthy.
    Because of you two, my life will never be the same.  It more meaning purpose.  Because of you two, I work harder to set a good example.  As children, you’re impressionable and quick to imitate my every move.  Because of you two my heart runneth over. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
    XOXO,
    Mommy

    Letters To My Children is a monthly letter series hosted by LaShawn from Everyday Eyecandy.  Click on over to Mommy Talk Show and read Joyce’s letter to her handsome little guy!

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  • Live Love Lead: Your Best Is Yet To Come!

    Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by Faith Words.  I received a complimentary copy of Live Love Lead to facilitate this review.  All opinions expressed are my own.

    Long before I knew who Brian Houston was, I was a fan of Hillsong United, his church’s music group.  In high school, their song “Shout To The Lord” got me through the rough parts of my dealing with my parents’ already crumbled marriage and other family issues.  There was so much I wanted to shout to God during those years.  I ended up writing it all out in my prayer journals instead.  When I heard “Shout To The Lord” for the first it gave me a feeling of peace that I desperately craved.
    It was a reminder that no matter what was falling apart on around me, I could take refuge and find comfort in Jesus.  Years later and their song “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)” is a song that has not only moved me to tears (on more than one occasion), but one that I listen to daily because there are still times when my feet (faith) may fail.  During, before and after these trying times I need this reminder to “keep my eyes above the waves” because I am God’s and He is mine.  Just like this song, Pastor Houston’s book, Live Love Lead: Your Best Is Yet To Come!” will serve as a reminder to keep your head above the water because our best days are in the making.
    Being a Christian is hard.  Definitely not for the lazy.  Seriously, Jesus (and his disciples) left behind some enormous footprints for us to walk in/follow.  And there have been and will be times when I struggle with wondering if I can overcome certain things to in my faith walk.  Divided into four parts- A Big Life, A Difficult Path, A Narrow Gate and A Glorious Future- Pastor Houston shows us through personal accounts that it is possible to overcome issues like doubt, family tragedy, outside judgement, shame and other things that can interrupt our faith walk by using our unique God given talents and tools to carry out our God given purpose.
    What I loved most about reading Live Love Lead was Pastor Houston’s openness and honesty about his Christian journey.  From wanting to be a preacher, but being terrified of public speaking to finding out his father, a former pastor, was a child molester, he is nothing short of honest about the trials and struggles he, his family and congregation have endured.  I found his honesty to be very refreshing and a reminder that no matter our background or past mistakes, God can turn any negative situation into a positive.  He can heal even the deepest of hurts.
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIaR0Dde648]

    The Bible never promises us sunshine and rainbows 24/7.  After all not even Jesus’ life was always a series of ups.  In fact, he died on NAILED to a cross between two thieves while many of the very people he was dying to save mocked, spit on and did worst to him.  Talk about lack of appreciation!  
    Also, I loved the fact that Pastor Houston touched on the fact that despite the modern times we live in, we don’t need to rewrite the Bible to fit the current standards of our society.  Instead, we can use elements from our current society to help further spread the Word.  For example, making more movies with a faith based theme/focus, gospel artists not being afraid to create and try new sounds to better appeal to their target audience or even using Facebook to host Bible study groups.  Sure times have changed, but God’s Word has not.
    One of the most important points I think Pastor Houston made in Live Love Lead is that as Christians we often confuse our roles with God’s and Jesus.  As carriers and current day disciples it’s our job to spread the word through loving our neighbors as ourselves and as Christ loved the church.  We have to leave the soul saving to Jesus (that’s why he died on the cross after all) and the judging to God.  Because we’re not always going to agree with the beliefs and lifestyles of everyone we meet (Christian or not), it’s important that we remember our role so that we don’t unintentionally hurt others or turn them against Christ.
    Live Love Lead is definitely one of my must-reads.  It was wonderful to get a first account and background on how Hillsong and all of its ministries came to be.  Pastor Houston’s story is inspiring, riveting and touching.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUkr041k5ss]

    About The Author
    Brian Houston is the senior pastor of Hillsong Church Australia.  He hosts one of the fastest growing daily international broadcasts in the world.  He is also the Executive Director for Hillsong Music, one of the world’s largest producers of Christian music.  He and his wife, Bobbie, have three grown children and live in Sydney, Australia.
    To find out where you can order your copy of Live Love Lead: Your Best Is Yet To Come! check out his official website or visit Hillsong.com.
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  • Stuffed #OEPGameDay Tacos

    Game Day was a huge deal in my family growing up.  Not only is the majority of my extended family males, but my parents were (and still are) die hard Dallas Cowboys fans.  I have so many fond memories of watching football games while sharing laughs and breaking bread with my aunts, uncles and cousins.  Now that I have my own family and my own team (Go Patriots!) to root for (sorry Mom), I’m creating new memories starting with creating my own #GameDayFavorites in the kitchen.

    When it comes to #GameDayFavorites, I like eats that are quick and easy to prepare, but still delicious to eat.  Trust me, hungry football watcher and rivalry teams do NOT mix!  So, you don’t want to keep your guests waiting for food because emotions will bubble over.  Thankfully, my Stuffed #OEPGameDay Tacos with avocado ranch sauce are not only quick and easy, but yummy too!

    The first thing I did was run to my local Publix to pick up some Old El Paso Hard & Soft Taco Dinner Kits and an avocado.  Of course, I had my $0.75 off 1 Old El Paso Taco Boat Tortillas or Old El Paso Dinner Kits coupon (coupon available Oct 1st – Oct 30th) handy.  You can print yours here.  The rest of the ingredients I already had on hand in the frig. Also, your Old El Paso Dinner Kit not only comes with your taco shells, but your meat seasoning packet and taco sauce!

    Ingredients
    Old El Paso Hard & Soft Taco Dinner Kit (1 per group of 3)
    2 lbs of Ground Turkey
    1 Bag of Shredded Cheese, Mexican Blend
    1/2 Head of Lettuce, shredded
    1 Cup of Frozen Corn
    Sauce
    1 Avocado, chopped
    1 Cup of Ranch Dressing
    Directions
    In a food processor or blender, combine the avocado and ranch dressing.  Blend until smooth.  Taste and feel free to add more ranch dressing if needed or until you get the desired taste balance that you prefer.  Your sauce should look roughly like the picture of mine below.  Refrigerate until tacos are done.

    In a skillet, I brown the ground turkey on medium-high heat.  Then I drain the turkey when it’s done browning.  Next, I add in the frozen corn and seasoning packet from my dinner kit and simmer on low heat until corn is warm.

    I preheat my oven to 250 degrees while I wait.  Once the meat base for the tacos is completely done, I warm up the hard taco shells under the oven for about a minute.  I stuff the shells with the meat base, sprinkle on some cheese (optional) and a little lettuce.

    For the soft tacos, I mix in cheese, a few tablespoons of the avocado ranch sauce, and some lettuce.  Next, I scoop the filling into the soft tacos.  Once I have my soft tacos filled and folded, I heat up a medium skillet and using non-stick spray, I brown the tortillas on both sides.  Don’t worry if some of the filling comes out when you flip them.

    Once both sides of the tortillas are browned, I cut each individual soft taco into halves to create soft taco bites!  Genius right?!  Place the hard and soft tacos in your favorite serving dish and serve with taco sauce from the dinner kit and the remaining avocado ranch sauce.  And there you have it, Game Day tacos two ways using one Old El Paso dinner kit!

    To help you try out this recipe, I’m giving away $10 in PayPal Cash so that you can purchase your own Old El Paso dinner kit for your next Game Day get together.  Just use the widget below.
    Don’t forget to drop your local Publix and take advantage of the following deals:
    Oct 1st-30th: $0.75 off 1 Old El Paso Taco Boat Tortillas or Old El Paso Dinner Kits (Print coupon here) 
    Oct 22nd-28th: 25% off items such as seasonings, beans, and condiments (this is an in-store coupon, offered at the shelf)
    Follow the hashtags #GameDayFavorites and #OEPGameDay on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for more Game Day recipe inspiration!
    What’s your favorite Game Day food?
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  • Thankful Thursday

    “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”
    – Unknown

    Happy Thankful Thursday!  Although this week has been long, worrisome and rough, I won’t complain.  Instead let’s jump right into this.
    I’m pretty sure everyone has heard about Hurricane Joaquin and the flooding that it’s caused in some areas of my home state, South Carolina.  I spend this weekend being a worrywart because a lot of my family and friends live in the areas that were flooded.  I’m just know learning that a few actually had their homes flooded, while others just barely escaped the waters coming inside.
    Nevertheless, I’m giving thanks that everyone who needed to be evacuated or rescued has been and my loved ones are safe and warm tonight.  I’m especially grateful that while some of the roads in my baby brother’s area got flooded out, his house didn’t and he didn’t need to be evacuated.  But we’ve agreed that next time there’s a hurricane, he’s coming home instead of trying to wait it out.  Honestly, my nerves can’t take the worrying and I know my mom’s can either because I get my worrying from her.

    While we’re still talking about the flooding, I’m grateful for all the volunteers, communities and companies who have stepped up to help out the flood victims with providing food, shelter, clothing, safe transportation, etc.  THANK YOU!  I’ve been blessed that whenever bad storms roll through the Carolinas, I’ve never seen any major damage in my neighborhood.  We had a tree fall down due to strong winds this weekend, but it didn’t hit any cars and the complex maintenance & grounds crew got it cleaned up out of the road quickly.  Continue to pray for SC y’all!

    Moving on, Moo picked up cold germs from school again.  So we spent the weekend battling that as well. While JJ is still sick, I’m grateful that Moo is all better.  Her last few colds last year ended up with us almost staying in the hospital!  I’m praying that her immune system has grown stronger and that JJ’s will catch up because his asthma has been acting up since he’s been sick.  However, I’m grateful that his breathing treatments have been helping him and we haven’t had to go to the ER.

    Lastly, this week I’m grateful for answered prayers.  As I mentioned earlier, there are some things going on behind the scenes that I could complain about, but I’m going to.  Instead, I’ve been praying the answer and not the problem and some situations are already being worked out.

    Leave a comment and let me know what you’re thankful for!
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  • 4 Wonder-FALL Things To Enjoy With Family This Autumn

    Visit Local Farms

    I might live in the city now, but I’ll always be a country girl at heart.  Last year, we finally ventured out and explored one of the local farms here in the Queen City.  Let me tell you, if you haven’t visited one of the local or nearby farms in your area during the fall, you should.  There’s so much to do like visiting the pumpkin patch, picking apples fresh from the orchard and Moo’s favorite, getting to feed and see the animals!
    There are activities for children of all ages.  With Halloween coming up, many farms even have corn and hay mazes.  This is one family activity that everyone needs to add their fall bucket lists.  Visiting a local farm will be both fun and educational!  Kids will get to see where the ingredients for their favorite fall foods (like soup) come from while having space to run around.

    Get Crafty

    Fall is such a beautiful season with the leaves changing colors.  Why not bring some of that beauty indoors with fall crafts like making wreaths, paper mache pumpkins, handprint turkeys and more.  Moo and JJ absolutely crafting on the weekends.  Recently we went on a nature walk to collect twigs, pine cones and acorns to make a few fall vases and table wreaths.  We all had a blast!  
    Remember, the weather will continue to get cooler for many of us and there will be days when going to park isn’t feasible.  For those days, a having a great craft planned out will certainly come in handy to help fight off cabin fever and keep the kids entertained. 

    Host Family Movie Nights

    We don’t watch much tv during the spring or summer months. Between trips to the park, the pool and family cookouts, screen time is the last thing on our agenda.  But come autumn, all this changes.  Fall is hands down the best time of year enjoy screen time with the family, especially hosting family movie nights.
    In case you didn’t know, fall is the official kickoff to the holiday season.  With Halloween, Thanksgiving and even Christmas right around the corner, every weekend there’s never a shortage off tv movies (new and old) to watch on your favorite channels.  What could be more homey when it’s cold outside than snuggling together as a family in front of the tv with a fresh bowl of buttery (soy butter in our case) popcorn in the warm of your home?

    Eat Soup

    Did you know that studies have shown family mealtime is one of the best times for parents to bond with their children?  However, in the fall aka Fall Soup Season, mealtime can end up rushed between work, picking the kids up from school, getting homework done, cooking dinner and making sure they get a decent night’s sleep.  Why not let Publix and Progresso help you spend less time at the stove and more time bonding around the dinner table?!
    Right now you can stock up on family favorites like Traditional Chicken Noodle, Rich & Hearty New England Clam Chowder or Traditional Italian Wedding.  This year we added Rich & Hearty Beef Pot Roast with Country Vegetables and gluten-free Traditional Chicken Rice with Vegetables to the mix as well.  What’s meal screams HELLO FALL more than a warm, delicious soup made from quality ingredients?  Progresso soups have no MSG added, no artificial flavors, are low in fat and calories and they offer a variety of gluten-free options for those of us with gluten allergies!
    Need more incentive to try out Progresso’s Traditional or Rich & Hearty soups?  Well, you can head into your local Publix and enjoy the following deals:
    Oct 1st – Oct 7th: Buy One, Get One (BOGO) on all canned varieties of Progresso soup (this is an in-store coupon)
    Oct 5th – Oct 18th:  $1 off any 2 cans of all varieties of Progresso soup (this is an in-store coupon, offered at the shelf)
    Oct 1st – Oct 30th:  $1 off any 4 cans of all varieties of Progresso soup (Print here)
    To make it even easier for you to enjoy Fall Soup Season with Publix and Progresso, I’m hosting a $15 PayPal Cash giveaway!  All you have to do is use the widget below to enter.  This giveaway is open to US residents 18 and older.
    What are some of your family’s favorite fall activities?

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  • Thankful Thursday

    “…where there’s life, there’s hope…”
    – Brian C. Houston
    Happy Thankful Thursday!  I feel like so much has been going on lately.  The weather’s changing and I’ve been trying to get the kids’ wardrobes situated.  And speaking of weather keep us in prayer because we have Hurricane Joaquim coming through this weekend.  We’ve already had a heavy storm that left some trees and a few light poles down and now this.
    I’m not really worried about flooding in our side of town, but the strong winds could be a huge issue since we’re surrounded by trees.  Hopefully, we won’t have any power outages or anything.  This week one of my aunts had to be admitted to hospital, but thankfully she is doing okay and is in good spirits.  I got to talk to her on the phone on Tuesday and she had me cracking up.  I was definitely feeling homesick by the time our conversation ended.  Keep her in prayers please.
    I’m super excited, nervous and thankful to announce that there are going to be some major changes coming to the blog.  YUMMommy is getting a new look and a new home very soon.  I’m hoping and praying that the transition goes very smooth as I have some sponsored work that I will need to get knocked out on time.  And of course, I don’t want the blog down for extended period of time because I’ll miss you guys.
    Moo got her progress report from school today and I’m grateful to announce that she’s acing everything.  Like she’s above her reading level for the beginning of the year and almost to where she needs to be for the end of the year and school isn’t even halfway over yet.  Of course, it was no surprise that she’s kicking butt in math too!  She doesn’t play about her numbers or her books.  I’m not sure if she’ll be able to skip a grade if she keeps learning at the rate she’s learning.
    She told me that she was bored with her work because she learns it so fast.  And once she has the hang of something, she’s ready to go on to the next thing.  JJ is continuing to make progress with his therapy and will be starting more therapy to help manage some of his sensory issues.  My little guy has overcome so much and we’ve come such a long way.  I’m beyond grateful at the leaps he’s made since starting therapy
    Lastly, I’m thankful for hope.  As the quote above says, as long we have breath in are bodies, hope out there.  Life can beat us down or certain things can get us so discouraged that we start to believe differently.  But don’t throw in the towel.  Hang in there and keeping pushing because your breakthrough is coming.  I’m speaking from personal experience. 
    Keeping your eye on the prize and stay working towards your goals.  Hard work pays off eventually, but you have to have the patience to wait for it.
    What are you giving thanks for this week?
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  • VTech Flipsies™ | Jazz’s Convertible & Stage

    Disclosure:  This product was provided by VTech to facilitate this review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.
    When it comes to creating toys that are educational, fun and teaches positives messages, VTech is our go-to brand here in the YUMMommy household.  We own several of their Go! Go! Smart Wheels sets and cars, Tote & Go laptops and more.  So when they reached out to see if we’d be interested in checking out one of their new Flipsies™ sets, we said yes.  Their offer couldn’t have come at a better time as Moo had been asking to get one since she first saw the commercials.  We got Jazz’s Convertible & Stage.

    What We Liked

    • 2-in-1:  Jazz comes with a convertible that transforms to a music stage and ten accessories- wigs (2), guitar, microphone, sunglasses, camera, purse, cell phone and removable tops (2).  Retailing for just $19.99, this is a steal.  Kids can choose to play with Jazz and the convertible together or independently as two separate toys.  Either way, they have two toys for the price of one.
    • Fun Features:  Most kids like toys that light up, talk and are transformable.  Jazz talks and sings, her necklace and the car’s headlights light up as well as the two lights on the stage.  With the interchangeable wigs, tops and accessories, kids can transform Jazz into a rock star.  Let’s not forget that the car converts into a stage too!
    • Overall Design:  Moo absolutely loves the colors of Jazz’s convertible, especially the purple because it’s her favorite color.  VTech did a great job of choosing colors that are bright and cheery without being overpowering.  Since Jazz is a rock star, the music notes on the car’s hood, sides, tires and trunk are the perfect touch.  The stage really comes to life with the disco ball, flip out speakers and background concert image.  We also love that Jazz’s tops and wigs are removeable.
    via Facebook
    • Positive Messaging: Imaginative play can be more than educational.  Why not make it inspirational and empowering as well?  That’s exactly what VTech did with the Flipsies™.  With the slogan “Let your dreams shine!™” each Flipsies™ doll set encourages kids to dream big and empowers them to have the courage to be whatever they want to be when they grow up.  It was a complete coincidence that we got Jazz, but she was perfect for Moo, who wants to pursue singing professionally someday.

    What We Didn’t Like

    Honestly, there wasn’t anything we didn’t like about Jazz.  Moo was a bit disappointed that the disco ball didn’t light up or spin, but that didn’t stop her from loving her Flipsies™.  And my only suggestion would be to increase the appropriate age level from 4 to 9 years old to 5 to 9 years old.  Having JJ, who is 4 years old, I think that most kids this age are still prone to put small things in their mouthes.  However, if you do get this toy for your 4 year old, supervise them with the small accessories like I do.

    You can check out the entire Flipsies™ collection and find the perfect set for your little one here.  Don’t forget to follow VTech on Facebook and Twitter so that you stay up to date on the latest product releases, sales and more.  Also, the Flipsies™ has their own official website where kids can play games, watch videos and more.  There’s even a Parent Corner.

    What positive messaging or educational features do you like to see in toys?
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  • Quiznos’ Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Sweepstakes & Giveaway

    Disclosure: This post and giveaway is sponsored by 20th Century Fox and Quiznos.
    Calling all Quiznos and Maze Runner fans!  20th Century Fox and Quiznos partnered together for the release of The Scorch Trials on September 18th and are ready to roll out the red carpet for some lucky fans with the Quiznos Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials Sweepstakes.  The sweepstakes, ending October 12th, includes a chance to win a VIP trip to Hollywood, a year of FREE Quiznos, a home theater and much more.  There’s a grand prize as well as weekly prizes.
    You don’t want to miss out on your chance to score some of these amazing prizes.  Head on over to Toasty.tv/scorchtrials for the official rules, to see the rest of the prizes and to enter, of course!  What have you got to lose?
    Wait, there’s more.  Known as the home of the hot sub, Quiznos drew inspiration from The Scorch Trials and created the SatisFIRE.  Get prepared for some spice and some heat.
    The SatisFIRE features Quiznos’ signature slow-roasted pulled pork, honey ham, smoky bacon and melted cheese, topped with sauteed onions, fresh jalapenos, pickles, lettuce and tomatoes.  Then it’s finished off with a house-made Serrano aioli, all piled between two slices of fresh Ciabatta bread.

    If you think that you can handle the scorch, head on over to your local Quiznos soon because the SatisFIRE is only available for a limited time.  And if you haven’t gone to see the Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials, make plans to hit up the movies and check it out.  Remember this movie is rated PG-13 (not suitable for kids under 13).  You can check out the the movie synopsis and trailer below to judge whether or not this movie is suitable for your teen to come with.

    About Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials

    In this next chapter of the epic “Maze Runner” saga, Thomas (Dylan O’Brien) and his fellow Gladers face their greatest challenge yet: searching for clues about the mysterious and powerful organization known as WCKD.  Their journey takes them to the Scorch, a desolate landscape filled with unimaginable obstacles.  Teaming up with resistance fighters, the Gladers take on WCKD’s vastly superior forces and uncover its shocking plans for them all.
    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDofO3P2HpE]

    The good news continues because thanks to the lovely folks at Quiznos and 20th Century Fox, one YUMMommy reader is going to be gifted with a prize pack that includes a $30 Quiznos gift card and a copy of The Scorch Trials by James Dashner with a movie tie-in cover.  This giveaway is open to US residents 18 years old and older.  Just use the Gleam widget below to enter.

    Don’t forget to check out Quiznos on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on special deals and new menu options.  You can visit the Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube as well as the official website for more movie trailers, info on the cast and more. 
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  • Thankful Thursday

    “Your mantra is thank you.  Just keep saying thank you.  Don’t explain.  Don’t complain.  Just say thank you.”

    – Mooji

    Can you guys believe that it’s Fall already and September is coming to a close?  I know many of us are sad to see our warm weather go, but I for one am embracing this cooler weather and loving watching the colors of leaves change.  Moo has already started noticing the leaves falling from some of the trees in our neighborhood and has been asking when will we get some snow.  We even went a on a little nature hunt for pine cones and acorns to make a cute door wreath.  While we found lots of acorns, it was hard to find pine cones that weren’t too soft or damaged.

    Aside from the start of Fall, I’m giving thanks this week for having had a blast celebrating my baby sister’s birthday this past weekend!  My family came up, including my brother who drove over three hours to get here, and spend the entire weekend with us.  Friday night we took her to the Cheesecake Factory for dinner and then on Saturday, my mom babysat while my brother and I took her to Beerfest.  I am definitely my happiest when I’m surrounded my family.  I’m grateful for the opportunity to reunite with them and that my baby sister is another year older.
    While we’re talking about family, I had very real conversation with my mom about where I want to take the YUMMommy brand and what I want my career and life to look like over the next few years.  She gave me some great advice and ideas.  I’m grateful that my mom isn’t one of those mothers who tells her kids what they want to hear.  She’s honest to a fault and in certain terms told me that it was time to stop playing it safe and step my game up!
    And I couldn’t agree more.  I told her my visions for YUMMommy as a whole and what I wanted to do with my life.  In turn she gave me invaluable feedback about how to get there.  Since then I’ve jotted down a plan, been doing some research and have put some wheels in motion.  It’s time to get out of my comfort zone again. 
    I’m grateful to my brother and the amazing bond that we have.  I love that we can confide in each other.  Like my mom, he’s not afraid to let you know when you’re reaching and when you need to stop being complacent.  Also, he knows how a great time.  We laughed until we cried this past weekend and made more memories to laugh about the kids when they’re older.
    Lastly, I’m grateful for growth and flexibility.  I feel like I’ve grown so much since I started this blog.  I’m looking forward for the changes that are on the horizon.
    What are you giving thanks for this week?
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