YUMMommy

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  • Thankful Thursday

    The week is more than halfway over folks.  The weekend will soon be here. I am thankful because I will get to spend more time with my husband!  Our marriage is in a more positive place.  I can see that we have and are still growing in certain areas.
    I am thankful that JJ is getting more talkative.  He’s working on actually trying to repeat more of the words we say.  Sometimes, I catch him and Moo trying to have full conversations.  It’s sweet and melts my heart.  I have never two siblings closer.
    While we didn’t make it in time to hear stories at the library yesterday, I did get there just as they were calling to let know some books I had reserved where in.  So, I avoided an extra trip.  And while we’re on the subject of story time, I’m thankful to report that the other moms are starting to warm up a bit.  I even got invited to be a part of their playgroup!
    My prayer worked.  I haven’t decided whether to join or not.  But at least I got asked and they seemed sincere about wanting me to join.I’m thankful of the little reminders that God seems to be sending my way when I get overwhelmed.  He always knows when I am just about ready to plunge over the ledge or call it quits.
    What are you thankful for?

  • Romance Wednesday: Throwing Down

    You know the saying “The best way to a man’s heart is through is stomach?”  Well, that’s true.  Now, I know we all can’t get down like the Neelys but I’m here to tell you that a little effort goes a long way sometimes.  Over the years, I’ve learned that my husband really appreciates and notices how much I appreciate him when I make his favorite dishes.
    Corn w/ green beans, my secret recipe hot wings, French bread topped with  fresh mozarella, baby tomatoes and onion, plain wings (for the kids) and rice.
    More importantly, I’ve worked hard to perfect the dishes and make them to his taste preference.   For example, I like my homemade macaroni to have a little onion in it with bacon sprinkled on top.  However, my husband is not a fan of onion and he has to watch his bacon intake. So, most of the time I’ll leave out the onion and if he’s had bacon for breakfast, I’ll leave that off too.
    There’s no one key to a successful relationship or marriage.  It takes a combination of things.  And food is one of them.  I always say that love is more of an action than an emotion.  So, I show my love for my husband by throwing down in the kitchen.  
    Granted I throw down harder some days more than others but at the end of the day, he knows that part of the reason I cook on daily basis is him.  And likewise there are plenty of times that he goes out of his way to cook for me.  I have to admit that he has all my favorite dishes memorized and executes them to perfection.  
    And then there are times we cook together.  Yep, we get all Pat and Gina Neely every so often.  It’s part of what keeps our marriage strong, interesting and moving forward.  So, I’m saying you have to be Betty Crocker or Martha Stewart but surprising your wife/husband with one or two of their favorite dishes every so often could have it’s benefits.
    Do you cook for your spouse? Does your spouse cook for you?

  • Mind Right Tuesday

    So, this was supposed to be a Mind Right Monday post to link up over at OK, Dani’s but since I had already posted my Weekend WrapUp post yesterday, I decided to wait until today.  Next week I’ll just move my wrap up post to Tuesday.  For those who don’t follow OK, Dani, Mind Right Monday is about listing out your weekly goals and things that you are grateful for.  Hopefully, you’ll join in the linkup too if you have a blog!
    This week my goals are to: 
    –> Get Moo’s Closet ready for it’s grand opening
    –> Read my library books. (Got a cool book on Html)
    –> Start search for Mr’s birthday gift
    –> Finish up outdoor fall decorations
    –> Get sponsors to donate Christmas gifts  (YUMMommy is sponsoring a family for the holidays this year. More info coming soon)
    –> Post on the blog everyday.
    –> Make it to story time at the library (we’ve missed it five weeks in a row)
    –> Catch up on emails
    –> Write in my prayer journal and do my Bible study daily
    I’m grateful for:
    –> This cooler weather & hopefully a cheaper electric bill for a while
    –> My kids
    –> Having such a loving husband
    –> That my iPhone 4s will be here sometime this week
    –> My life, health and strength
    –> Awesome blogging friends
    –> Even more awesome blog readers and supporters

  • My Weekend WrapUp

    BAM!  It’s October!  Can you all believe it?  I sort of can because the calendar says so, but a part of me still feeling like where did this year go?  I haven’t a clue but I’m not complaining.  The fall is one of my favorite times of the year.  
    I have my birthday, Moo’s birthday, the Mr’s Birthday, my sister’s birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas to look forward to.  Not to mention the upcoming Presidential Election.  And I’m even more excited this year because it’s my baby sister’s first year being able to vote!!!  Knowing my mom she’ll probably be capturing the whole moment in photos.  Anyways, how was everyone’s weekend?
    This weekend was a special weekend for me and my husband.  We celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary on Sunday!!  We kept it low-key.  I’m happy to report that he really liked his gift.  It was comic book related.  We’re really big on Marvel and DC over here.
    I got to sleep in until almost 11 AM.  That was a great gift itself because I needed that rest after having had a rough night with JJ.  He also got me a lovely red clutch wallet.  I love it because it matches my favorite red purse from Aldo’s.  I had a matching red wallet to go with the purse already put thanks to all my store cards, receipts and just plain old usage it had a few tears in lining.  My money was starting to do disappearing acts. So, it was time for a new wallet.

    Can’t believe I almost forgot, but I did get an early anniversary present from the Mr.  Remember, that post I did a while back on wanting an iPhone?  Well, looks like I’ll be leaving Team Droid in a few days to join Team iPhone!!  I love my EVO, but I’m super excited to see what all the hype is about with these iPhones.  We decided to get the 4S since I heard that 5 has some kinks to get worked out like the screen bleeds and some of the apps malfunction.  Either way, I can’t wait for that baby to get delivered.  (Yea, iPhones stay sold out around these parts.)

    Overall, it was a great day.  The best part was just being with my family and celebrating the commitment my husband and I made to each other before God, the minister and our witnesses. (We eloped for the newbies.)    I was glad the kids celebrated with us.  Moo asked a lot of questions about why we exchanged gifts and I had the chance to explain to her the whole significance of anniversaries and marriage.  I tried to put it in a way she would understand.  I think she got it but if not she’ll see us celebrate our wedding anniversary for years to come and get it when she’s older.
    A Scarf for Moo
    I also did a lot of crocheting over the weekend.  I had been giving some thought to starting up a little Etsy shop or something similar on my own.  I know I don’t talk about it much here on the blog, but I really like to craft.  Crocheting, cross-stitching and all that jazz is right now my alley.  It’s relaxing, helps me focus and it’s really good exercise for your hand.
    After much thought, I decided to give it a shot.  What’s to lose really?  Plus, how many scarves and blankets do Moo and JJ need?  I can’t possibly keep everything I make.   And on top of that I’ve been thinking about trying to find a way to incorporate more charity work or opportunities into YUMMommy.  So, I’d love to take a portion of my profits to maybe sponsor a child for Christmas this year and then with future profits look into getting the ball rolling on converting YUMMommy into a nonprofit.
    I’m still working on building up inventory and getting pictures ready to upload but here’s a look at the banner for my shop and I’ve set up a Facebook page. 
    https://www.etsy.com/shops/MoosCloset
    Anything interesting happen to you this weekend?

  • Tail Town Friends

    Ok, something you all may not know about me is that I love online gaming.  I started off gaming as child using the gaming stations but transitioned to playing games on the computer.  As a mommy of two, a wife and brand builder when I need something to help me unwind or take my mind off things for a while, I seek out the comfort of online games.  I wouldn’t say I’m playing everyday, but when I find a new game that I like I do tend to play it in long intervals when I do play.  So, I was super excited when I got asked to check out Tail Town Friends on Facebook.

    I played it for about three hours straight the first time I played it. Created by the wonderful company Ganz (they created Webkinz), Tail Town Friends takes you into a world of who-done-it, forbidden love and juicy drama.  As you play along, you’ll have specific tasks that you will have complete like decorating your farm or helping a neighbor harvest their crops.  The more tasks you complete the more the game unfolds and the closer you get to solving the mystery.

    What is the mystery?  Well, you’ll have you play it for yourself to find out. Can’t give everything away.  But what I will say is that I really enjoy playing this game.   So, if you’re on Facebook this is definitely a game to try.

    Do you game?  If so, what are some of your favorites?


    Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Ganz.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own.

  • Tail Town Friends

    Ok, something you all may not know about me is that I love online gaming.  I started off gaming as child using the gaming stations but transitioned to playing games on the computer.  As a mommy of two, a wife and brand builder when I need something to help me unwind or take my mind off things for a while, I seek out the comfort of online games.  I wouldn’t say I’m playing everyday, but when I find a new game that I like I do tend to play it in long intervals when I do play.  So, I was super excited when I got asked to check out Tail Town Friends on Facebook.

    I played it for about three hours straight the first time I played it. Created by the wonderful company Ganz (they created Webkinz), Tail Town Friends takes you into a world of who-done-it, forbidden love and juicy drama.  As you play along, you’ll have specific tasks that you will have complete like decorating your farm or helping a neighbor harvest their crops.  The more tasks you complete the more the game unfolds and the closer you get to solving the mystery.

    What is the mystery?  Well, you’ll have you play it for yourself to find out. Can’t give everything away.  But what I will say is that I really enjoy playing this game.   So, if you’re on Facebook this is definitely a game to try.

    Do you game?  If so, what are some of your favorites?


    Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Ganz.  All opinions expressed in this post are 100% my own.

  • Thankful Thursday

    I’m telling you all if time keeps flying by like this then Christmas and the New Year will be here a lot faster than we think.  I can’t believe it’s Thursday again already.  And to think that this month is just 3 days from being over.  My prayer is that the rest of this year and all of 2013 goes by a little slower because I truly can’t get over how much of a blur 2012 has been.

    With my anniversary coming up, I’m just thankful for my loving husband.  It might have taken us a while to find the right rhythm but we’re finally at a place of peace.  He’s a great provider and works hard to make sure we have everything that we need.  He’s been very supportive of the blog and my wanting to pursue a writing career.

    Most importantly, I’m thankful that he’s an amazing father.  He’s very adamant about having an active role in Moo’s and JJ’s lives. I truly love the bond that they have him because it reminds of the bond I used to have and crave to have with father.  It’s touching to know that despite the circumstances under which he had grow up he’s chosen to live a better life and be a better parent.

    I’m thankful that the swelling in JJ’s eye went down.  Still not sure what triggered it or the rash.  Allergies maybe since the neighbors and almost everyone on this street has a dog and/or cat.  No worries we’re deep cleaning this weekend and I’m back to sterilizing the floors everyday with my good friend Hoover.

    I’m thankful for the feedback that I’m getting from reader survey.  It’s nice to now which direction you all would love to see this blog grow in.  That’s a good thing to know since I’m sharing a lot of my personal life on here.  It’s nice to know that you all want me to continue telling my story and sharing the things that I like and hold dear to my heart.

    I’m thankful that my sister is having a healthy pregnancy thus far.  We’re keeping her in prayer on a daily basis because we know that anything could happen.  However, I’m sure that God has given this second chance at being parents for a reason.  I know that she and her husband are going to be a wonderful mom and dad. That baby will certainly be spoiled!

    Moo has been driving me bonkers about finishing her scarf.  (Yes, I crochet.)  She’s been asking me everyday if it’s done and I’ve been telling her no.  But thankfully ladies (and gentlemen) the end is in sight.  I have a few more rows to go and I’ll be with the crocheting part. All that will be left is to add some fringe and make beads to spruce it up a little bit since she wanted plain chocolate.

    What are you thankful for?

  • Kmart To The Rescue

    This is a sponsored post, I am a Kmart Layaway blogger, though all opinions are my own.

    The first official day of fall has come and gone.  You know that means, right?  It means that the holidays are quickly approaching.  Yep, whether we want to admit it or not we’re three months away from Christmas!!  I don’t know about you but I like to shop for my holiday gifts early.

    I’m a wife, mommy of two and a business woman.  So, I can’t afford to be running around at the last minute like a chicken with my head cut off.  Not to mention, the closer you get to Christmas the smaller the selection gets.  By buying early I can guarantee that I won’t be gifting my family and friends something they got from somebody else.  However, my dilemma this year is hiding the gifts until we put up the tree.

    We don’t live in large place and sadly (well not so sad) our closets are pretty much at their compacity.  The thought of hiding presents underneath the bed doesn’t thrill me either, especially when some aren’t going to even be able to fit.  So, what’s this mom to do?  No worries, it’s Kmart to the rescue with their free layaway!
    Kmart Free Layaway Grid 09_12.jpg
    Yes, that’s right ladies and gentleman.  Kmart has FREE layaway and it’s available 365.  I’m so glad that I discovered this little gem because I had been shying away layaway at other stores like Walmart for a while.  For starters it wasn’t year round and then they started tacking on all these fees and price restrictions.  It just always seemed like more of a headache.
    Now, with Kmart I don’t have to worry about any of that stuff.  I can even layaway stuff online!  Talk about convience.  Since finding out about Kmart’s layaway, I’ve already starting shopping. Check out some of the stuff that will be sitting under our tree on Christmas. 
    The Mr doesn’t have an official toolbox
    Moo has been begging me for this since the Olympics
    Something that JJ can enjoy
    I think I made some good selections.  I’m very stoked to see how everybody will like their gifts.  Moo has been begging me for the gymnast Dora doll since they started playing the commercials for the Olympics.  Can’t wait to see her face light up when she unwraps it Christmas morning!  I might shed a few tear yall.

    Oh, I don’t want to forget to mention Kmart’s Big Layaway Giveaway!  From now until Nov 17th, if you use Kmart’s free layaway you could win a chance to have your remaining layaway balance to be fully paid off. Talk about a great prize.  That’s extra money that could be used for more gifts, decorations, wrapping paper or to keep in your pocket.  They’re choosing winners every week from every Kmart store in the country!

    So, for example if there are 3 Kmart stores in your city, then 3 winners are chosen every week.  And if you opt for the online layaway, you still qualify!  I encourage you to get started with your holiday shopping today using Kmart’s layaway.  It a great option and you won’t have to worry about hiding presents this year!!

    Do you shop Kmart?  Will/would you use their free layaway option?

    Kmart_Logo_B&W.jpg (3 documents, 3 total pages)

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  • Fashion Find: Chic Chanta

    We had no clue that Moo was a girl until I delivered her.  While I didn’t have a preference either way, I was overjoyed when my OB said “It’s a girl!”  For months we had been avoiding gender specific purchases.  It felt good to now be able to buy something that screamed little girl.  So, one of the first things I got were some super cute clip-in bows.  
    Little did I know, my Moo was not a bows and dresses type of girl.  Nope. Not one bit.  She was into basketballs (still is), getting dirty and rocking pants and sneakers.  Every time I would even remotely try to get a hair bow anywhere near her, she would have a fit or snatch it out.  Then last year right before her birthday something happened.
    All of sudden she had an interest in dresses and started requesting me to buy her some hair accessories.  By this time, I had started watching Toddlers and Tiaras and was totally into the whole over the top look of the pageant style bows.  So, I was beyond thrilled when Christina from over at Being Mrs Jones announced that she was opening an Etsy shop, Chic Chanta.  If you all don’t already know, Christina is a woman of many talents.  She balances motherhood, graphic designing and now designing bows!
    Moo’s Bows
    Moo hasn’t been able to be apart from her bows since they came in the mail( and the was a while back). Whenever we go somewhere she’s always asking to wear her “special bows.”  And don’t worry, if your mini me isn’t quite into bow yet because Christina also creates and lists jewelry on Chic Chanta too!  So that means you can splurge on a few items for yourself as well.  Below are a few of my favorites from her bracelet selections.

    The gold beads really make it pop!
    Loving the peaceful blue!
    Doesn’t this scream UNIQUE?!
    If you haven’t been by Chic Chanta, I encourage you to head on over and check out her selection.  She has a quite a few bows up that are perfect to sport this fall.  I’m already looking to see what she’s going to design for Christmas.  And if you don’t see anything that catches your eye, she’ll be more than happy to custom create something for you!  
    Happy shopping!!

  • Fashion Find: Chic Chanta

    We had no clue that Moo was a girl until I delivered her.  While I didn’t have a preference either way, I was overjoyed when my OB said “It’s a girl!”  For months we had been avoiding gender specific purchases.  It felt good to now be able to buy something that screamed little girl.  So, one of the first things I got were some super cute clip-in bows.  
    Little did I know, my Moo was not a bows and dresses type of girl.  Nope. Not one bit.  She was into basketballs (still is), getting dirty and rocking pants and sneakers.  Every time I would even remotely try to get a hair bow anywhere near her, she would have a fit or snatch it out.  Then last year right before her birthday something happened.
    All of sudden she had an interest in dresses and started requesting me to buy her some hair accessories.  By this time, I had started watching Toddlers and Tiaras and was totally into the whole over the top look of the pageant style bows.  So, I was beyond thrilled when Christina from over at Being Mrs Jones announced that she was opening an Etsy shop, Chic Chanta.  If you all don’t already know, Christina is a woman of many talents.  She balances motherhood, graphic designing and now designing bows!
    Moo’s Bows
    Moo hasn’t been able to be apart from her bows since they came in the mail( and the was a while back). Whenever we go somewhere she’s always asking to wear her “special bows.”  And don’t worry, if your mini me isn’t quite into bow yet because Christina also creates and lists jewelry on Chic Chanta too!  So that means you can splurge on a few items for yourself as well.  Below are a few of my favorites from her bracelet selections.

    The gold beads really make it pop!
    Loving the peaceful blue!
    Doesn’t this scream UNIQUE?!
    If you haven’t been by Chic Chanta, I encourage you to head on over and check out her selection.  She has a quite a few bows up that are perfect to sport this fall.  I’m already looking to see what she’s going to design for Christmas.  And if you don’t see anything that catches your eye, she’ll be more than happy to custom create something for you!  
    Happy shopping!!